Ms. Adwa AlDakheel is a Saudi Arabian entrepreneur, investor, musician, pilot and author, who started her inspiring journey in her teenage years. Over the years, she has become an inspiration for young people in the country by venturing into diverse fields. She started Falak Investment Hub as a way to give back to the society, creating an angel network, ecosystem builder, and investment-backed accelerator which supports entrepreneurs with strong ideas and vision, who require the support. In this interview with Women’s Tabloid, Ms. Adwa talks about the journey of starting Falak, the direction it is headed towards, the region’s investment trends and Saudi’s Vision 2030.
Women’s Tabloid: How is Falak Investment Hub contributing to Saudi’s Vision 2030?
Adwa AlDakheel: Saudi’s Vision 2030 set the foundation for a significant transformation in our economy by shifting the focus from oil dependency to innovation and diversification. Falak was created in alignment with this national momentum. Since day one, our mission has been to empower Saudi entrepreneurs to lead the future.
Through our accelerator programs, early-stage investments, and innovation-led initiatives, we have supported over 1000+ startups in the tech and innovation space. This has helped drive job creation, ecosystem value, and enabled local startups to expand regionally and globally.
Falak was never just a company, it was a commitment to unlock the potential in humanity. Vision 2030 gave us the stage, and Falak is here to build the platform.
WT: You started Falak in 2018, exiting many of your other businesses, marking a major shift in your entrepreneurial journey. How did you navigate the challenges that came along with this change?
AA: I had a choice between short-term and commercial wins, and long-term innovation-driven impact. It was a difficult decision on the short-term, but one I would repeat a million times over as 7 years later, Falak has reached commercial scalability with everlasting impact for economic development.
I focused on building the kind of support system I wish I had when I was starting out – one that empowers founders rather than overwhelms them. Naturally, there were challenges like operational pressure, building the right team, and overcoming resistance to entrepreneurship being seen as a core economic pillar. But when you are deeply connected to your purpose, challenges become part of the journey, not obstacles. At that point, I stopped chasing business and started building a legacy.
WT: How has the Saudi Vision 2030 shaped the investment patterns and stock market in Saudi Arabia?
AA: Vision 2030 completely reshaped the investment landscape. Before its launch, there was hesitation to fund non-traditional sectors. Today, there is growing interest in technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and scalable innovation. We are seeing capital flow into venture capital, angel syndicates, and investment structures that were not mainstream before. More importantly, innovation has become a national priority. Institutions are now actively investing in research, development, founders, and emerging sectors. This marks a shift toward a more mature investment environment. It’s no longer about where we’ve been. It’s about where we’re bold enough to go.
WT: Falak is a women-led angel network, ecosystem builder, and investment-backed accelerator. How does this impact the choice of startups the company supports and the investment patterns?
AA: Being women-led is not just a statement, it’s a perspective. It allows us to see underserved markets and overlooked talent through a different lens. However, we do not invest based on gender. We invest in mindset and potential as this is a gender-agnostic scope.
WT: As per the current market trends, could you tell us about the industry towards which Falak is seeking to focus the majority of its investments?
AA: At Falak, we always aim to stay ahead of the curve. Currently, we are focusing significantly on ClimateTech, Fintech, RetailTech, and AI. Not only is it a key driver of the future, but it’s also an urgent global priority. We are also investing in sectors that are transforming how we live, work, and grow. We don’t chase trends. We anticipate needs. That’s what keeps us relevant and impactful.
WT: According to you, what is the future of angel investing in Saudi Arabia and what are the trends which will dominate the industry?
AA: Angel investing in Saudi Arabia is evolving from being niche into becoming a structured and scalable part of the investment world. We are witnessing the rise of syndicates, investor education programs, and structured networks that are attracting first-time investors who care about value creation, not just financial return.
The future belongs to informed capital. Investors who contribute not only money, but also time, insights, and strategic value. We are focused on building this foundation, connecting investors with the broader ecosystem from universities to growth funds — because that’s where long-term impact happens. It’s not about writing the biggest cheque. It’s about writing the most meaningful story.
