التكنولوجيا وأخبارها بوابة مصر لأخبار تكنولوجيا المعلومات والإتصالات وفي أفريقيا كما تعتبر مصدر رئيسي للمعلومات حول تكنولوجيا المعلومات والاتصالات والفرص الاستثمارية المرتبطة بالاقتصاد الرقمي في المنطقة بالكامل
Exits MENA, the region’s first investment platform and advisory firm focused on startups and SMEs, has signed a multi-seven-figure transaction with ACE’s existing local management to acquire Avanz Capital Egypt (ACE), a private equity and asset management firm.
The transaction, which has received initial approval from Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), represents a major step in Exits MENA’s strategy to establish an integrated financial group serving investors, startups, SMEs and financial institutions across Egypt and the wider MENA region.
ACE Management to Remain in Place
Under the agreement, ACE’s existing management team, led by Haytham Wagih, CEO and Managing Director, will continue to oversee the company’s operations and investment activities.
The transaction structure is designed to ensure continuity for ACE’s existing investors and clients while strengthening alignment and confidence in line with international private equity standards.
The new ownership structure will also create a stronger platform for identifying and developing scalable private capital opportunities capable of generating meaningful long-term impact.
Strengthening Egypt’s Private Equity Ecosystem
Avanz Capital Egypt has established a strong position within Egypt’s private equity ecosystem, with a mandate focused on supporting SMEs and contributing to the development of the country’s private equity and venture capital markets.
Following the acquisition, ACE’s experience will complement Exits MENA’s advisory capabilities and regional network. The combination is expected to create a more connected investment platform, offering investors access to attractive opportunities and competitive risk-adjusted returns while supporting long-term value creation across portfolio companies.
Haytham Wagih Highlights Ownership Alignment
Haytham Wagih, Managing Director and CEO of Avanz Capital Egypt, said the new structure would strengthen alignment through management participation in ownership while maintaining continuity within the existing team.
Wagih confirmed that the team would remain in place and continue its expansion plans, while the firm’s investment process would remain unchanged.
He also welcomed Dr. Nader Elsayed as a shareholder and Executive Director, while Masa Arafa will continue in her leadership role as Investment Director with ownership participation.
According to Wagih, joining forces with Exits MENA will provide ACE with access to a broader regional platform while supporting the continued development of how the firm and its portfolio are managed.
Exits MENA Builds on Regional Expansion
Founded in 2022 by Mohamed Abuelnaga Nagaty, Ayman El Tanbouly and Ahella El Saban, Exits MENA has expanded its presence into more than seven global markets.
The company has developed a growing track record in investment transactions and strategic advisory engagements, supported by an expanding network of regional and international partners.
Since its launch, Exits MENA has established more than 75 global partnerships, launched three ongoing investment-readiness programmes, and supported more than 2,000 businesses across the region.
Building an Integrated Financial Group
The founding team of Exits MENA described the acquisition as a defining milestone in the company’s strategy to build an integrated financial group serving the region.
Since 2022, the company has worked with businesses at different stages of growth and identified a recurring need for a more connected pathway linking investment readiness, advisory services and access to capital.
By adding private equity and asset management to its existing capabilities, Exits MENA is expanding its ecosystem for founders, SMEs, investors and institutional partners.
The company believes the model can generate stronger outcomes for limited partners and portfolio companies while contributing to the long-term development of Egypt’s private capital market.
Advisory, Private Equity and Asset Management Under One Platform
The acquisition strengthens Exits MENA’s broader strategy to develop the private capital ecosystem across the region by giving investors access to viable and scalable opportunities in Egypt and MENA.
The expanded platform will bring together advisory, private equity and asset management capabilities under one group while maintaining strict separation between advisory mandates and investment decision-making.
This structure is intended to preserve independence, strengthen governance and ensure continued alignment with investors’ interests.
ACE to Become Exits Manara
The next phase of the transaction will see ACE rebranded as Exits Manara, the private capital and asset management subsidiary of Exits MENA.
Exits Manara will continue managing and developing Manara 1, the existing fund of funds dedicated to SMEs.
The subsidiary will also seek to expand its assets under management through the establishment of Manara 2 for Export Investments, a new investment vehicle designed to support mid-sized exporting businesses as they expand into international markets.
Addressing the SME Financing Gap
The acquisition comes as SMEs and high-growth businesses across the MENA region continue to face significant financing challenges.
According to the World Bank, SMEs in the region receive approximately 8% of total bank credit, compared with 22% in high-income economies.
Meanwhile, CGAP estimates that the overall SME financing gap across the Arab world stands at approximately $123 billion.
Against this backdrop, the expanded Exits MENA platform aims to play a greater role in connecting investors with scalable businesses while contributing to deeper and more efficient private capital and exit markets across Egypt and the wider MENA region.
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