Global venture capital firm establishes regional presence to drive digitization and transport innovation
Autotech Ventures is expanding into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by establishing a strategic presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move by the global venture capital firm, which focuses exclusively on ground transport innovation, aims to leverage disruptive technologies to modernize the region’s automotive ecosystem.
“The GCC is rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic automotive markets in the world,” said Quin Garcia, Autotech Ventures co-founder and managing director. “We expect sweeping digitization of the GCC’s auto commerce ecosystem over the coming decade.”
A Proven Track Record in Mobility Innovation
Founded in 2015, Autotech Ventures manages nearly $600 million globally and invests from pre-Seed through Series B. The firm has backed more than 60 companies, including Lyft, indie Semiconductor, and SpotHero. Their expansion comes as GCC corporations face a “reset” driven by new competition from Chinese automakers and shifting government policies regarding fleet electrification and distribution.
Strategic Regional Leadership
To spearhead this expansion, Autotech Ventures has made two key appointments:
- Saud Abbasi (Regional Advisor): Abbasi brings decades of experience across the automotive value chain, including captive finance and multi-brand dealership management. He will guide the firm’s entry into the market.
- Rabih Haydar (Director of Partnerships EMEA): Haydar will lead on-the-ground engagement, working with founders, sovereign investors, and family offices. He previously held senior roles at CDK Global, Incadea, and Invygo.
Focus Areas for GCC Investment
Autotech Ventures will focus on backing early-stage founders building solutions for:
- AI-driven dealership operations and aftermarket modernization.
- Mobility fintech and vehicle finance providers.
- Connected fleet systems and car subscription platforms.
“The GCC isn’t an emerging market anymore,” Haydar said. “Operators are under real pressure to modernize. Autotech’s platform gives regional founders access to global capital and proven playbooks.”
