Riyadh: The Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC) has concluded its executive program titled ‘Governance for Venture Capital-Backed Companies’, delivered in partnership with the Governance Center, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, to advance governance maturity and board capabilities within fast-growing companies backed by venture capital funds in the Kingdom.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the three-day program brought together a select group of chief executive officers, board members, founders, and senior executives from investment-backed startups across various sectors. It focused on strengthening decision-making quality and reinforcing governance concepts and practices as a key enabler of company growth and long-term sustainability.

CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Venture Capital Company Dr. Nabeel Koshak stated in a press release: “SVC seeks to develop an advanced venture capital ecosystem that goes beyond financing, toward building a knowledge base that enhances investment quality and supports companies throughout their growth journey.”

He added: “Our partnership with the Governance Center enables startups to adopt effective governance models that contribute to long-term value creation and enhance investor confidence in the Saudi market, both locally and internationally.”

Program sessions covered a range of core topics, including governance frameworks for startups, early-stage company failure indicators, the new Companies Law and the Simplified Joint Stock Company, investor expectations, and board dynamics during scaling phases, in addition to practical applications and case studies drawn from the local ecosystem.

The program also provided an interactive platform connecting participants with investors, experts, and regulatory bodies, fostering discussions described by participants as ‘rich and directly linked to real challenges faced by startups at their current stage.’

This initiative forms part of SVC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the venture capital ecosystem and enhance the competitiveness of high-growth companies by promoting a culture of governance, transparency, and sustainability in line with international best practices.