Licorne Gulf Holding Closes €436M Investments & Syndication, Charts Ambitious 2026–2030 Growth Plan.
- Irina Duisimbekova
- 24 minutes ago
- 7 min read
At the dawn of our year 2026, Licorne Gulf, – led by Irina Duisimbekova – is in pole position for the 2025-2030 Vision Program of Investments following another significant milestone: having secured €436 million in direct investments and funding syndication for both its clients and its internal joint ventures along last past year.
This success highlights the company’s strategic acumen and expanding presence in the global investment and development arena, building upon its unprecedented $575 million in direct and syndicated investments recorded in 2024. The firm employs a diversified strategy across vital sectors such as defense, biotech, fintech, institutional development, wellness, think tanks, and industry, operating in key markets including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Italy, and the United States.
“The primary objective is to consistently engage in practical and concrete transactions while achieving steady growth. Industry participants, especially those in private equity, Family Offices, and venture capital, are well aware that the frequent announcements of multi-billion-dollar investments or fundraising efforts often consist merely of non-binding letters of intent or memorandums of understanding which we don’t do at Licorne Gulf. ….In reality, about 95% of these commitments fail to come to fruition and are just marketing announcements; however, in an environment flooded with information, one headline quickly replaces another, causing people to lose sight of the facts” highlighted Irina Duisimbekova…..
….”Our approach deliberately avoids this cycle, as it does not align with our interests. The often exaggerated and unrealistic figures lead to endless meetings, conference calls, and discussions around projects or joint ventures that ultimately never materialize. Instead, we choose to operate within our own sphere, making steady progress alongside select financial partners with whom we have fostered relationships spanning over two decades, all while maintaining our high standards of accomplishment….. without taking into consideration that post-covid and with the actual geopolitics linked to the finance industry, we are actually reaching a new cycle mode of investments which was the patterns for the last past 70 years and actually tends to shift to something new which is shaking the investment industry; but that’s another debate we could expand later on….!”
Key Accomplishments in 2025:
1. Defense Industry: Over the past two decades, Licorne Gulf has leveraged escalating geopolitical tensions and growing defense expenditures in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. By facilitating substantial investments in defense contracts, the company has aligned with Qatar’s efforts to upgrade its military capabilities and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes security and technological progress. These efforts have established Licorne Gulf as a major contributor to the region’s defense infrastructure development and industrial localization initiatives.
2. Biotechnology Funding: In contrast to the general decline in biotech venture investments observed in Q2 2025 by HSBC, Licorne Gulf has adeptly allocated capital to promising biotech startups, mainly in the United States and Italy with another JV investment venture with a Belgium Biotech life science company. Its concentrated investment in cutting-edge drug development and medical technology corresponds with the global market’s increasing need for advanced healthcare solutions, sustaining robust merger and acquisition activity within the sector.
3. Fintech Development: Licorne Gulf has expanded its influence within the fintech sector, focusing on Qatar and Bahrain. Through strategic alliances and investments in AI-powered fintech innovations and buy-now-pay-later platforms, the firm supports the region’s escalating appetite for digital financial services. This growth is bolstered by regional strategies such as Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and Bahrain’s supportive fintech regulatory environment
4. Institutional Growth: By investing in educational and research programs, particularly within Bahrain and Azerbaijan, the company has actively contributed to institutional advancement. These investments are designed to promote innovation and the development of human capital, supporting regional efforts to diversify economies away from reliance on oil. Additionally, there will soon be an announcement regarding the launch of an international Think Tank Institution in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
5. Wellness and Industrial Sectors: Licorne Gulf’s commitment to the wellness and industrial fields is demonstrated through its focus on sustainable, scalable ventures. Notably, it has invested in a UK-Qatari enterprise with plans to expand operations into Saudi Arabia and the United States. Through supporting initiatives in wellness technologies and advanced manufacturing, the firm plays a role in driving economic diversification and generating employment opportunities.
6. Gaming Industry: The company has formed a joint venture with a well-known Turkish gaming firm, aiming to establish a cutting-edge enterprise based in London. This initiative seeks to embed the company firmly within the rapidly evolving gaming ecosystem, aspiring to become a leading market participant. Plans include taking the company public to secure additional capital and increase market visibility; however, a more pragmatic strategy under consideration involves merging with a company already listed on the London Stock Exchange. Mergers and reverse takeovers have proven to be effective routes for accelerating growth while mitigating certain financial risks. Licorne Gulf’s extensive experience with such transactions over the past five years equips it with valuable insight and expertise, enabling careful assessment of potential partner companies that align with its strategic vision and growth objectives.
7- The Institut Choiseul from France and Licorne Gulf Investment and JV in Qatar under the new entity Choiseul Arabian Gulf: An exclusive initiative based in Doha, designed to bring together leaders from the Gulf region and major European players in economics, technology, and diplomacy; not only a think tank but also a discreet network of influence, dedicated to fostering lasting ties between the Gulf and Europe which has seen the first edition of synergies on the sideline of the Doha Forum 2025 in Qatar on the 8th of December 2025, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani , the Emir of Qatar, which brought up to the scene as leading partner, the Africa Gulf Cooperation Dialogue Summit, to which 700 leaders from the economic and investment worlds of all African and GCC countries had Participated to establish synergies and discussions around investment and partnerships with a view to securing tomorrow’s transactions
Regional Influence for the 2024-2030 Horizon:
– The Gulf Cooperation Council nations of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain continue to be central to Licorne Gulf’s strategy, sustained over 27 years. These countries offer solid economic foundations and government-backed incentives, such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Qatar’s initiatives promoting venture capital. Collaborations with investment entities linked to regional royal families have strengthened the firm’s capacity to orchestrate high-value syndicated transactions.
– Azerbaijan serves as a strategic bridge connecting Eastern Europe and Central Asia to the GCC, with investments targeted at advancing industrial and institutional developments due to its pivotal geographic location.
Overview of the Azerbaijan-Armenia Peace Agreement Brokered by Trump
On August 8, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the White House, where the two leaders signed a historic joint declaration aimed at normalizing relations and ending nearly four decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. This U.S.-brokered deal marks a significant shift in regional dynamics, reducing Russian influence in the South Caucasus while opening doors for Western economic involvement; where the Transit Corridor Development is now a master piece for Licorne Gulf Investments and developments which leaded to Irina Duisimbekova presence all Summer 2025 for negotiations:
” ….A central feature is the creation of the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,” a multimodal transit corridor linking mainland Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenian territory. The U.S. has secured exclusive rights to develop this route for up to 99 years, including rail lines, oil and gas pipelines, fiber optic cables, and highways; that’s enhancing our Saudi and Qatari Partners and direct Investments into the region…” July/August 2025 – Baku
Irina Duisimbekova,
President & Co-Founder of Licorne Gulf Holding
– In markets like Italy and the United States, Licorne Gulf demonstrates its global perspective by investing in biotechnology and financial technology sectors. These investments complement the GCC’s emphasis on deeptech and align with the innovation-driven nature of the U.S. economy.
“Our commitment is to persist steadfastly and fulfill our objectives while maneuvering through diverse transaction and investment frameworks, alongside managing the distinct personalities of leaders, founders, and partners, which can often be challenging. Embracing an interpretative approach, we integrate these various elements to sustain a consistent momentum; we continually remind our partners and the boards of the companies we have supported for the last two decades that we approach this journey as marathon runners rather than sprinters. The primary challenge we face today stems from operating in a world increasingly driven by instant results, where a new generation aims to secure funding rapidly, often overlooking the essential time needed for development and the financial cycle.” – Irina Duisimbekova
Strategic Framework:
Under the leadership of Irina Duisimbekova and the co-founding guidance of Alexandre Amjad Katrangi alongside two members of the Saudi and Bahraini royal families, Licorne Gulf thrives through a diversified investment approach. The firm’s strength lies in its robust alliances with both regional and international partners, coupled with its adeptness at managing geopolitical shifts and market changes. Expanding on its 2023 accolade as Abu Dhabi’s “Best Investment Arm,” Licorne Gulf achieved a mid-year investment milestone of €236 million in 2025, underscoring its commitment to fostering growth in startups and established companies alike.
Over the past twenty years, the Firm has made direct investments in mid-cap ventures and managed various development contracts and collaborations with major corporations listed on the CAC40 and Fortune 500, including notable names such as Institut Choiseul, EDF, Norinco, KNDS, Thomson, Vitol, Halliburton, Denel, Mocoh Switzerland, Socar, Bashneft, Sistema, Geodis, Natixis, and Blackstone, among others (source: https://www.licorne-gulf.com/clients-partners).
Having gone through the milestone year of 2025, Licorne Gulf is firmly positioned as a front-runner in shaping global investment trends. Our clear emphasis on high-growth sectors and emerging markets is designed to deliver sustainable returns while positively impacting regional economies.
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