When expanding into new markets, especially in the Middle East, success isn’t about closing the fastest deal; it’s about building the right relationship.

In this live-recorded episode from Capital Factory, Rudy Mirran draws on his experience managing multi-country operations and joint ventures to share how startups can land meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships abroad. He unpacks sector priorities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, covering ag-tech, biotech, AI, and defense-adjacent dual-use technologies, and explains how founders can align with national strategies like Vision 2030, tap into publicly available market roadmaps, and position themselves as indispensable in-country partners.

Beyond market entry strategy, Rudy shares candid stories from mentoring startups at Capital Factory, offering practical advice on getting the most out of mentorship, earning introductions to high-value contacts, and navigating the tricky waters of conflicting advisor feedback.

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or ecosystem builder, this conversation blends high-level global trade insight with actionable, on-the-ground startup guidance—making it a must-listen for anyone eyeing international growth.

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