Chris Rogers is a global entrepreneur who co-founded Nextel Communications, a wireless connectivity company, in 1987 and sold it for $35B in 2005. In the early 2000s, Chris came to Saudi Arabia to launch Nextel as a joint venture with Saudi Telecom. His deep connection to the region brought him back as an investor in Careem, Kitopi, and several other startups.
In this episode, Chris shares what it takes to build and lead billion-dollar businesses, his perspective on Sovereign Wealth Fund initiatives shaping the MENA startup ecosystem, the challenges Venture Capital firms face in the region, and what it truly means to exit successfully.

Chris also offers timeless lessons on resilience, attracting global investors, and balancing ambition with wellness. Whether you’re a founder, VC, or someone with big dreams, this episode is packed with insights to help you scale your next big thing.

Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment company with offices in Dubai. Visit ([ Ссылка ]) and get a chance to win AED 1m.

00:00:00 Introduction to VC-backed companies
00:00:08 Uber's landmark acquisition of Careem
00:01:17 Meet Chris Rogers: venture capitalist and yogi
00:05:15 The importance of mental health for founders
00:10:45 Careem's mission-driven journey
00:30:15 Nextel: Building a wireless empire
00:38:30 VCs and founders: Navigating leadership transitions
00:40:28 The role of the board in founder transitions
00:40:48 The importance of complementary skills in founding teams
00:43:02 Culture in startups: organic vs. intentional
00:44:22 Investing strategies: Lumia and Norwood
00:47:51 The impact of venture capital in Saudi Arabia
00:52:43 Challenges in the MENA VC ecosystem
01:12:26 Global vs. regional focus for startups
01:14:10 Final thoughts and advice for founders
01:18:51 Conclusion and farewell

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Hi I'm Loulou Khazen, I live in Dubai. I'm a tech entrepreneur turned venture capital investor, podcaster and public speaker. More importantly, I'm a mother of two! If you want to know more, visit my LinkedIn page or check out the latest profile by Entrepreneur Magazine: [ Ссылка ]

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