About

A boutique built between New York, the Gulf and Europe.

Velen & Vale was founded to solve a simple problem: the best US founders rarely meet the patient, global capital that suits them best.

Gulf and European family offices are among the most active allocators to US growth companies, yet access to them runs almost entirely through personal relationships.

Today we advise founders, startups and business owners on capital strategy across $500k to $150M, and we've facilitated introductions for over $240M in capital.

Layla Haddad

Layla Haddad

Founding Partner · New York · Dubai

With over fifteen years advising growth companies across the US and the Gulf, Layla brings a rare cross-border perspective to every mandate. Her approach is deeply relational: she knows the principals behind the capital, not just the funds.

Before founding Velen & Vale she led investor relations and advisory work for a Dubai-based multi-family office and spent eight years on Wall Street advising US mid-market businesses on cross-border growth strategy.

Marco Verani

Marco Verani

Managing Director, Europe · Zurich · London

Marco began his career in private banking in Zurich, later moving to London where he built relationships with single-family offices and European growth funds.

He has advised US founders on dozens of international capital strategies, from early-stage advisory to growth-stage mandates, and leads our Zurich and London coverage.

Omar Khaled

Omar Khaled

Managing Partner · Dubai · New York

Omar brings a wealth of experience as a former Corporate & Investment Banker at Standard Chartered in Dubai, one of the leading banks across the region and the UK.

He also served as a capital advisor at Nassau Street Partners on Wall Street, guiding cross-border investments and strategic growth.

Tara Al-Mansoor

Tara Al-Mansoor

Vice President · Dubai

Tara specializes in bridging Gulf-based capital with US-based high-growth opportunities.

Her extensive network among family offices ensures seamless execution and strategic alignment for our partners.

Mark Riad

Mark Riad

Managing Partner · New York · London

Mark leads our transatlantic advisory efforts, overseeing key relationships and structuring complex equity rounds.

With over a decade of experience in capital markets, he provides unmatched insights into international expansion.

What we believe

Relationships over lists

We only introduce investors we know personally and who fit your stage.

Aligned incentives

We charge upfront advisory fees — no hidden success fees or trailing commissions.

Cultural fluency

We bridge expectations between US founders and Gulf and European principals.

Discretion

Every mandate is handled confidentially, from first call to completion.

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Dubai — Family offices

40+

Riyadh — Investment houses

25+

Zurich — Private banks

30+

London — Growth funds

35+

Avg. mandate size

$500k – $150M

Sectors

12

Avg. engagement

4–6 mo.

Founders advised

150+