Propeller Appoints Abdulaziz Alhouti as General Partner to Lead AI Infrastructure Investment Strategy

Quick Summary

Propeller has appointed Abdulaziz Alhouti as General Partner to lead its AI infrastructure investment strategy. Bringing experience from HSBC and Jahez Group, Alhouti will oversee the deployment of the firm's $50 million Fund III, focusing on developer tools and AI-native software across MENA and North America.

How does Abdulaziz Alhouti strengthen Propeller's AI infrastructure investment strategy?

Abdulaziz Alhouti joins Propeller as General Partner to lead the firm's AI infrastructure investment strategy, leveraging his extensive background in capital markets and cross-border M&A. His previous experience includes serving as Chief Investment Officer at Jahez Group, where he managed a $50 million corporate venture capital portfolio. By integrating his expertise in IPOs and privatizations from his time at HSBC and Saudi Fransi Capital, Propeller aims to enhance its support for founders from early-stage formation to global scaling.

• Led a $50 million CVC portfolio at Jahez Group.
• Experience in landmark M&As, IPOs, and privatizations at HSBC.
• Background in economic public policy at the Supreme Economic Council of the Royal Court in Saudi Arabia.

“Every foundational technology follows the same arc: compute in the 1950s and 60s, the internet through Web 1.0 to Web 3.0; value is only unlocked once the underlying infrastructure becomes accessible, not just powerful,” said Abdulaziz Alhouti.

What is the focus of Propeller's Fund III?

Propeller's Fund III is a $50 million fund dedicated to supporting technically ambitious founders building AI infrastructure and developer tools. The firm targets Seed and Pre-A stages, focusing on horizontal AI infrastructure and AI-native applications ranging from silicon-adjacent technologies to enterprise workflows. The fund specifically aims to accelerate cross-border innovation between the MENA region and North America, operating out of hubs in Amman, Riyadh, Boston, and Silicon Valley.

Zaid Farekh, Founder and Managing Partner of Propeller, said “As AI infrastructure matures globally, founders need investors who understand both frontier technologies and company building at scale. Abdulaziz has spent his career helping companies navigate pivotal moments, from early investment through strategic acquisitions and public markets, making him uniquely positioned to help our founders navigate every stage of growth.”

How does Propeller support cross-border innovation in AI?

Propeller facilitates cross-border innovation by maintaining a physical presence in both the MENA region and the United States, with offices in Amman, Riyadh, Boston, and Silicon Valley. The firm's AI infrastructure investment strategy is designed to bridge these markets, providing founders with access to global networks of operators and co-investors. With the addition of Alhouti, the firm intends to expand its reach in developer tools and AI-native software, helping startups navigate the transition from regional success to global scale.

FF NEWS TAKE:

The appointment of Abdulaziz Alhouti is a significant move for Propeller as it seeks to bridge the gap between MENA and North American tech ecosystems. By bringing in a partner with deep institutional experience and a proven track record in regional M&A, Propeller is positioning itself as a sophisticated player in the AI infrastructure investment strategy space. This hire suggests that the firm is ready to move beyond simple seed funding toward guiding companies through complex late-stage growth and public market exits.