Majed Al Jarboua: Pioneering Innovation and Corporate Venture Capital in Saudi Arabia.
Meet Majed Al Jarboua, a commercially astute General Manager and Board Member at stc, championing corporate venture capital and innovation to drive sustainable growth aligned with Vision 2030.
Majed Al Jarboua stands at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's corporate innovation landscape, embodying a strategic vision that blends corporate venture capital with pioneering industry advancements. With over 20 years in corporate development, Majed's career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and catalyzing growth across various sectors. His journey from technical engineering to leadership in corporate investments at stc (Saudi Telecom Company) illustrates a remarkable trajectory fueled by both strategic acumen and a forward-thinking mindset.
A Foundation in Engineering and Finance
Majed’s career began with a strong technical foundation in engineering, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Electrical Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, where he graduated with Second Honors. This technical grounding was further enhanced by a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Prince Sultan University, where he graduated with First Honors. This combination of technical and financial expertise set the stage for his journey into high-level strategic roles, allowing him to navigate both the operational and financial dimensions of business growth.
Leadership at stc: Driving Innovation and Entrepreneurship
At stc, Majed serves as the General Manager of Corporate Funds & Entrepreneurship, where he leads the company’s venture capital initiatives, including tali ventures, CoLab, and InspireU. His responsibilities encompass formulating and executing strategies that fuel entrepreneurship and innovation. Majed’s leadership is integral to stc's efforts to expand its investment portfolio and foster sustainable growth. By guiding early-stage and growth-stage investments, he has facilitated stc's entry into emerging industries such as fintech, IoT, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Under his stewardship, the venture-building arm CoLab and the accelerator InspireU have flourished, creating an environment where startups and emerging businesses thrive. These programs not only support local entrepreneurs but also align with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of diversifying the economy, strengthening the private sector, and advancing digital transformation.
Strategic Impact on Saudi Arabia’s Digital Economy
Majed’s contributions extend beyond corporate growth; they reflect a broader impact on Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure and economy. Before joining stc, Majed held the role of General Manager of Policies & Market Economies at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). Here, he collaborated with top officials to develop policies and strategies aimed at transforming the telecommunications sector and enhancing its contribution to Saudi Arabia’s GDP. His initiatives have laid the groundwork for sustained digital investment, attracting both domestic and international players to the Saudi market.
His role at MCIT involved evaluating the private sector’s capacity for growth, identifying investment opportunities, and crafting policies to stimulate the digital economy. This strategic approach has not only attracted investment but also created employment opportunities, ensuring a positive economic ripple effect across the Kingdom.
Commitment to Vision 2030: Building a Future-Ready Economy
Majed’s contributions align deeply with the goals of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s roadmap to economic diversification and modernization. His work at stc reflects a commitment to building a future-ready economy by fostering corporate innovation and developing strategic partnerships across sectors. By institutionalizing innovation and empowering new startups, Majed helps drive an entrepreneurial culture that enhances the private sector’s role in economic development. His initiatives in IP acquisition and venture-building projects underscore a commitment to creating high-value opportunities that benefit both the industry and the wider economy.
A Proven Track Record in Corporate Development
Throughout his career, Majed has held several influential roles in both the public and private sectors. At AlRajhi Bank, he served as the Head of Digital Marketing, where he leveraged digital platforms to generate revenue and optimize customer engagement. As Director of Fixed Services at stc Solutions, he managed portfolios and drove initiatives that strengthened the company's presence in the B2B, B2G, and SME markets. His leadership extended to his tenure at the Advanced Electronics Company, where he worked as an Account Manager, cultivating crucial client relationships and supporting business expansion.
Majed’s experience in navigating complex deal structures, managing post-merger integration, and collaborating with financial institutions has been pivotal to his success. His ability to evaluate risks, craft agile operating models, and maximize value creation underscores his comprehensive approach to corporate development.
Building Relationships and Empowering Emerging Leaders
A core element of Majed's approach is his emphasis on collaboration and relationship-building. By cultivating partnerships with venture capitalists, private equity firms, and investment banks, he has positioned stc as a hub for entrepreneurial support and business growth. Majed also prioritizes talent development within his teams, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is equipped to advance the Kingdom’s digital and economic transformation.
A Vision for the Future
Majed Al Jarboua’s career exemplifies a journey of growth, leadership, and visionary thinking. His dedication to corporate innovation and economic development has not only strengthened stc’s market position but also contributed to a thriving ecosystem of startups and SMEs in Saudi Arabia. As he continues to drive progress, his work will remain integral to the Kingdom’s transformation into a diversified, knowledge-based economy. Majed’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of strategic vision, resilience, and the impact of corporate venture capital in building a prosperous future.