Inovia Capital has formally launched a new office within Abu Dhabi Global Market, marking a significant expansion of the Canadian investment firm’s international presence and strengthening its engagement across the United Arab Emirates and the broader Gulf region. The move comes as the firm deepens its strategic collaborations following its Canadian Innovation Delegation to the UAE in October and aligns its efforts with the Canada-UAE Memorandum of Understanding on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Infrastructure.
The new Abu Dhabi office further extends Inovia’s global reach, complementing its existing locations across Canada, the Bay Area, and London. Positioned within one of the world’s most rapidly developing hubs for innovation and artificial intelligence, the UAE will serve as an essential base for the firm’s partnerships, portfolio support, and cross-border technology initiatives.
In conjunction with this expansion, Inovia Capital has promoted Claire Glossop Irani to Head of Strategic Partnerships and Office of the CEO. She has relocated to Abu Dhabi to lead the firm’s initiatives in the Middle East. In her expanded role, she will continue overseeing Global Investor Relations while helping portfolio companies pursue new commercial and financial opportunities, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Her previous experience working in Dubai, paired with her background in investment, ecosystem development, and investor relations, uniquely positions her to accelerate Inovia’s ambitions in the region.
The firm noted that while its investment focus will continue to be centered in Canada, its growing presence in the Middle East is an essential step in supporting global technology founders and building stronger ties between Canadian and regional innovation ecosystems. The expansion also supports Inovia’s mission to provide operators, entrepreneurs, and emerging technology companies with access to an international network of partners, capital, and market opportunities.
Inovia currently manages more than US$2.5 billion across multiple funds and investment strategies, deploying capital in Discovery, Venture, and Growth stages. Its operator-led approach and global platform aim to help founders build enduring, scalable companies that can compete on an international stage.
KEY QUOTES
“Canada and the UAE share a strong and growing ambition to advance innovation, talent mobility, and global collaboration. Our new office builds on the momentum created through relationship building efforts that began over a year ago, including our October Innovation Delegation in the region, and allows us to contribute meaningfully to building bridges between our two ecosystems.”
Chris Arsenault, Partner and CEO, Inovia Capital
“It is an opportune moment to accelerate strengthened ties between the Canadian and Middle East tech ecosystems. Being based in Abu Dhabi will allow us to better support our portfolio by deepening our relationships with entities committed to building the next generation of global technology companies.”
Claire Glossop Irani, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Office of the CEO, Inovia Capital
