About.
Established in 2013, TURN8 is a venture capital firm with a global network of innovators and investors who possess a unique approach towards change.
Managing $500M+ in enterprise value, TURN8 has:
- Helped 30+ corporate partners with their innovation and corporate venturing strategies.
- Accelerated 120 startups for corporate clients.
- Invested $150M+ in early-stage startups through several CVC funds, angel networks, and syndicates.
- Provided co-working and incubation services for 100s of entrepreneurs and startups.
- Organized 100s of corporate and entrepreneurial hackathons and events.
Our Strategic Focus
TURN8 is evolving to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on empowering startups to achieve scalable success. Through the “Relocate to KSA Accelerator,” we:
- Foster innovation in sectors such as AI, biotechnology, space technology, and semiconductors.
- Provide a structured support framework combining equity-based advisory, fractional executive services, and strategic corporate partnerships.
- Enable startups to seamlessly integrate into Saudi Arabia’s dynamic economic ecosystem.
Our mission is to support ventures in creating long-term, meaningful impact while aligning with national priorities.
Kamal Hassan is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over two decades of experience driving innovation and investment across the MENA region. As the Founder of TURN8, a Dubai-based venture capital firm and accelerator, Kamal has been instrumental in empowering startups and fostering innovation.
Yousif Al Mutawa is a co-founder of TURN8 with extensive experience in innovation, technology, and C-level business leadership. At TURN8, he was instrumental in designing and managing corporate venture capital (CVC) programs, enabling organizations to drive innovation through strategic investments.
Atif Hussein is a serial entrepreneur and innovative business leader with over 25 years of experience as a product and engineering executive in Silicon Valley. He has led high-performance teams at Oracle, Nokia, and Intel and founded multiple startups, including a brand marketing platform that revolutionized 1:1 marketing through mobile payments.
Collin Hartigan is a seasoned startup leader and technology innovator with over a decade of experience across four continents. Originating from Silicon Valley, he has pioneered startups in industries like consumer applications, alternative energy, and financial markets. Collin has worked with global corporations such as Shell and Schneider Electric, driving innovation and launching new ventures from ideation to scale.
Halli Thorkelsson is a veteran inventor and software engineer with over 30 years of experience in technology and venture building, recognized for leading multiple startups from concept to acquisition. Known for his ability to identify emerging trends, Halli has built transformative products and companies across diverse sectors.
Paul Capriolo has over 15 years of experience building, scaling, and advising ventures, with a focus on emerging technologies and innovation. Most recently, Paul has been driving successful outcomes in the GCC, including ventures in AI-driven food science, satellite-based Earth observation, blockchain KYC, and next-generation gene therapy.
Atif Husseinis a serial entrepreneur and innovative business leader with over 25 years of experience as a product and engineering executive in Silicon Valley. He has led high-performance teams at Oracle, Nokia, and Intel and founded multiple startups, including a brand marketing platform that revolutionized 1:1 marketing through mobile payments.
At Nokia, Atif managed a €100M annual budget and successfully integrated mobile messaging into every handset sold in the supply chain. At Intel’s Internet of Things Strategy Group, he launched a 5G Cat-M (NB-IoT) tracking device for the global supply chain. His career with radio modems began as SVP of Products & Engineering at Seven Networks, delivering push messaging solutions to mobile carriers worldwide.
Previously, Atif established and led the Incubation and Acceleration division at TONOMUS/NEOM Venture Studio. As its first employee and Managing Director, he recruited top global talent, mentored CEOs, and shaped product strategy, helping to create or accelerate seven ventures.
Atif relocated to Silicon Valley after graduating with an Honours Degree in Operational Research and Computer Science from Leeds Metropolitan University, UK.
Collin Hartigan is a seasoned startup leader and technology innovator with over a decade of experience across four continents. Originating from Silicon Valley, he has pioneered startups in industries like consumer applications, alternative energy, and financial markets. Collin has worked with global corporations such as Shell and Schneider Electric, driving innovation and launching new ventures from ideation to scale.
As the Global Lead and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Portfolio T, Collin has guided startups from inception to market entry, ensuring they build market-ready products and achieve sustainable growth. His leadership has resulted in the creation of a diverse portfolio of deep-tech startups reflecting cutting-edge innovation.
Previously, Collin was an equity trader at 390Left, where he developed data-driven trading strategies with a 65% win rate, honing his technical and financial expertise. At Mach49, as a senior entrepreneur-in-residence, he advised startups in sectors like electric mobility, supply chain, and residential energy, helping them secure funding and achieve product-market fit.
Collin’s entrepreneurial journey includes founding ventures with advanced technological frameworks, from patented engagement solutions to remote monitoring systems. He holds a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship from Loyola Marymount University and completed the CAPE Accelerator at Santa Clara University.
Halli Thorkelssonis a veteran inventor and software engineer with over 30 years of experience in technology and venture building, recognized for leading multiple startups from concept to acquisition. Known for his ability to identify emerging trends, Halli has built transformative products and companies across diverse sectors.
As an Inventor-in-Residence, Halli provides startups with technical expertise and strategic insight in fields such as software architecture, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and hardware design. He also advises on intellectual property management, helping startups secure and protect their innovations.
Halli’s entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding a mobile messaging platform acquired by Nokia in 2008, Modio3D, a 3D printing company acquired by Autodesk in 2012, and a robotics startup sold in 2022. He also founded Eimverk in 2011 and Crankwheel.com in 2017. Earlier, in 1996, he launched a pioneering virtual world startup in Silicon Valley backed by Intel and Microsoft.
As a founding partner of Investa.is angel fund, Halli has invested in over 30 startups and actively mentors early-stage entrepreneurs. With multiple international patents, Halli’s passion for innovation and venture building makes him a catalyst for growth across industries.
Paul Capriolo has over 15 years of experience building, scaling, and advising ventures, with a focus on emerging technologies and innovation. Most recently, Paul has been driving successful outcomes in the GCC, including ventures in AI-driven food science, satellite-based Earth observation, blockchain KYC, and next-generation gene therapy.
Previously, Paul co-founded Social Growth, an ad platform for social and mobile games, which scaled to $100M in revenue and 300M monthly users before being acquired. He has spent over a decade as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Maryland, where he is a member of the Computer Science Alumni Hall of Fame, mentoring hundreds of startups on strategy, growth, and innovation. Paul holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland and a Master’s from Carnegie Mellon University.
Kamal Hassan is an entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over two decades of experience driving innovation and investment across the MENA region. As the Founder of TURN8, a Dubai-based venture capital firm and accelerator, Kamal has been instrumental in empowering startups and fostering innovation.
His career began in the technology sector, where he honed his expertise in product development and market strategy. In 2013, he established TURN8 to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market-ready businesses. Under his leadership, TURN8 has supported numerous startups with funding, mentorship, and strategic resources, enabling them to achieve scalable growth.
Beyond TURN8, Kamal actively mentors startups on business strategy, fundraising, and market expansion. He frequently participates in industry conferences, sharing insights on venture capital and startup growth, solidifying his role as a trusted voice in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Kamal holds a graduate degree in Genetics from UCSF and has completed executive education at Harvard and The Wharton School. This interdisciplinary foundation enables him to navigate the intersection of science, technology, and business innovation. Recognized for his contributions to the MENA startup ecosystem, Kamal continues to drive growth and innovation by supporting high-potential ventures.
Yousif Al Mutawa is a co-founder of TURN8 with extensive experience in innovation, technology, and C-level business leadership. At TURN8, he was instrumental in designing and managing corporate venture capital (CVC) programs, enabling organizations to drive innovation through strategic investments. Currently, he focuses on supporting global startups in establishing and expanding their presence in the GCC region by providing strategic guidance and building valuable connections for sustainable growth.
Previously, Yousif served as a Senior Consultant for the development of Dubai’s largest and smartest net-positive government building, where he oversaw the implementation of advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability. He has also held senior leadership roles in several prominent Dubai organizations, including DP World, Dubai World, du, and Dubai e-Government, contributing to transformative digital initiatives and large-scale innovation projects.
Earlier in his career, Yousif gained entrepreneurial and technical expertise in the United States, working with Silicon Valley startups and corporations on pioneering technology projects.
