With more than 15 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience, Shinawi has built companies across diverse sectors including AI, nanotechnology, renewable energy, and construction technology. He also plays a vital role as an advisor and investor in emerging startups, contributing to the development of the regional innovation ecosystem. His work reflects a commitment to advancing technology-enabled solutions and supporting the next generation of founders.
CEO
Jamil Shinawi
Jamil Shinawi is a Saudi entrepreneur recognized for his ventures in technology, venture capital, and startup ecosystems across the GCC and beyond. He currently serves as Co-Founder & CEO of Ahoy (UAE, since 2018) and Co-Founder of Actual VC (Dubai, since 2024), combining entrepreneurial vision with investment leadership.
Career Journey
– Co-Founder & CEO – Ahoy (UAE, 2018 – Present) – Co-Founder – Actual VC (Dubai, 2024 – Present) – Founding Board Member – 24SIX9 Startup & Founders Network (since 2022) – Envoy – NEXUS Global (since 2024) – Advisor & Investor – Hydrixa (Dubai, since 2024) – Startup Advisor – dodocs AI (2023 – Present) – Startup Advisor – Teleporta Inc (2023 – Present) – Startup Advisor – Kitchnara (2023 – Present) – Startup Advisor – Supplai (2023 – Present) – Co-Founder & CEO – Volucon Construction Technology (2014–2018) – Co-Founder & Board Member – Peninsula Renewable Technologies (2015–2018) – COO – Peninsula Renewable Technologies (2013–2015) – Co-Founder & Board Member – Peninsula Partners KSA (2013–2018) – COO – Peninsula Partners KSA (2013–2014) – Founder & CEO – Productive Care (2007–2013) – Founder & Owner – JYS Digital Storage Solutions – Lecturer, Researcher & Project Leader – Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (2010–2014)
Academic Credentials
– Bachelor’s in Urban & Regional Planning Engineering – Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (formerly University of Dammam, 2010)
Leadership Impact
Shinawi’s entrepreneurial journey reflects a rare breadth across industries—from digital innovation and AI to renewable energy and construction technology. By founding and advising ventures that push technological boundaries, he has established himself as a catalyst for cross-sector innovation, contributing to both Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the global startup community.
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