Sarat ventures: Sarat Ventures Y Innovations Biotech Fund (UK) has launched a biotech fund anticipated to invest roughly US$50 million in biotech companies with strategic connections to the Saudi Arabian markets and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. (US$1=RM4.20)

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative was anchored by Allocator One and led by General Partners Dr Megan Yung of Yung Ventures, a Y Innovations Group Company, and Dr Huda Alfardus, formerly of Healthgena, Saudi Arabia’s first private accelerator. This project signifies a significant commitment to accelerating innovation in life sciences and advances the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy via knowledge-based industries.

The fund will benefit from its alliance with Y Innovations Group, a life sciences venture conglomerate known for its rigorous diligence capabilities, strong investments, and ability to transform early scientific concepts into world-class therapeutics. Dr Yung, a seasoned executive, brings deep expertise in the private life sciences sector, early-stage biotech growth, and global commercialization pathways, having successfully guided multiple companies from concept through development and international market expansion.

She is joined by Dr Alfardus, who brings unmatched regional expertise and strong connections across Saudi Arabia’s ministries and innovation ecosystem. Together, they bridge global biotech expertise with strategic regional partnerships, enabling seamless entry and growth for portfolio companies in the Kingdom.

With deep diligence expertise, global commercialization experience, and unparalleled access to Saudi Arabia’s strategic infrastructure, this fund aims to establish a new standard for biotech venture investing in the Middle East and beyond.