An International Affairs expert and one of the Middle East’s leading economic and energy strategists, Dr. Amin Badr-El-Din is involved in private equity, venture capital and angel investing activities globally. He sits on the board of Escondido Ventures, a VC fund aimed at realizing a future where the internet of things, Artificial Intelligence/machine learning and life sciences help solve global challenges. He is also involved in project development and innovation with a focus on sustainable energy, food and water. He has a particular interest in structuring cross-border transactions that capitalize on synergies of different parts of the world. His entrepreneurial skills, combined with his international and strategic capabilities, have enabled the creation of a diverse portfolio of initiatives along the entire spectrum of economic activities.

Dr Badr-El-Din is Founder and Chairman of BADR Investments, a global private investment house combining world-class strategic thinking and access to capital. With over 35 years’ experience, he has structured, led and developed ventures in the many fields including healthcare, energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, utilities, agriculture and technology. The global reach includes in North and South America, the Rim, Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

Dr Badr-El-Din is also Chairman of Chescor Capital, an investment banking group that specialises in developing and financing projects and business ventures. In the last two years Chescor Capital advised on transactions totalling over US$4 billion.

His career started in California, with a mix of technical, financial and management disciplines, consulting to industries on venture capital activities, technology, investment, joint ventures and to governments on attracting foreign investment and development.

Moving to Jordan in 1985, Dr. Badr-El-Din held positions, often simultaneously, with the Crown Prince, the Royal Jordanian Air Force, and the Royal Scientific Society (RSS). He also held positions of Director of Science Parks and founder member of the Higher Council for Science & Technology (HCST). Dr. Amin was also responsible for the creation of the Jordan Technology Group (JTG), where he was the Chief Executive for three years. JTG developed and invested in technology-based ventures through four divisions: science and business parks, business incubators, an investment fund and a government privatization and offsets group. During Dr. Badr-El-Din’s tenure as Executive Officer of JTG between 1988 and 1990, JTG was responsible for the creation of over a dozen companies, and he served as a Chairman of the Board to a number of these companies.

In 1990/91 he served on the United Nations’ Council responsible among other things on the environment. Together with Eddie Rothschild, he Co-Chaired the UN Conference on (Finding Creative Mechanisms for Funding the Environment). This work lead to the uptake of Carbon Offsets as a trading mechanism and for monetization of activities that contribute to reduce the global carbon footprint. Coincidentally, Offsets was coined from Dr Amin’s establishment of offsets in both Jordan and UAE (and later in other countries) as mechanisms of inward investments and global M&A. The UN conference lead directly to the Rio Conference.

Between the 1990s and 2000 he has led private equity and start-up investment groups leading to hundreds of companies, including the creation of the UAE Offsets Group (UOG) which spawned a number of institutions such as Mubadala (the sovereign wealth fund), Dolphin among others. The UOG was created with the mandate to generate wealth among the people of the UAE and assist with the global integration of its economy through the establishment of commercially viable and sustainable ventures. Under the leadership of Dr. Badr-El-Din, the UOG led the way for government privatization, greater transparency, planning and coordination. It placed itself as a bridge between the private and public sectors, and is frequently called upon to provide advice to existing institutions. Dolphin, a major energy strategic program designed to create long terms economic growth in the UAE, GCC, South Asia and beyond. This was the largest multinational energy venture in the world at the time.

Brian Koo is a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and business leader who has made a lasting impact in the global technology and investment landscape. With a strong background in venture capital, private equity, and startup incubation, he has been instrumental in fostering innovation and driving strategic growth for a wide range of companies. His leadership extends across multiple industries, including technology, finance, and consumer products, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of disruptive businesses.

Born into a family with deep entrepreneurial roots, Brian Koo has carried forward a legacy of innovation and excellence. He is the founder of Maum Capital Group, an investment firm focused on supporting transformative businesses and visionary entrepreneurs. Prior to this, he co-founded Harbor Pacific Capital, where he led high-impact investments in early and growth-stage startups. His ability to identify and nurture high-potential companies has established him as a key figure in the venture capital world.

Brian was also a Founding Partner at Formation 8, a globally recognized Silicon Valley venture capital firm that made significant investments in cutting-edge technology startups. At Formation 8, he played a critical role in shaping the firm’s strategy, investing in and advising companies that have gone on to become industry leaders. His work there laid the foundation for his future endeavors in venture capital and private equity.

In addition to his investment ventures, Brian Koo serves as a member of the board of directors of various corporations, further demonstrating his leadership and commitment to fostering business growth. His influence extends beyond investment firms, as he has been actively involved in scaling and guiding numerous startups across various sectors.

Education has played a crucial role in shaping Brian’s career. He earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Honors) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Stanford University. His time at Stanford equipped him with the analytical skills and strategic insight that have been key to his success in the business world. He continues his affiliation with Stanford University through his seminars focusing on international business.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brian Koo is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting emerging leaders. He actively mentors startups, advises business leaders, and contributes to the global innovation ecosystem. His vision is not just about financial investment but also about creating meaningful impact, empowering entrepreneurs, and building businesses that drive technological and economic progress.

With a career spanning multiple industries and a reputation for identifying the next big opportunities, Brian Koo continues to be a force in the world of venture capital and business development. His expertise, leadership, and ability to drive transformative change make him a highly respected and influential figure in the global investment landscape. As he continues to expand his influence through SFR and his various leadership roles, Brian Koo remains dedicated to shaping the future of business and technology.