ASCA Capital Limited (regulated by the DFSA) is a mid-market private equity investment firm focused on investments in the Middle East and founded by its partners, the successful tech entrepreneur Jacob Jensen and seasoned investment professionals Tom Hodgson and Niels Stidsen.

With integrity, transparency, professionalism and social welfare as core values, the firm takes a hands-on approach to identifying and managing investment opportunities, by combining capital, capabilities and best practices from Northern Europe and the Middle East, with a focus on helping build and support best-in-class management teams. ASCA Capital’s founding partners have lived most of their working life in the Middle East and have more than half a century of international M&A experience, with hands-on operational experience across multiple industries. ASCA Capital has the experience, knowledge, expertise, and international network to help portfolio companies achieve their scaling goals and help investors achieve attractive returns.

ASCA Capital Limited (regulated by the DFSA) is a mid-market private equity investment firm focused on investments in the Middle East and founded by its partners, the successful tech entrepreneur Jacob Jensen and seasoned investment professionals Tom Hodgson and Niels Stidsen.

With integrity, transparency, professionalism and social welfare as core values, the firm takes a hands-on approach to identifying and managing investment opportunities, by combining capital, capabilities and best practices from Northern Europe and the Middle East, with a focus on helping build and support best-in-class management teams. ASCA Capital’s founding partners have lived most of their working life in the Middle East and have more than half a century of international M&A experience, with hands-on operational experience across multiple industries. ASCA Capital has the experience, knowledge, expertise, and international network to help portfolio companies achieve their scaling goals and help investors achieve attractive returns.

Unlocking Potential and Driving Growth

At ASCA Capital, we specialize in investing in small to mid-sized companies in the Middle East that possess exceptional potential and are led by dynamic management teams. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our investments. As founders, we personally invest a substantial amount of capital, ensuring that we have real “skin in the game.”

We approach investments across diverse industries and structures and we firmly believe that the most fruitful outcomes arise from strong partnerships. Through collaborative efforts with ambitious management teams, dedicated board members, our extensive network of advisors, and fellow stakeholders, we aim to achieve remarkable outcomes together.

What to Expect from a Partnership with ASCA Capital:

When you partner with ASCA Capital, you can expect an active and engaged approach. We leverage our expertise to maximize shareholder value creation and actively support our portfolio companies throughout their growth journey. Our team brings a wealth of experience, specifically in the following areas:

Strategic Optimization:
We challenge and optimize the strategic roadmap, assisting companies in navigating their growth phase with precision.

Market Connectivity:
With our strong connections across the GCC, Levant, and Europe, we facilitate market expansion, target identification (including potential mergers and acquisitions), and the exploration of strategic partnerships.

Technological Advancement:
We empower companies to leverage technology for expansion, operational efficiency, customer acquisition, enhanced experiences, digital transformation, and more.

Robust Organization and Governance:
We help establish robust organizational structures and effective corporate governance practices that strengthen the overall resilience of the company.

Capital Access:
Our expertise enables us to secure various forms of additional capital, including bank financing, to support operational and expansion needs.

Expansion Opportunities:
We identify both organic and inorganic growth prospects, including mergers and acquisitions, to further drive company expansion.

Mentoring and Guidance:
Drawing from our experiences, we provide valuable mentorship to owners and managers, supporting them on their personal journeys within our portfolio companies.

Shareholder Value Realization:
We work collaboratively to develop a roadmap for maximizing shareholder value based on agreed timelines, leveraging our extensive experience in achieving successful exit and monetization events. By partnering with ASCA Capital, you gain a dedicated and knowledgeable team that is fully invested in your success. Together, we unlock the true potential of your company and foster sustained growth in the ever-evolving world.

Partnership with ASCA Capital:

SQUATWOLF was founded in Dubai in 2016 by wife and husband team, Anam Khalid and Wajdan Gul. They wanted to create a gymwear brand that shared their values, including honesty and integrity, and with a true athletic fit. Products that worked as hard as they did. SQUATWOLF has quickly established itself as a premium gymwear brand and has a global reach through ecommerce and physical retail. The brand offers a considered collection of high-quality gymwear for both men and women, and its innovative designs have won acclaim for their combination of insight-driven function, style, and comfort. SQUATWOLF is sold in more than 120 countries and is currently available through squatwolf.com and the SQUATWOLF app, as well as some of the most recognisable sports retail stores in the Middle-East

  • Company: Squatwolf Holdings Limited
  • Sector: Apparel / Gymwear
  • Headquarter: Dubai, UAE
  • Stake: Minority
  • Investment type: Structured equity, growth capital
  • Fund: Arnold Investments Fund LP
  • Investment date: May 2023
  • Website: www.squatwolf.com

Partnership with ASCA Capital:

SQUATWOLF was founded in Dubai in 2016 by wife and husband team, Anam Khalid and Wajdan Gul. They wanted to create a gymwear brand that shared their values, including honesty and integrity, and with a true athletic fit. Products that worked as hard as they did. SQUATWOLF has quickly established itself as a premium gymwear brand and has a global reach through ecommerce and physical retail. The brand offers a considered collection of high-quality gymwear for both men and women, and its innovative designs have won acclaim for their combination of insight-driven function, style, and comfort. SQUATWOLF is sold in more than 120 countries and is currently available through squatwolf.com and the SQUATWOLF app, as well as some of the most recognisable sports retail stores in the Middle-East.

  • Company: Squatwolf Holdings Limited
  • Sector: Apparel / Gymwear
  • Headquarter: Dubai, UAE
  • Stake: Minority
  • Investment type: Structured equity, growth capital
  • Fund: Arnold Investments Fund LP
  • Investment date: May 2023
  • Website: www.squatwolf.com

Get in touch

Have a project in mind?

If you are interested to learn more about ASCA Capital, either as a potential investor in one of our funds or as a company looking to partner with us, please do not hesitate to send us a mail [email protected].

Niels Stidsen
Niels StidsenPartner
Tom Hodgson
Tom HodgsonPartner
Jacob Jensen
Jacob JensenPartner
Adnan Zein
Adnan ZeinDirector

Get in touch

ASCA Capital Limited
(regulated by Dubai Financial Services Authority)

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +971 4 576 2802

/ Linkedin

Innovation One, Level 1
PO Box 507319

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

ASCA Capital Limited © 2023