Egypt’s private capital market is entering a potentially significant new phase as Exits MENA moves to acquire Avanz Capital Egypt (ACE), a private equity and asset management firm. The multi-seven-figure transaction, signed in partnership with ACE’s existing local management, is designed to expand Exits MENA’s capabilities beyond advisory services and deepen its presence across Egypt and the wider Middle East and North Africa region. The transaction has received initial approval from Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority, with final regulatory steps still required.
Founded in 2022, Exits MENA has built a platform focused on startups and small and medium-sized businesses. The company says it has expanded into more than seven global markets, established over 75 international partnerships, launched three investment-readiness programmes and supported more than 2,000 businesses. Its activities include fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, financial consulting and investment-readiness services.
The acquisition adds a new layer to that business model. By bringing private equity and asset management capabilities into its platform, Exits MENA aims to create a more connected pathway between companies seeking capital, investors looking for opportunities and businesses preparing for growth or exits.
ACE’s existing leadership will remain in place. CEO and Managing Director Haytham Wagih will continue leading the investment team, providing continuity for existing investors and portfolio companies. The transaction also brings additional ownership alignment within the management team, including Nader Elsayed as shareholder and executive director and Masa Arafa continuing as investment director.
Following the transaction, ACE is expected to transition into Exits Manara, becoming Exits MENA’s dedicated private capital and asset management subsidiary. The new entity will continue managing Manara 1, an existing fund of funds focused on SMEs, while Exits MENA plans to establish Manara 2 for Export Investments. The proposed vehicle will target mid-sized Egyptian businesses seeking to expand into international markets.
The strategy comes at a time when access to growth capital remains a major challenge for SMEs across the region. According to figures cited in the acquisition announcement, SMEs in the Middle East and North Africa receive a relatively small share of bank lending, leaving a substantial financing gap for businesses that need capital to scale.
For Egypt, the deal could strengthen the infrastructure supporting private investment by connecting advisory, investment and asset-management functions under a broader platform. It could also create more opportunities for local companies to attract institutional capital and expand beyond the domestic market.
More broadly, the acquisition reflects a growing push to build deeper private capital ecosystems within Africa and the MENA region. Rather than simply helping businesses raise money, Exits MENA is seeking to create an integrated financial group that can support companies across multiple stages of their development.
If completed successfully, the acquisition could therefore mark an important step in Exits MENA’s evolution—from an advisory-focused platform into a broader private capital institution serving entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors and financial institutions across the region.
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