Autotech Ventures is making its first move into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with the establishment of a regional presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The global venture capital firm, which focuses exclusively on ground transport innovation, is pursuing opportunities to apply disruptive technologies across the region’s auto commerce ecosystem.

To spearhead the effort, Autotech has appointed Saud Abbasi as Regional Advisor and Rabih Haydar as Director of Partnerships EMEA.

“The GCC is rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic automotive markets in the world," said Quin Garcia, Autotech Ventures co-founder and managing director. "We expect sweeping digitization of the GCC’s auto commerce ecosystem over the coming decade."

Founded in 2015, Autotech Ventures manages nearly $600 million globally and invests from pre-Seed through Series B in startups transforming ground transportation. Its portfolio spans auto commerce, autonomous systems, electrification, connectivity, fintech, supply chain and logistics, and AI. Notable investments include Lyft, indie Semiconductor, SpotHero (acquired by Uber) and Outdoorsy, alongside early-stage companies such as Bumper, Fixico, GenLogs, Plug and Yendo.

Strategic Expansion

Shifting government policies and rising competition from Chinese automakers are prompting GCC corporations to rethink vehicle movement, fleet electrification, and distribution strategies. Autotech’s focus in the region will include AI-driven dealership operations, mobility fintech, connected fleet systems, and aftermarket modernisation. The firm aims to back early-stage founders building solutions for franchise dealer groups, used car platforms, fleet operators, vehicle finance providers, and service centres.

Regional Presence

Saud Abbasi brings extensive experience across the automotive value chain, including captive finance, product marketing, sales, distribution, and multi-brand dealership management.

“The Gulf has capital and the ambition to redefine how mobility ecosystems are built,” Abbasi said. “This is a market where distribution models, electrification timelines and cross-border trade are evolving in parallel. Autotech’s disciplined investment approach can help channel that momentum into scalable, global companies.”

Rabih Haydar will lead Autotech’s on-the-ground engagement, focusing on investment sourcing, portfolio market entry, and connecting GCC corporations with startups driving innovation.

“The GCC isn’t an emerging market anymore,” Haydar said. “Capital is flowing, operators are under real pressure to modernize, and now is the time for intense technology innovation. I’ve spent my career inside these businesses and know where the opportunities lie. Autotech’s platform gives regional founders access to global capital and proven playbooks, while giving GCC corporations a direct line to the startups reshaping the industry.”

“What’s happening in the GCC isn’t a cycle, it’s a reset,” Quin Garcia, Managing Director at Autotech Ventures added. “We’re here at the right time, with the right partners and intend to build something lasting. Saud and Rabih have spent decades inside the GCC, giving us a real advantage.”

Autotech’s model connects entrepreneurs, corporates, and institutional investors to accelerate commercialisation and scale, providing sector expertise and access to global markets.