Propeller has appointed Abdulaziz Alhouti as General Partner as the venture capital firm strengthens its investment strategy across artificial intelligence infrastructure, developer tools, and AI-native software. The appointment comes amid accelerating global investment in AI infrastructure, as startups and enterprises seek technologies that can make advanced computing systems more accessible, efficient, and scalable. Alhouti will help lead Propeller’s investment activities while supporting the continued deployment of Fund III, the firm’s $50 million vehicle focused on technically ambitious early-stage companies across the Middle East and North America.
Strengthening Propeller’s Investment Leadership
Alhouti brings experience spanning capital markets, venture investing, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and strategic transactions, including previous roles at HSBC and Saudi Fransi Capital. Earlier in his career, he was also involved in economic public policy at Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Economic Council of the Royal Court, giving him exposure to both private-sector investment and broader economic development initiatives. Propeller expects this combination of experience to strengthen its ability to support founders through different stages of growth, from company formation and early fundraising to acquisitions, international expansion, and potential public-market opportunities.
Venture and Technology Investment Experience
Before joining Propeller, Alhouti served as Chief Investment Officer at Jahez Group, where he led an investment strategy that built a corporate venture capital portfolio valued at approximately $50 million and supported several strategic technology transactions. His background also includes involvement in major M&A deals, initial public offerings, and privatizations, alongside personal activity as an angel investor and participant in syndicated investments across multiple sectors and markets. This experience gives Propeller additional expertise as the firm seeks to back technology companies that may require both early-stage venture support and more sophisticated strategic guidance as they mature.
Expanding the AI Infrastructure Strategy
In his new role, Alhouti will help shape Propeller’s investment strategy across developer tools, AI infrastructure, and AI-native software while expanding relationships with founders, operators, investors, and co-investment partners. The firm views AI infrastructure as an increasingly important investment area because the computational and technical demands associated with artificial intelligence remain significant barriers for developers, companies, and creators seeking to build and deploy advanced applications. Propeller aims to invest in companies addressing those challenges by developing technologies that improve access to computing resources, simplify AI development, and enable enterprises to integrate artificial intelligence more effectively into existing workflows.
Building Cross-Border Technology Connections
Founded in 2017, Propeller invests primarily at the Seed and Pre-A stages in startups developing AI infrastructure, developer tools, deep software, and AI-native applications, with areas of interest ranging from silicon-adjacent technologies to enterprise software. The firm operates from Amman, Riyadh, Boston, and Silicon Valley, positioning it to connect founders and investors across the MENA region and the United States while supporting companies seeking international growth opportunities. Alhouti’s appointment is intended to reinforce that cross-border approach as Propeller deploys Fund III and develops a broader network of technology entrepreneurs, strategic partners, and co-investors across both regions.
The addition of Alhouti gives Propeller further investment and transaction expertise as the firm expands its exposure to the rapidly developing AI infrastructure market and continues deploying its latest fund. His experience across venture capital, corporate investment, M&A, capital markets, and strategic transactions could provide portfolio companies with additional support as they move from early-stage development toward larger financing rounds, international expansion, or strategic exits. The appointment also underlines Propeller’s broader strategy of combining early-stage technology investing with deeper connections between emerging technology ecosystems in the Middle East and established innovation centers in North America.