Women Spark Angel Investment Network Unveils Global Advisory Board

Powered by Playbook, the leading angel investment network Women Spark, acquired earlier this year unveils a strategic global advisory board to drive deal flow to female founders.

Women Spark Advisory Board - ENG

Riyadh, [January 9th, 2025] – Women Spark, the premier female angel investment network in the MENA region, is set to expand its global impact following its acquisition by Playbook, a global platform dedicated to advancing the careers of women executives. With this powerful partnership, Women Spark is accelerating its mission to create a worldwide network of female entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors, driving innovation and growth in women-led ventures. Today, Women Spark is proud to announce the formation of its visionary Advisory Board, a group of outstanding leaders who will help scale this movement and expand its reach across continents.

Less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to women founders globally, and this funding gap has limited the growth and impact of women-led businesses. Angel investment networks like Women Spark play a crucial role in addressing this disparity by providing the funding, mentorship, and resources needed to scale businesses led by women.

Playbook’s acquisition of Women Spark is a strategic and timely move to educate and enable more women to enter the investment ecosystem—not only as entrepreneurs but also as investors. By fostering a new generation of women who can deploy capital, Playbook is inspiring them to reshape the industry. Founded by Wafa Alobaidat, a renowned entrepreneur and strategic leader, Playbook has already made significant strides in advancing women’s careers globally. Alongside her co-founders, Shreya Rammohan and Ismahan Alsaad. Playbook has established a comprehensive ecosystem to support women’s professional growth through education, mentorship, and global networking opportunities.

This vision is brought to life with the support of a global Advisory Board, composed of world-class leaders dedicated to amplifying Women Spark’s reach and impact across borders.

The Women Spark Advisory Board brings together an exceptional group of leaders to guide the network’s global impact. Deemah Al Yahya, Founder of Women Spark and Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, is leading the way with her expertise in digital innovation. HRH Princess Beatrice, Honorary Advisory Council, is dedicated to creating opportunities for women worldwide through innovation and technology. HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies and UN Goodwill Ambassador, brings her extensive experience in philanthropy and global advocacy to support women’s success.

H.E. Al-Zain Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States, will be instrumental in expanding Women Spark’s global reach through strategic international partnerships. H.E. Alanoud Al-Thani, Honorary Advisory Council Member, is focused on fostering inclusive growth and enhancing venture capital access in the Arab world. Lateefa Al Waalan, Managing Director of Endeavor Saudi, and Lujain Al Ubaid, Co-Founder and CEO of Tasamy, will ensure that women entrepreneurs in the MENA region have the resources and mentorship they need to succeed. Together, they are shaping a groundbreaking future for women-led ventures across the globe.

These influential figures bring decades of unparalleled experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, philanthropy, and venture capital, positioning the Advisory Board to guide Women Spark's strategic growth and vision.

As Women Spark continues to scale, the Women Spark’s Advisory Board will focus on expanding its global presence, promoting innovation, and bridging the funding gap that many female entrepreneurs face. The board’s efforts will be critical in fostering meaningful connections and creating pathways for investment, mentorship, and growth.

Through strategic partnerships and global expansion, Women Spark is poised to become the leading network for women entrepreneurs, connecting them with a community of influential supporters and providing access to vital resources. The Advisory Board’s role will include shaping initiatives that foster innovation, provide education, and create sustainable opportunities for women-led ventures.

Deemah Al Yahya remarked, “The Women Spark Advisory Board represents a powerful milestone in advancing female entrepreneurship and investment on a global scale. By uniting exceptional leaders from diverse regions, this board brings unparalleled expertise to our founders and investors, offering insights into financial strategy, boardroom leadership, and scaling investments across borders.”

“This international collaboration will strengthen global networks, foster meaningful connections, and amplify the reach of women’s contributions—from Asia and the Middle East to Europe and the Americas. Together, the Advisory Board and Women Spark will become a gateway for women worldwide to invest, innovate, and drive the growth of women-led ventures on a transformative global stage.” She added.

HRH Princess Beatrice remarked “AI, data, and emerging technologies are powerful tools for driving meaningful change, enabling women to excel in business and beyond. Together with my esteemed fellow board members, I look forward to championing initiatives that foster growth, innovation, and a brighter, more inclusive future for women everywhere.”

HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud also added “As I join the Women Spark Advisory Board, I remain dedicated to supporting the empowerment and entrepreneurship of women. Drawing on my background as Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies and CEO of Rotana Media Group, I look forward to helping create new opportunities for women to succeed in both business and society. Alongside my fellow board members, I am excited to contribute to fostering positive change and expanding possibilities for women, both locally and globally.”

In addition to that, H.E. Al-Zain Al-Sabah also noted “It all starts with a spark! I am honored to be a part of the Women Spark Advisory Board, amidst a remarkable community of light bearers who will no doubt pave the way for a new generation of female-led impact-driven initiatives and innovations that will continue to illuminate our path forward and inspire us all in the process.”

H.E. Alanoud Al-Thani elaborated that “Honored to join the board of Women Spark, a leading female angel group dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. I am committed to expanding the portfolio of women-led businesses and driving sustainable success through strategic growth and innovation. This is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to a vision of inclusive growth and make a meaningful impact in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together, we will champion the next generation of female leaders and pave the way for a more equitable future in venture capital in the Arab world”

Lateefa Al Waalan mentioned “As I embark on this inspiring journey with the Women Spark Advisory Board, I bring a passion for innovation and women's advancement. From starting my first company at 16 to leading successful ventures, I've championed entrepreneurship and advocated for change. Through various initiatives, I've worked to create a more inclusive ecosystem. I am honored to join forces with the Women Spark Advisory Board to continue this important work, igniting sparks of creativity and empowerment in women around the world.”

Lujain Al Ubaid shared “I am honored to join The Women Spark advisory board, with a steadfast commitment to driving transformative change in our communities across Saudi Arabia and beyond. With such a platform we will champion initiatives that empower women, amplify their voices, and foster a culture of innovation and impact. In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, our collective efforts will strive to cultivate an ecosystem that not only inspires but also ignites tangible progress that uplifts our societies in the Middle East.”

And finally, Wafa Alobaidat, Founder and CEO of Playbook, shared her thoughts: “The formation of this Advisory Board is a game-changer for Women Spark and will significantly amplify our mission under Playbook’s global platform. With these strategic leaders on board, we’re not just expanding our network—we’re driving real action. This board will ensure that women-led businesses scale quickly and sustainably, leveraging Playbook’s powerful infrastructure to reach new heights. Together, we are creating a world where women entrepreneurs have the tools, influence, and global reach to lead in innovation and impact.”

Explore the collaborative initiatives and join us at Women Spark, powered by PLAYBOOK, as we forge paths for women entrepreneurs globally. For more details, visit https://www.get-playbook.com/women-spark

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About Women Spark

Founded by Deemah Al Yahya, Women Spark is the leading angel investment network in the MENA region, now supercharged by its acquisition by Playbook. This partnership creates an unparalleled platform to support women entrepreneurs worldwide. With a focus on bridging the investment gap, fostering global partnerships, and accelerating the growth of women with the resources they need to scale, Women Spark is positioning itself as the go-to network for female founders seeking mentorship, capital, and community. To learn more about how Women Spark is revolutionizing the future of women-led businesses, visit Women Spark.

About PLAYBOOK

PLAYBOOK is a powerful global networking and mentorship platform for women leaders. With an award-winning leadership team that is fully-female founded, the network has been making waves regionally and internationally with its high-quality production masterclasses, robust community, networking potential, workshops, events and mentorship programs.

For further media inquiries contact Marketing & Partnership Executive marketingrep@get-playbook.com