Laila Hassan

Laila joined Algebra Ventures as a General Partner to launch the VC's second fund in 2021. She is also a Venture Partner at 500 Global where she is responsible for 500's first MENA Fund (500 Falcons). She joined 500 back in 2019 as a Principal to lead the fund's follow on strategy. Laila has been instrumental in expanding portfolio data gathering as well as analysis efforts from the portfolio. Prior to that, Laila worked with several VC firms across the region such as Middle East Venture Partners in UAE and Algebra Ventures in Egypt where she led transactions and worked with portfolio companies on fundraising and operational enhancements.

Laila was active in the venture capital and startup landscape in Egypt, where she worked as a consultant for several start-up businesses assisting them in developing operational and fundraising schemes. She led investment assessments and provided recommendations to several VCs and family offices in the region. While completing her MBA from London Business School, Laila joined the investment banking division at Morgan Stanley in London as a summer associate, after which she opted to move back to Egypt to pursue a career among the now-thriving startup community. Prior to her postgraduate studies, she worked as an associate at Qalaa Holdings, a regional private equity firm based out of Cairo, where she focused on the alternative energy, oil and gas and glass sectors. She holds a dual undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Law from the American University in Cairo and Cairo University respectively.