Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
Those with capital do not always have the expertise to incubate businesses. VantageBridge Partners, a strategic investment firm based in Abu Dhabi Global Market, was founded to bridge that gap between money and knowledge.
“VantageBridge Partners aims to connect capital with innovation and institutions with insight by fostering partnerships,” said Alain Baron, founder and CEO of the firm, in an exclusive interview with Aletihad.
The company positions itself as a knowledge-bridging platform. “We specialise in unlocking unique, high-potential opportunities for our clients, deploying capital into transformative sectors,” Baron explained.
VantageBridge was a key partner in the Innovation Hub, established by Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), a G42 company, together with SRI International of Silicon Valley.
The hub seeks to position the UAE as a global centre for AI and healthcare breakthroughs — a role Baron said epitomises the firm’s mission. “Combining global expertise with regional opportunity, we serve as a catalyst to accelerate innovation,” he added.
The Innovation Hub combines global R&D with regional commercialisation, nurturing start-ups and advancing research. “With a strong focus on AI and healthcare innovation, the hub is designed to nurture startups, advance research, and bring breakthrough solutions to the region,” Baron said.
For VantageBridge, this was a “tangible example of how knowledge, technology and capital can come together to drive real, lasting impact.”
“The strategic partnership aligns seamlessly with the Department of Health’s vision to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in health innovation,” Baron said.
Baron elaborated on the firm’s mission. The Middle East has enormous potential, particularly in driving innovation in key sectors such as AI, space, infrastructure, and education. “There are barriers between capital and businesses within these sectors. VantageBridge Partners was founded to bridge these gaps and help unlock potential,” Baron said.
“By bridging governments and family offices with these high-growth sectors, we align closely with the vision of the UAE leaders and contribute to a thriving private equity network across the region.”
VantageBridge Partners has specialised teams that actively explore regional markets to identify opportunities where knowledge and technology can add value. “Once we identify those areas, we work to close the gaps, often by facilitating partnerships that bring in global expertise and top-tier innovation to the region,” Baron explained.
Healthcare, AI, space, agriculture, and education are identified as priority areas. “By driving strategic investments and enabling knowledge transfer in these areas, we help elevate local capabilities and accelerate development,” Baron said.
Baron also hinted at the announcement of several new projects. “We have several other projects in the pipeline across key sectors such as AI, space, agriculture, and education, which are areas we believe are critical for the future development of the region.”
A French national, Baron has lived in the UAE for 13 years and in the GCC for over two decades. He was previously a senior figure at Swiss wealth manager Mirabaud, joining in 2012 to lead its MENA wealth-management business. He continues to be a board member of Mirabaud Middle East even after launching VantageBridge Partners.
Referring to his experience in the UAE, he said: “Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE have evolved into one of the most dynamic and attractive business ecosystems in the world.”
The UAE has become a place where companies from across the globe converge, collaborate, and expand.
“None of this would have been possible without the UAE’s visionary leadership, which has built an environment that is not only safe and stable but also forward-looking,” Baron said. “What truly sets the UAE apart is its ability to offer one of the most attractive, fit-for-purpose ecosystems for business growth.”
He also praised the role of ADGM, which has grown exponentially in recent years, positioning itself as a trusted hub for global investors.
“The 42% year-on-year surge in active companies in the first half of 2025 speaks volumes about the confidence in its regulatory framework and the maturity of its business environment.”
Relative geopolitical stability, clear and consistent policies, world-class infrastructure, and a resilient economic framework put the UAE on stronger footing when it comes to attracting investments. “Competitive tax incentives and 100% foreign ownership instil investor confidence, encourage sustained investment, and support long-term growth,” Baron said.
The UAE’s geographic location also provides an advantage alongside favourable policies. “Being able to reach 80% of the world’s population within an eight-hour flight, supported by world-class airports, seaports, and digital infrastructure, gives companies a powerful advantage in accessing global markets,” Baron said.
