The Dubai AI Festival 2025 proudly welcomes Shmuel Chafets, Founder and Partner at Target Global, as one of its distinguished speakers. A key figure in the European and global venture capital landscape, Chafets brings deep expertise in early-stage investment, scale-up strategy, and the future of AI entrepreneurship.
With over €3 billion in assets under management, Target Global is one of Europe’s leading technology investment firms—backing some of the most influential startups driving transformation across sectors like fintech, mobility, healthtech, and AI.
Investing in the Technologies Shaping Tomorrow
As a founding partner, Shmuel Chafets has been instrumental in defining Target Global’s strategic vision and investment philosophy, with a focus on identifying high-impact companies at the forefront of technological disruption. He oversees:
- Early-stage investments in AI, deep tech, software, and digital platforms
- Strategic support for founders as they scale their companies globally
- Long-term partnerships that bridge capital, talent, and operational expertise
Chafets is known for his thesis-driven investment approach, particularly in sectors where AI is reconfiguring value chains, business models, and user experiences.
A Global Perspective on AI and Venture Capital
Drawing on his international experience and cross-market insight, Chafets is an advocate for smart capital that empowers innovation ecosystems, especially in regions like the UAE and MENA where AI is central to national economic diversification agendas.
His portfolio includes companies that are pushing the boundaries of:
- AI in mobility, logistics, and infrastructure
- AI-driven financial platforms and marketplaces
- Scalable solutions in digital health, automation, and enterprise tech
Keynote at Dubai AI Festival 2025: “Backing the Bold – Investing in the Next Generation of AI Founders”
At the Dubai AI Festival 2025, Shmuel Chafets will deliver a keynote titled:
“Backing the Bold: Investing in the Next Generation of AI Founders.”
In this insightful session, he will explore:
- Key trends and technologies shaping early-stage AI investing
- What investors look for in AI-driven startups and technical founders
- Challenges in scaling and funding AI innovation across borders
- The role of venture capital in building ethical, inclusive AI ecosystems
His keynote will offer strategic guidance for founders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem builders working to create a sustainable and impactful AI economy.
Shmuel Chafets’ participation at the Dubai AI Festival 2025 underscores the critical role of venture capital in shaping the global AI landscape—and in turning cutting-edge research into world-changing companies.
