Ex-Google executive wants Saudi Telecom to be the next Softbank


DUBAI: A year ago, Abdulrahman Tarabzouni was working on Google’s Project Fi trying to disrupt the telecommunications industry. Now he’s back in his native Saudi Arabia with a mission to bring the country’s national phone carrier, Saudi Telecom Co, into technology investing.

Since returning to Riyadh to run Saudi Telecom’s STVentures in October, Tarabzouni persuaded the board to put US$100mil into Dubai-based ride-hailing app Careem Networks FZ. He now plans to lead a delegation to his previous locale in the Silicon Valley to find venture capital and technology firms interested in partnering with Saudi Telecom, or STC, on further deals.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Business , Saudi telecom , venture capital

Next In Business News

Malaysia Smelting gets nod to resume Rahman Hydraulic Tin operations
Hextar Industries RM177.48mil Woodpeckers deal falls through
Southern Score Builders bags RM180mil hospital project in Melaka
Duopharma says data files extracted in cyber incident
Ringgit ends firmer against most currencies, down versus US dollar
Citaglobal bags RM82.1mil residential college contract
PTT Synergy to acquire Penang land for RM62.53mil
Mondelez International unveils RM90mil investment in Crumb Tower, deepening commitment to Malaysia
Vestland bags RM410mil high-rise contract, FY26 wins hit RM1.5bil
FBM KLCI sinks below 1,700 amid regional sell-off

Others Also Read