Institutional Affiliations
About
Dr. Wissam El Solh is an experienced entrepreneur and investor who has successfully started, operated, and backed numerous companies across the Middle East. With an MBA from George Washington University and a Ph.D. in Economics from the Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris, he combines academic excellence with practical business acumen.
He is dedicated to promoting business cooperation to and from Lebanon, leveraging a vast network of international contacts and supporting philanthropic projects throughout the MENA region.
Education
Ph.D. in Economics
Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po)
High Honors
MBA
George Washington University
Languages
Professional Experience
Consultant
Early CareerThe World Bank
Conducted analysis of the informal financial sector in West Africa, developing strategies for savings mobilization and credit expansion.
Investment Banking
Early CareerK.B.L. Investment Bankers, Washington D.C.
Developed and refined venture capital business plans for start-up companies.
Private Banking
Early CareerBank of Montreal
Developed and executed financial plans for high-net-worth individuals.
Senior Management
Early 1990sTrizac (UAE)
Part of the senior management team in the growing oil and gas industry.
Founder & CEO
1990s–2000sArab Traders
Launched and led for over a decade a leading oil and gas supplies company operating across the Middle East, capturing growth opportunities in the Gulf and Levant energy sector.
Pioneer & Founder
1999NeTakeOff
Launched the first internet incubator in the Middle East with strategic alliances with leading Silicon Valley–based incubators and R&D companies. Featured extensively in media as a technology pioneer.
Investment & Ventures
Active investor and advisor across multiple sectors, backing companies and innovation throughout the MENA region.
Energy & Infrastructure
Founder, CEO, Investor
Technology & Innovation
Active Angel Investor
Hospitality & Education
Investor & Growth Partner
Facilities & Real Estate
Investor
Speaking & Leadership
Dr. El Solh is a frequent public speaker on business incubation, economics, entrepreneurship, and historic preservation.
Speaking Engagements
United Nations
International Centre for Science and Technology
American University of Beirut
Leadership & Board Positions
Member of the Jury
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
Served as jury member evaluating global creative campaigns at the world's most influential advertising festival.
Co-founder
Entrepreneurship Center of Lebanon
Built a national platform empowering thousands of students with entrepreneurial skills, workshops, and incubation pathways.
Co-founder
First Tuesday Beirut
Co-founded Lebanon's first tech-networking ecosystem, connecting founders, investors, and early-stage startups.
President
George Washington University Alumni Association in Lebanon
Led the Lebanese alumni chapter, expanding membership engagement and strengthening ties with Washington D.C.
Member of the Board of Trustees
Dar Al Ajaza
Oversaw national communications strategy and spearheaded outreach for a major Lebanese humanitarian institution.
Get in Touch
For consulting, investment opportunities, or speaking engagements.
Mobile
+961 (3) 629-425Operating across Lebanon and the wider MENA region
Dr. Wissam El Solh
Entrepreneur • Energy & Tech Investor • Innovation Advisor
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