About
Founded on an entrepreneurial spirit, since 1826.
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Our Story
In 1826, our entrepreneurial journey began in Geneva, Switzerland, creating nearly a two-century legacy defined by resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
At 1826 Partners, we believe that true entrepreneurship knows no borders and thrives on collaboration.
As a bridge between Europe and the MENA region, we harness the unique dynamics of each market to fuel innovation and growth, empowering startups and SMEs to seize opportunities and accelerate growth across diverse sectors and stages of business development.
As a bridge between Europe and the MENA region, we harness the unique dynamics of each market to fuel innovation and growth, empowering startups and SMEs to seize opportunities and accelerate growth across diverse sectors and stages of business development.
Each team member brings their own unique expertise and story to the table.
Core team
Our core team is a powerhouse of experts in investment management, strategy, marketing, tech & AI, and cross-border business development, bringing a wealth of experience and a track record of success to drive innovation and achieve outstanding results.
Decentralized Advisory Board
Our decentralized advisory board features top entrepreneurs and industry experts from Europe and the MENA region. This board offers strategic guidance, mentorship, and fresh perspectives, enhancing our community-driven approach and keeping us agile to meet market demands.
Our core team is a powerhouse of experts in investment management, strategy, marketing, tech & AI, and cross-border business development, bringing a wealth of experience and a track record of success to drive innovation and achieve outstanding results.
Decentralized Advisory Board
Our decentralized advisory board features top entrepreneurs and industry experts from Europe and the MENA region. This board offers strategic guidance, mentorship, and fresh perspectives, enhancing our community-driven approach and keeping us agile to meet market demands.
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Christophe Forest
Partner
Christophe has almost 20 years of experience in the financial industry as an investment manager and portfolio manager.
He is a financial analyst and wealth manager (CIIA), a member of the Swiss Association of Financial Analysts, and holds a Master of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Geneva, a Data Science Professional Certificate from Harvard, and a Professional Certificate in Blockchain Basics from UC Berkeley.
He is a financial analyst and wealth manager (CIIA), a member of the Swiss Association of Financial Analysts, and holds a Master of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of Geneva, a Data Science Professional Certificate from Harvard, and a Professional Certificate in Blockchain Basics from UC Berkeley.
Salim Abduljawad
Partner
Salim brings valuable regional insight and a strong network of local entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to 1826 Partners.
With experience working with clients such as the Saudi SME authority and in both established strategy firms and growth startups, he leads the advisory service with strategic acumen and drives cross-regional initiatives within the venture studio.
With experience working with clients such as the Saudi SME authority and in both established strategy firms and growth startups, he leads the advisory service with strategic acumen and drives cross-regional initiatives within the venture studio.
Nicolas Pelhat
Partner
Nicolas brings extensive investment experience with Ultra High Net Worth individuals from the Middle East to 1826 Partners.
With a background in leading private banks across Geneva, London, and New York, he strengthens 1826 Partners investment strategy and fundraising services, while supporting the venture studio to shape and grow new ventures.
With a background in leading private banks across Geneva, London, and New York, he strengthens 1826 Partners investment strategy and fundraising services, while supporting the venture studio to shape and grow new ventures.
Jeremy Favarger
Investments
Jeremy brings extensive experience in managing investments for Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) across private equity, venture capital, and liquid assets. His deep expertise spans both European and Middle Eastern markets, where he has successfully navigated complex investment landscapes and strategic opportunities. With a strong academic foundation from top European business schools, Jeremy combines analytical rigor with a nuanced understanding of cross-border finance.
Nicole Boghossian
Marketing & PR Advisor - Geneva
Nicole brings extensive industry expertise to 1826 Partners as the former Head of Marketing and member of the Swiss board at Bvlgari, with a strong background in the luxury sector.
As the founder of NBoghossian Consulting in Geneva, her entrepreneurial experience supports the venture studio and advisory at 1826 Partners.
As the founder of NBoghossian Consulting in Geneva, her entrepreneurial experience supports the venture studio and advisory at 1826 Partners.
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Joe Frem
Strategy Advisor - Riyadh
Joe is an experienced entrepreneur with deep expertise in the MENA region, having built successful consumer startups and worked six years at McKinsey.
His hands-on knowledge enhances the advisory service with practical guidance for startups, while his entrepreneurial insight supports the venture studio in launching and scaling diverse ventures.
His hands-on knowledge enhances the advisory service with practical guidance for startups, while his entrepreneurial insight supports the venture studio in launching and scaling diverse ventures.
Guillaume Tetu
Strategy Advisor - Geneva
Guillaume brings extensive industry expertise to 1826 Partners, having served as Head of Global Watches and Jewelry at Ralph Lauren and held key roles at LVMH.
As the founder of Hautlence and current CEO of Valorise in Switzerland, his entrepreneurial experience supports the venture studio in driving growth across the 1826 Partners portfolio.
As the founder of Hautlence and current CEO of Valorise in Switzerland, his entrepreneurial experience supports the venture studio in driving growth across the 1826 Partners portfolio.
Edward Mitterrand
Art & Culture Advisor - Geneva
Edward Mitterrand is a prominent figure in the European art world, with over 15 years of experience establishing galleries in Switzerland. His expertise extends to providing art advisory, curating exceptional collections, and organizing exhibitions across the globe. He is also Chairman of Galerie Mitterrand in Paris, and oversees Domaine du Muy, in the South of France.
Qasem Al-Hijji
Tech & AI - Riyadh
Qasem brings a blend of expertise in data science, technology, and artificial intelligence, paired with innovative problem-solving, to 1826 Partners.
With experience in both established firms and high-growth startups in Saudi Arabia, he supports the advisory service with data-driven insights and plays a key role in developing tech-focused ventures.
With experience in both established firms and high-growth startups in Saudi Arabia, he supports the advisory service with data-driven insights and plays a key role in developing tech-focused ventures.
Sarah Mouane
Legal & Operations - Geneva
Sarah brings a strong legal background to 1826 Partners, with experience at international law firms in Monaco and France.
She plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations, supporting both the advisory service and venture studio. Her insights help navigate complex legal landscapes, enabling 1826 Partners to expand its portfolio responsibly.
She plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations, supporting both the advisory service and venture studio. Her insights help navigate complex legal landscapes, enabling 1826 Partners to expand its portfolio responsibly.
Dima Hamze
Advisory & Community - Jeddah
Dima is the founding manager of the Geneva Responsible Entrepreneurship Center, where she built strategic partnerships and a support system for startups. An entrepreneur herself, she has mentored early-stage founders and connected them with key players in the Swiss startup ecosystem. She holds a master’s in Innovation, Human Development, and Sustainability from the University of Geneva.
Talal Al-Johani
Legal & Business - Riyadh
Talal provides tech-driven insights backed by legal expertise, combining digital innovation with a solid foundation in law at 1826 Partners. With experience researching regulatory approaches and advising on projects in Saudi Arabia, he supports the advisory service in business structuring and process optimization, helping to build a resilient cross-regional ecosystem.