A UAE entrepreneur approached Shababeek with an interest in investing in a Dutch start‑up developing an artificial‑intelligence‑enabled sensor that detects heart anomalies in real time. The company combined software, hardware and machine‑learning algorithms to provide early warnings for cardiac issues.
Initial Contact
The investor’s first email described the project briefly but expressed hesitation about regulatory hurdles and technical due diligence. We responded promptly, offering a complimentary discovery call to understand his objectives, risk tolerance and timeline.
Information‑gathering checklist
After the call, we provided a detailed checklist to shape his requirements and guide our research. Key points included:
- Investment budget and timeframe – How much capital was he willing to invest and over what period?
- Sector experience – Did he have prior exposure to healthcare, med‑tech or artificial intelligence?
- Investment goals – Was he seeking a minority stake, majority control or strategic partnership? Would he require a board seat or voting rights?
- Regulatory considerations – Could he navigate EU medical‑device approvals, data‑protection regulations and CE‑mark certification?
- Involvement level – Did he wish to be a passive investor or take an active role in product development and go‑to‑market strategy?
- Risk tolerance and exit strategy – What return profile and exit timeline was he targeting? Was he comfortable with technology and clinical trial risk?
- Intellectual‑property requirements – Would he need IP ownership, licensing rights or technology‑transfer provisions?
- Operational preferences – Would he visit the Netherlands regularly or rely on Shababeek to represent him locally?
Due‑diligence and structuring
Using his responses, Shababeek mapped the Dutch health‑tech landscape, reviewed regulatory pathways and arranged consultations with specialist lawyers and medical‑device advisors. We performed a technical and financial review of the start‑up’s patents, prototypes, clinical‑trial pipeline and management team. Based on the investor’s goals, we suggested investing through a BV holding company using a convertible‑note structure that could convert into equity at the next funding round.
We drafted a term sheet outlining valuation, conversion terms, governance rights and milestone‑based tranches. After facilitating virtual and in‑person meetings between the investor and the founders, we helped negotiate final agreements.
Outcome and ongoing support
The investment closed successfully, giving the entrepreneur a significant minority stake and a board‑observer seat. Shababeek coordinated the legal filings, established a Dutch bank account and continues to monitor the project through quarterly reviews. The start‑up has since secured EU grant funding and entered clinical‑trial Phase II, while the investor explores follow‑on opportunities in Europe’s med‑tech ecosystem.
Takeaway
This case illustrates how Shababeek transforms initial hesitation into actionable plans. By combining sector expertise, local networks and structured processes, we empower clients to invest confidently in cutting‑edge technologies. If you’re considering a similar venture, contact us for a personalised roadmap.
