Leaders

The field of law is often viewed through rigid lens. Yet, for Aïcha Ahardane, Head of Legal at venture builder Kamet Ventures, law is far more dynamic - sitting at the crossroads of economics, political sciences and sociology – a discipline that requires rigor and creativity. In her current role, she balances safeguarding the business legally while enabling financial growth and innovation.

Aïcha’s career is shaped by resilience, global perspective and cross-cultural fluency. With deep international experience, she navigates complex legal landscapes through sharp analysis and strategic negotiation to drive growth.

Take us through your life’s formative years, highlighting the key influences that shaped your life’s trajectory.

Losing my parents at a young age taught me independence early on and instilled values that continue to guide me today—curiosity, openness and determination. These traits guided my journey from UC Berkeley to qualifying as an attorney in New York and Paris and ultimately building an international career. Along the way, the support of my family and friends reinforced my drive to keep moving forward and nurtered the resilience that underpins my path.

What led your foray into the field of law? How did your professional journey develop over the years?

Law always appealed to me because of its tangible impact on people and businesses, offering a level of complexity which keeps me engaged and has sharpened my negotiation and problem-solving skills.

I began my career as an M&A lawyer at Clifford Chance, advising on complex transactions for some of the world’s most sophisticated clients. This fast-paced environment sharpened my technical expertise and ability to thrive under pressure.

From there, I joined Kamet Ventures where the technical standards were still very high but required a more pragmatic, solution-oriented approach—bridging entrepreneurs, investors, strategic partners and internal teams to bring ambitious ideas to life. Reporting directly to the board gave me a seat at the decision-making table, where I learned to navigate high-risk issues with confidence, make decisive calls and own them.

Introduce us to Kamet Ventures.

Kamet Ventures is an independent venture builder founded in 2016, operating across the Middle East, Europe and the U.S and focusing on HealthTech, InsurTech, and Mobility.

The model is quite unique—we partner with exceptional entrepreneurs to build breakthrough companies. Since launch, Kamet has helped build and scale over 25 startups, in areas including telehealth platforms, AI diagnostics and digital insurance — transforming healthcare and insurance through technology and data.

What key roles and responsibilities do you shoulder as Kamet Ventures’ Head of Legal?

As Head of Legal, I oversee the group’s legal framework across more than 10 countries of operations.

Beyond compliance, I support the group during key milestones for our portfolio companies through fundraisings and successful exits.

Another aspect I especially enjoy is collaborating closely with founders to fine-tune business models, navigate complex regulatory frameworks and meet industry standards from inception. That way, they’re not only compliant but also positioned to scale successfully.

What are some of the most challenging aspects of your role at Kamet Ventures? How do you navigate through these roadblocks?

Operating globally demands more than technical expertise as it requires agility and international mindset. Early-stage ventures need lean, creative solutions, while scaling companies face complex regulatory and international challenges. My role is to anticipate roadblocks, design compliance strategies early and keep businesses moving forward without legal friction.

Heading the legal team requires to stay agile and balance risk management with the speed startups need.

Being a woman in a male-dominated tech industry reinforced my belief in diversity. I focus on contributing with conviction while building relationships that foster respect and collaboration.

What has been the defining factor in your professional journey?

One of the most defining traits of my career has been adaptability to new places and environments. I consider myself fortunate to have lived and worked across different countries and met amazing mentors and colleagues who opened doors at just the right moment.

Leading the legal team and stepping as partner at Kamet Ventures has been a rewarding journey, allowing me to design strong strategies while laying emphasis on innovation and enabling entrepreneurship.

How do you foresee business law landscape evolving in the Middle East? Which industry trends will define the future?

The UAE has seen remarkable transformation owing to its rapid modernization, strenghtening its position as an investor-friendly hub. By blending civil, common, and Islamic law with innovative free zones, it creates tailored solutions for businesses and highlights the region’s dynamism and growth.

Recent innovations include an AI-powered platform linking legislation, court decisions, and public services in real time. Such tools set the stage for new regulations in AI compliance and data protection which will require businesses to strengthen risk assessments and oversight to manage AI-driven decisions.

Aïcha Ahardane, Head Of Legal, Kamet Ventures

Aïcha Ahardane combines cross-cultural insights with legal acumen to deliver transformative results. As Head of Legal at Kamet Ventures, she leverages her global experience and strategic foresight to navigate complex challenges—empowering innovationand growth.