Gary Sheynkman

Gary Sheynkman is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with extensive experience in venture capital, corporate development, and organizational design. As the founder and General Partner of Leyden VC, based in Dubai, he specializes in advising government entities, family offices, and sovereign-owned holding companies on early-stage technology ecosystem development.

Gary's professional journey began as a first-generation immigrant from Kiev, Ukraine, and he completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Management, Entrepreneurship, International Business at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. Later, he went on to work as an Advisor & Investment Partner at GINCO Investments and a Venture Partner at Learn Capital before starting his own venture capital firm.

His notable achievements include leading the first Rolling Fund by a MENA GP, closing more than 35 seed-stage deals, and 12 buy-side M&A deals. Additionally, he founded the first Techstars program in MENA, and his accelerator is ranked #1 in MENA by total funding, PR, and diversity. He launched the first Arabic News Outlet on the Apple Watch and the first video app for VICE Media.

In his current role, Gary helps organizations develop early-stage venture practices, software product strategies, and organizational designs, including new departments and integrated vendor/product teams. He is also well-versed in corporate development and helps his clients with M&A, partnerships, and capital markets.