Hashem Montasser

Hashem Montasser is the Co-Founder and Owner-Operator of The Lighthouse Group, a UAE-based hospitality group that operates restaurants, concept stores, and other lifestyle ventures.1 He founded The Lighthouse in January 2017 and continues to lead the company, which has grown to include five physical locations and three cloud kitchens in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.1

Professional Background

Education and Early Career: Hashem holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University, as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School.1 His career began in finance, working at Merrill Lynch and J.P. Morgan in New York and London.1

Finance and Asset Management: Before entering the hospitality industry, Hashem had a successful career in finance and asset management:

• CEO & CIO at Aventicum Capital Management (2011-2013)
• Head of Asset Management at EFG Hermes (2005-2010)

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse Group, co-founded by Hashem Montasser and Hany Bassiouny, offers a unique blend of experiences:

• Mediterranean-inspired soul food with Middle Eastern influences
• Wine, cocktail, and beer menu
• Retail concept store
• Catering service
• Podcast
• Event activations

The name "The Lighthouse" holds multiple meanings, including references to the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the company's role as a beacon for F&B and retail experiences, and personal connections to Hashem's family history.1

Other Ventures

Alongside his work with The Lighthouse, Hashem is also a Founding Partner at Frontlane Capital, an investment firm focusing on seed and early-stage ventures in food tech and other tech-enabled industries.1

Hashem Montasser's diverse background in finance, asset management, and now hospitality has shaped his approach to business, combining his experience in high-level financial operations with a passion for creating unique lifestyle concepts in the UAE.