September 2026 | Dubai, UAE

Our founder, Lisa Winning, hosted a fireside conversation with Rupa Popat in Dubai for House of Arāya and Arāya Ventures, in front of an audience of 60 family offices and investors.

Rupa talked about her path from founder to venture capitalist, and what she learned about spotting and backing great founders once she was the one writing the cheques. She also spoke about the conviction and relentless enthusiasm behind the way she invests, and why belief in the people building a company matters as much as the numbers.

The conversation reflects what drives our work at Winning VS: a founder's story is one of their most valuable assets. Rupa has sat on both sides of the table, so she could speak honestly about what investors look for and how founders can show up with clarity and conviction. The room was small and intimate by design, which made for candid discussion and real connections. Dubai is fast becoming a hub for global capital, and gatherings like this one show that the strongest investment relationships usually start with a meaningful conversation.

The evening brought together a curated room of capital allocators and ecosystem builders. Our thanks go to CEO Kavit Haria and the House of Arāya team, and to partners Berkana, The Rufescent, PLAYBOOK, Logictry, The Nova and The BLCK BK for making it happen.