Swiss-based blockchain investor CV VC is expanding its advisory board with a notable from the Gulf. This is intended to serve as a door opener in Dubai.

CV VC, a Zug-based firm that invests in startups with a focus on blockchain technology, has appointed two new advisory board members, according to a statement Tuesday. Ahmed Bin Sulayem and Jan Werner will join the committee, which is headed by former German Vice-Chancellor Philipp Roesler.

Sulayem's appointment stands out in particular because his appointment is directly linked to CV VC's activities in Dubai. Sulayem is head of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a hub for global commodities trading. The DMCC free trade zone was established by the Dubai government in 2002 and has 18,000 member companies.

Thriving Blockchain Ecosystem

«Courageous and ambitious, Dubai is a destination for pioneers and those motivated by new discovery. It will be my task, alongside fellow CV VC board members, to grow the thriving Blockchain ecosystem in Dubai by connecting it with other internationally leading technology centers,» said Sulayem according to the statement.

«DMCC represents a real gateway of opportunity with its Crypto Centre, and ties with the CV VC organization, being critical to its digital future.»

Newcomer From the Football Community

The second newcomer at CV VC comes from the equally global world of soccer. Werner, a Swiss entrepreneur and investor, was chief financial officer at Team Marketing for nine years. The latter was responsible for marketing the Champions League as UEFA's exclusive partner.

The board of directors of CV VC – not to be confused with the advisory board – is chaired by former Swiss Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann.