Abu Dhabi to Host New Global Media Investment Fund via Guggenheim-Ethmar Partnership
Ethmar International Holding (EIH), a prominent Abu Dhabi-based investment firm, and Guggenheim Brothers Media (GB Media) have officially partnered to establish a multi-million-dollar investment fund. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the fund is designed to support early to growth-stage companies within the global media, entertainment, and digital creative sectors.
Fund Scope and Investment Focus
The fund, estimated to range between $50 million and $75 million, targets key verticals including content creation, digital intellectual property (IP), and creator-focused infrastructure. Additional areas of interest include entertainment technologies, fan engagement platforms, and next-generation storytelling. Initial investments from the portfolio already include Stapleview, a talent management and comedy platform, and The Lighthouse, a creator-focused campus under the Whalar Group.
Leadership and Expertise
The initiative is led by GB Media founders Dillon Lawson-Johnston and Criswell Fiordalis. Lawson-Johnston, the great-great-grandson of Solomon R. Guggenheim, brings experience from major agencies and production houses including UTA and Anonymous Content. Fiordalis contributes a background in executive leadership from firms such as Lionsgate, MRC, and Hello Sunshine. The partnership combines the Guggenheim family’s cultural legacy with EIH’s regional scale and strategic vision.
Regional Impact and Objectives
The fund aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader economic objective to establish itself as a global hub for the creative industries. By providing capital and a destination platform for emerging creative businesses, the partnership aims to facilitate a bridge between the Middle East and the global creative economy, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for founders and digital entrepreneurs.
About Ethmar International Holding
Ethmar International Holding (EIH) is a leading investment firm based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. EIH manages a diverse portfolio across multiple sectors, focusing on sustainable economic growth and strategic partnerships. The firm plays a pivotal role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s vision as a global hub for innovation, technology, and the creative economy.










