MAKR
Network Introduction Report

Wave Sciences -- Network Introductions

Curated from Rimah's LinkedIn Network (16,410 connections)

Prepared: April 18, 2026
Company: Wave Sciences Corp
Stage: Late Seed / Pre-Series A
HQ: Charleston, SC
This document is classified CONFIDENTIAL and prepared for MAKR Venture Fund internal use only. Do not distribute externally.
00 Context

Wave Sciences Corp builds AI-powered audio technology (the GLIMPSE engine) that isolates individual voices from noisy recordings. Patented, FBI-validated, court-admissible. Three market verticals: (1) law enforcement forensic audio, (2) counter-UAS / defense, (3) commercial robotics and consumer audio. Currently in NATO DIANA 2026 cohort for acoustic drone detection. Late seed / pre-Series A. Based in Charleston, SC.

MAKR's primary value-add is GCC market access for the C-UAS and defense verticals, plus robotics licensing introductions and co-investor sourcing.

01 Potential Customers -- Defense and C-UAS 5 contacts
1Jasem Al Shehhi
Vice President of Operating Division and Networks, UAE Ministry of Defense
Connected: August 2016
Seniority: C-Suite
Why This Matters

Senior UAE MoD official. UAE faces active drone threats (Houthi-origin UAS targeting infrastructure and military assets). The UAE Ministry of Defense is actively procuring C-UAS capabilities. Jasem is a decision-level contact, not a gatekeeper.

Suggested Angle
"MAKR is evaluating a NATO DIANA-validated technology for passive acoustic drone detection. It detects drones at distances where radar and cameras fail, with no emissions that reveal position. Given the UAE's C-UAS priorities, would your team be interested in a technical briefing from the company's founder, a 25-year CIA veteran and audio forensics pioneer?"
Strong -- Long-standing connection (10 years). C-Suite. Direct buyer.
2Ahmed Altamimi
Director of Special Projects, Ministry of Defence, Saudi Arabia
Connected: December 2015
Seniority: VP/Director
Why This Matters

Saudi Arabia faces persistent Houthi drone threats to oil infrastructure, military bases, and cities. "Special Projects" at the Saudi MoD is precisely where novel C-UAS technologies get evaluated. Ahmed is the right person to champion a pilot.

Suggested Angle
"We have a company in our pipeline with a patented acoustic detection system that identifies drones passively, including autonomous drones that emit no RF signal. NATO selected them for their 2026 defense accelerator. Would Special Projects be interested in a demonstration?"
Strong -- Long-standing connection (10+ years). Director level in procurement-adjacent function.
3Ali Diab
Independent Security Consultant, Counter-UAS, Electronic Warfare and TSCM
Connected: May 2025
Seniority: Individual Contributor
Why This Matters

Ali is a domain expert in exactly Wave Sciences' C-UAS market. He can (a) provide independent technical validation of the GLIMPSE engine's C-UAS claims, (b) open doors to defense procurement networks he advises, and (c) potentially serve as an advisor or regional representative for Wave Sciences.

Suggested Angle
"Ali, we are evaluating a company with a patented AI engine for passive acoustic drone detection, validated by NATO DIANA. Given your C-UAS expertise, I would value your technical perspective. Could we set up a call with the founder?"
Moderate -- Recent connection (under 1 year). Direct domain match. Independent, no competing corporate agenda.
4Firas Alhobayb
Commercial Director, SAMI Advanced Electronics
Connected: February 2016
Seniority: VP/Director
Why This Matters

SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries) is the Saudi defense industrial champion. SAMI Advanced Electronics builds electronic warfare and sensor systems. Wave Sciences' GLIMPSE engine could be integrated into SAMI's product portfolio as an acoustic detection layer. Firas holds the commercial decision-making role.

Suggested Angle
"MAKR is working with a US-based company that has developed a patented acoustic sensor AI for passive drone detection. Their technology complements radar and RF approaches. Would SAMI Advanced Electronics be interested in exploring an integration or licensing arrangement?"
Strong -- Long-standing connection. Commercial Director = right function for partnership discussions.
5Shahrzad Banouei
Chairwoman, Armada Defence Corp
Connected: June 2024
Seniority: C-Suite
Why This Matters

As chairwoman of a defense company, Shahrzad could evaluate Wave Sciences as a technology partner, co-investor, or acquisition target. Armada Defence could serve as a distribution channel for Wave Sciences' technology in regional defense markets.

Suggested Angle
"Shahrzad, MAKR is evaluating a deep-tech defense company with FBI-validated and NATO DIANA-selected acoustic AI technology. Their GLIMPSE engine provides a passive detection layer that complements existing C-UAS systems. I think Armada Defence could be a strong integration or distribution partner."
Moderate -- Relatively recent connection (2 years). C-Suite at a defense company. Chairwoman-level means strategic, not just tactical.
02 Potential Customers -- Critical Infrastructure 3 contacts
6Tamer Rahmy
Executive Board Member and Country General Manager (KSA), ADNOC Group
Connected: June 2020
Seniority: C-Suite
Why This Matters

ADNOC operates critical oil and gas infrastructure across the Gulf. Saudi oil facilities have been targeted by drone attacks. Acoustic drone detection for perimeter security at refineries, pipelines, and processing plants is a direct use case. Tamer's executive board position means he can champion a pilot program.

Suggested Angle
"Tamer, we are working with a company whose technology can detect drones passively using sound, even autonomous drones that radar cannot see. Given the threats to Gulf energy infrastructure, would ADNOC be interested in a perimeter security pilot at a facility?"
Strong -- C-Suite at a major energy company. 6 years connected.
7Ersin Inankul
Senior Vice President, Business Technology, Dubai Airports
Connected: July 2020
Seniority: C-Suite
Why This Matters

Airport drone incursions are a global problem. Dubai International Airport is one of the world's busiest. Acoustic detection is valuable at airports because it is passive (no radar interference with flight operations) and can detect autonomous drones. Ersin's SVP technology role makes him the right entry point.

Suggested Angle
"Ersin, drone incursions at airports are a growing threat globally. We are evaluating a NATO-selected technology that detects drones acoustically, with no emissions to interfere with airport radar or navigation systems. Would Dubai Airports be interested in learning more?"
Strong -- SVP level. Direct operational relevance. 6 years connected.
8Khalil AlSobhi
Regional Head of Smart City, NEOM
Connected: July 2025
Seniority: VP/Director
Why This Matters

NEOM is a $500B mega-project that requires comprehensive perimeter security. Acoustic monitoring can detect unauthorized drones and intruders without the visual clutter of radar installations. Khalil leads the smart city vertical where security technology gets specified.

Suggested Angle
"Khalil, MAKR is working with a company that has built what NATO calls 'portrait mode for sound,' a passive acoustic detection system that can identify drones and intruders without radar. For NEOM's perimeter security requirements, this could be a valuable complementary layer."
Moderate -- Recent connection (under 1 year). VP/Director level at NEOM.
03 Potential Partners -- Robotics (GLIMPSE Licensing) 3 contacts
9Fareed Aljawhari
CEO, Micropolis Robotics
Connected: April 2025
Seniority: C-Suite
Why This Matters

Micropolis is a GCC-based robotics company. Multiple Micropolis employees appear in Rimah's network, suggesting a warm relationship. Robots operating in noisy environments (warehouses, public spaces, outdoors) need audio perception. GLIMPSE could be a differentiating feature.

Suggested Angle
"Fareed, we are looking at an AI engine that gives machines human-like hearing, isolating individual sound sources from background noise using just two microphones. It is FBI-validated and works in uncontrolled real-world conditions. Could this be relevant for Micropolis?"
Moderate -- Recent connection (1 year). CEO. GCC-based, so timezone and market alignment.
10Maher Shouraba
Business Development and Project Manager, SoftBank Robotics UK (EMEA HQ)
Connected: November 2024
Seniority: Manager
Why This Matters

SoftBank Robotics makes Pepper and NAO, among the world's most widely deployed social robots. These robots operate in airports, hotels, hospitals, and retail environments where noise is a major challenge for voice interaction. GLIMPSE integration could significantly improve their audio capabilities.

Suggested Angle
"Maher, we are evaluating a patented audio AI engine that solves the cocktail party problem: isolating a target voice from noisy environments using minimal microphones. For social robots like Pepper operating in airports and retail, this could be a meaningful capability upgrade. Would the team be interested in a technical evaluation?"
Moderate -- Recent connection (under 2 years). BD role = right function for partnership discussions.
11Cosimo Leipold
SVP Strategy, Serve Robotics
Connected: April 2021
Seniority: VP/Director
Why This Matters

Serve Robotics builds autonomous delivery robots that operate on sidewalks in noisy urban environments. Audio perception (hearing approaching vehicles, understanding voice commands from pedestrians) is a safety and interaction feature. GLIMPSE's ability to work with just 2 microphones and no calibration fits edge-deployed robotics.

Suggested Angle
"Cosimo, your delivery robots navigate some of the noisiest environments on earth. We are looking at an AI engine that gives machines spatial hearing, able to locate and isolate specific sound sources in real time. Could be relevant for safety and pedestrian interaction."
Strong -- 5 years connected. SVP Strategy = right level for evaluating new capabilities.
04 Potential Investors -- Co-investment and Strategic Capital 3 contacts
12Marco Allegretti
Senior Partner, AI Fund, CDP Venture Capital SGR
Connected: September 2025
Seniority: C-Suite
Why This Matters

CDP Venture Capital is Italy's national venture capital fund. The AI Fund specifically invests in AI companies. Wave Sciences' GLIMPSE engine is a pure AI/ML play with defense and commercial applications. As a European fund, CDP could co-invest alongside MAKR and provide NATO-market access (Italy is a NATO member and active in defense procurement).

Suggested Angle
"Marco, MAKR is evaluating a deep-tech AI company in the audio/defense space. Patented physics+ML engine, FBI-validated, NATO DIANA 2026 cohort. Pre-Series A, likely attractive valuation. Their European defense pathway through NATO DIANA makes a European co-investor highly strategic. Would CDP's AI Fund be interested in a co-investment conversation?"
Moderate -- Recent connection (under 1 year). Senior Partner at AI Fund = direct thesis match.
13Trey Goede
Origination, Investment and Portfolio Management, Saudi Aramco Entrepreneurship Center (Wa'ed)
Connected: August 2023
Seniority: Individual Contributor
Why This Matters

Wa'ed is Aramco's venture arm. Wave Sciences' C-UAS technology directly addresses drone threats to Aramco's oil infrastructure. This is a rare case where the strategic investor is also the end customer. Wa'ed could invest and simultaneously pilot the technology at Aramco facilities.

Suggested Angle
"Trey, we are looking at a company with NATO-validated acoustic drone detection technology. Given the drone threat landscape for oil and gas infrastructure, this sits at the intersection of Wa'ed's investment thesis and Aramco's operational security needs. Would Wa'ed be interested in exploring both an investment and a pilot?"
Strong -- 3 years connected. Investment + customer dual angle is compelling.
14Enrico Milovan
Scaleup Acceleration Head / Assistant Vice President, Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Connected: May 2023
Seniority: C-Suite
Why This Matters

PIF is Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund ($930B+ AUM). PIF's scaleup acceleration program helps companies enter the Saudi market. Wave Sciences could benefit from PIF facilitation for Saudi defense and infrastructure contracts. Even if PIF does not invest directly at this stage, Enrico could connect Wave Sciences to PIF portfolio companies (NEOM, Aramco, SAMI) that are potential customers.

Suggested Angle
"Enrico, MAKR is evaluating a US-based deep-tech company with patented acoustic AI for drone detection and forensic audio. NATO-validated, FBI-tested. Their technology is directly relevant to Saudi defense and infrastructure security. Could PIF's scaleup program help accelerate their GCC market entry?"
Strong -- 3 years connected. PIF is the most powerful strategic facilitator in Saudi Arabia.
05 Strategic Connections -- Channel Partners and Distribution 1 contact
15Fahed Farah
Regional Sales Manager META, India and Pakistan, Magnet Forensics
Connected: January 2016
Seniority: Manager
Why This Matters

Magnet Forensics is a leading digital forensics company. Their sales team sells to exactly the same buyers Wave Sciences targets for Acoustical Focus (forensic audio software): crime labs, digital evidence units, law enforcement agencies across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. Fahed could serve as a distribution channel or co-selling partner for Acoustical Focus in the MENA region.

Suggested Angle
"Fahed, we are working with a company that has built forensic audio software (Acoustical Focus) that was used to crack the Dan Markel murder case. Their technology is complementary to Magnet's digital forensics suite. Would there be interest in a co-selling or bundling arrangement for the META region?"
Strong -- Long-standing connection (10+ years). Same buyer persona, same region. Complementary, not competitive.
06 Priority Sequence
PriorityContactCategoryWhy First
1Ali DiabTechnical ValidatorIndependent C-UAS expert validates technology before buyer intros
2Jasem Al ShehhiCustomer (UAE MoD)Highest-value single buyer. UAE is MAKR Alliance's home market
3Ahmed AltamimiCustomer (Saudi MoD)Saudi defense is the largest GCC budget. Active drone threat
4Firas AlhobaybPartner (SAMI)Saudi defense industrial champion. Integration or licensing
5Trey GoedeInvestor + CustomerAramco's venture arm. Dual invest-and-pilot opportunity
6Tamer RahmyCustomer (ADNOC)Gulf energy infrastructure protection
7Marco AllegrettiCo-investorEuropean AI fund. NATO market co-investment
8Ersin InankulCustomer (Dubai Airports)Airport C-UAS. Passive acoustic fits airport constraints
9Khalil AlSobhiCustomer (NEOM)$500B mega-project. Long-term infrastructure contract
10Fareed AljawhariPartner (Robotics)GCC robotics. GLIMPSE licensing revenue
11Fahed FarahChannel (Forensics)Distribution for Acoustical Focus in MENA
12Shahrzad BanoueiPartner (Defense)Defense company. Integration/distribution
13Enrico MilovanFacilitator (PIF)Saudi sovereign wealth fund market access
14Maher ShourabaPartner (Robotics)SoftBank Robotics. Major OEM licensing
15Cosimo LeipoldPartner (Robotics)Serve Robotics. US autonomous delivery
07 Sequencing Rationale

Start with Ali Diab (technical validation) before making buyer introductions. An independent C-UAS expert endorsing the technology gives credibility when approaching ministry-level contacts. Then approach GCC defense buyers (Jasem, Ahmed) while simultaneously opening the co-investor conversation (Marco, Trey). Infrastructure customers (Tamer, Ersin, Khalil) come next. Robotics licensing (Fareed, Maher, Cosimo) is a longer sales cycle and can run in parallel with defense introductions.

The forensic channel (Fahed Farah) should be activated after MAKR confirms investment intent, since Acoustical Focus is the existing revenue product and channel partnerships take less capital to execute.

08 Contacts Searched but Not Recommended
Adel Zouheiri -- Airbus PSS, Head of Sales Saudi/Kuwait
Strong contact but Airbus relationship is complex. Airbus could be partner or competitor in C-UAS. Better to approach after SAMI conversation clarifies the landscape.
Dr. Omair Mustafa -- Advisor to CEO, Ministry of Interior KSA
Interior ministry is relevant for forensic audio, but Saudi MoI buys through different channels than MoD. Lower priority than defense contacts.
Joaquim Alvarez -- Head of Cognitive Cities, NEOM
Redundant with Khalil AlSobhi. Khalil is more directly relevant (smart city security vs. software engineering).
Emad Alaqeel -- Data Science Consultant, SAMI
Redundant with Firas Alhobayb, who holds the commercial decision-making role.
Multiple NEOM/TONOMUS contacts (Doha Marzouk, Casper Tribler, Ahmad Karawash)
Valuable but secondary to Khalil AlSobhi as the entry point.
Eslam Taha -- Head of Digital Technology, Riyadh Airports
Strong fit for C-UAS at airports but Riyadh Airports is less immediate than Dubai Airports given MAKR's Dubai base.
Algis Kazickas / Sami Masalha -- VPs, Parsons Corporation
Parsons does defense and infrastructure work but is primarily an engineering services firm, not a technology buyer.
Nemer Mdardas -- Regional Director MENA, Gallagher Security
Physical security company. Could be a channel partner for C-UAS, but lower priority than direct defense buyers.