VentureSouq

VentureSouq is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The firm specializes in managing thematic funds with a focus on early-stage technology companies. Its investment strategy encompasses various sectors, including FinTech, ClimateTech, agriculture tech, environmental tech, food tech, enterprise software, health tech, and digital media. With a global portfolio, VentureSouq aims to support innovative startups in the MENA region and beyond.

Maan Eshgi

General Partner

Sonia Gokhale

Partner

Suneel Gokhale

Co-Founder and General Partner

Tammer Qaddumi

Co-Founder and General Partner

Sonia Weymuller

Founding Partner

Past deals in Western Asia

Hakbah

Series A in 2023
Hakbah Fintech is a prominent startup based in Saudi Arabia that specializes in financial savings through a unique social savings model. The company aims to transform how individuals save and access funds by offering a digital platform that facilitates both business-to-consumer and business-to-business-to-consumer solutions. Its application allows users to create or join savings groups, enabling them to save collaboratively with others. Users can participate in various time-based savings plans and customize their saving options. Payments for installments can be made using debit cards, and users have the flexibility to withdraw funds to their bank accounts when it is their turn to receive the pooled savings. Hakbah's mission is to simplify the savings process and make it accessible to everyone, empowering individuals to take control of their financial habits in a hassle-free manner.

Salla

Secondary Market in 2023
Salla is a Saudi-based e-commerce platform that empowers users to establish their own online stores in Arabic, facilitating the sale of products and services directly to customers. The platform allows users to create branded stores with personalized domain names and design options. Store owners can effectively manage their inventory through Salla’s website or mobile application. Additionally, Salla offers a variety of features, including marketing tools, automated invoicing, and performance reports, which aid merchants in enhancing their sales and customer engagement. Users benefit from capabilities such as customer database management, the ability to block customers, and options for promotions and discounts, all without incurring fees or commissions.

Huspy

Series A in 2022
Huspy is a proptech company founded in 2020 and based in Dubai, UAE, that aims to simplify the home financing process. It offers an online mortgage service platform designed to enhance the home-buying experience by making it user-friendly and efficient. Huspy addresses the complexities of securing a mortgage by allowing home buyers to obtain home loans through its web and mobile application, eliminating the need for traditional paperwork. By reimagining the home buying process, Huspy seeks to make obtaining a mortgage a celebratory experience for buyers, ultimately facilitating a more accessible and cost-effective approach to home ownership.

Manara

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Manara is dedicated to bridging the gap between talented software engineers and their ideal employment opportunities, with a focus on the Arab tech sector. The company identifies and thoroughly vets undiscovered talent, providing a platform for computer science students and software engineers in Arabic-speaking regions, particularly Palestine. Manara runs training programs aimed at enhancing skills and fostering diversity, especially among women, who represent a significant portion of computer science graduates in Palestine. By connecting qualified individuals with global tech companies, Manara facilitates both onsite and remote job placements, ultimately contributing to the growth of the tech industry in the region while empowering individuals to advance their careers.

Cyble

Series A in 2022
Cyble is a cybersecurity company that specializes in cyber intelligence software aimed at monitoring the dark web and cybercrime. The company offers a platform that provides comprehensive visibility into cyber threats and risks by automating risk assessment processes and integrating deep web intelligence. This enables governments and enterprises to detect, prioritize, and remediate security threats effectively. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Cyble has a global presence with offices in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and India. By delivering timely intelligence and expert insights, Cyble empowers its clients to safeguard their citizens and infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

Quant Data & Analytics

Series A in 2022
Quant Data & Analytics is a consultancy based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specializing in data science services. Founded in 2015, the company offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including data analytics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data quality management. Its services encompass data visualization, predictive analytics, and analytics training, aimed at helping businesses and governments leverage data effectively. Additionally, Quant develops a data analytics platform that integrates project management, data aggregation, and metadata management, enabling clients to address operational and strategic challenges. Through its offerings, Quant Data & Analytics strives to empower organizations to optimize operations and enhance decision-making capabilities.

Lucidya

Series B in 2022
Lucidya, LLC is a software as a service (SaaS) company specializing in social media monitoring and analytics. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Lucidya offers a platform that enables organizations to detect and analyze social media trends, track hashtags, and access brand statistics through an interactive dashboard. It provides features such as real-time alerts, automated reporting, competitive analysis, and benchmarking. The company's unique AI and Arabic natural language processing technologies allow for accurate analysis of interactions in the Arabic language, positioning it as a leading tool in the MENA region. Lucidya serves a diverse clientele, including agencies, brands, non-profit organizations, and media entities, and has expanded its reach beyond Saudi Arabia to over six countries, catering to various industries such as telecommunications, banking, automotive, and retail.

Sary

Series C in 2021
Sary is a digital business-to-business marketplace based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that connects small and medium-sized enterprises with merchant wholesalers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Founded in 2018 by Mohammed Aldossary and Khaled AlSiari, Sary aims to streamline the supply chain in the wholesale industry, allowing businesses to efficiently procure inventory. Its mobile and web application offers a range of FMCG products, including beverages, oils, and snacks, facilitating orders from small quantities to truckloads with rapid delivery options, often within 24 hours. Sary serves a diverse clientele, including mini-market chains, hotels, restaurants, and convenience shops, and has expanded its operations to 12 major cities, catering to over 40,000 customers and partnering with more than 1,700 brands and wholesalers. The platform provides users with immediate price quotations and product comparisons, enabling them to manage their expenses effectively as their businesses grow.

Tamatem

Series B in 2021
Tamatem Inc. is a mobile gaming studio and publishing company based in Amman, Jordan, with an additional office in Mountain View, California. Founded in 2013, Tamatem specializes in developing and localizing mobile games for Arabic-speaking smartphone users. The company collaborates with international studios to adapt games, ensuring they resonate culturally and linguistically with the Arabic audience. Tamatem's portfolio includes various genres, such as racing, RPG-MMO, strategy, puzzle, and trivia games. With a focus on user acquisition, distribution, and monetization, Tamatem has successfully published 40 games that have garnered over 50 million downloads. The company is recognized for its expertise in making games relevant to the regional market, enhancing their potential for success.

Dayra

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Dayra is an online financial platform that aims to provide essential financial services to unbanked gig workers and micro-businesses, primarily in Egypt. By leveraging API integration, Dayra enables companies to offer services such as virtual bank accounts, prepaid cards, and access to credit and loans. This approach allows businesses to seamlessly embed financial services into their existing operations, facilitating hassle-free and instant financing for their unbanked workers and customers. Dayra's offerings are designed to be more accessible and cost-effective than traditional lending options, addressing the financial needs of underserved populations.

Huspy

Convertible Note in 2021
Huspy is a proptech company founded in 2020 and based in Dubai, UAE, that aims to simplify the home financing process. It offers an online mortgage service platform designed to enhance the home-buying experience by making it user-friendly and efficient. Huspy addresses the complexities of securing a mortgage by allowing home buyers to obtain home loans through its web and mobile application, eliminating the need for traditional paperwork. By reimagining the home buying process, Huspy seeks to make obtaining a mortgage a celebratory experience for buyers, ultimately facilitating a more accessible and cost-effective approach to home ownership.

Rain

Convertible Note in 2021
Rain is a regulated cryptocurrency exchange based in Manama, Bahrain, that was founded in 2017. It operates a digital currency trading platform specifically designed to facilitate secure and compliant transactions in the Middle East. The platform allows clients to buy, sell, and store digital currencies while adhering to regulatory standards. By functioning within a regulatory sandbox, Rain aims to provide a safe environment for digital transactions, enhancing trust and security for its users.

Tabby

Series B in 2021
Tabby Inc. is a financial technology company based in the United Arab Emirates that offers innovative payment solutions for online and offline shopping. The company specializes in a buy now, pay later service, providing consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with flexible payment options. Customers can choose to pay for their purchases either in a single deferred payment or in multiple installments, allowing them to manage their spending and enhance their shopping experience. Through its platform, Tabby aims to reshape the relationship between consumers and money, promoting financial freedom and responsible spending.

Baraka

Seed Round in 2021
Baraka is an investment application founded in the UAE that aims to democratize access to the stock markets. The platform provides users with educational resources, concise market news, and comprehensive stock analysis to build their confidence as investors. It facilitates commission-free investing in a wide range of stocks and exchange-traded funds, allowing individuals to easily explore various investment opportunities. Baraka's mission is to empower everyone to participate in the financial markets, making investment accessible and straightforward for all.

Quant Data & Analytics

Series A in 2021
Quant Data & Analytics is a consultancy based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specializing in data science services. Founded in 2015, the company offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including data analytics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data quality management. Its services encompass data visualization, predictive analytics, and analytics training, aimed at helping businesses and governments leverage data effectively. Additionally, Quant develops a data analytics platform that integrates project management, data aggregation, and metadata management, enabling clients to address operational and strategic challenges. Through its offerings, Quant Data & Analytics strives to empower organizations to optimize operations and enhance decision-making capabilities.

Wealthes Capital

Series A in 2021
Wealthes Capital is a global investment manager, specializing in alternative investments, with a primary focus on fintech in Europe and real estate in the Middle East (MEA). Since our establishment in 2018, we've been committed to generating attractive returns for our clients while creating enduring value in our portfolio companies by adopting a disciplined investment process. We employ talented professionals and leverage the resources of a global institution with an innovative approach. We invest capital into our products and strategies, ensuring that interests align with our investors and stakeholders. We strive for sustainable value creation through our investments and in the communities where we operate. We take pride in partnering with clients to provide tailored solutions to their needs. Our primary offices are located in Abu Dhabi and London.

Sary

Series B in 2021
Sary is a digital business-to-business marketplace based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that connects small and medium-sized enterprises with merchant wholesalers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Founded in 2018 by Mohammed Aldossary and Khaled AlSiari, Sary aims to streamline the supply chain in the wholesale industry, allowing businesses to efficiently procure inventory. Its mobile and web application offers a range of FMCG products, including beverages, oils, and snacks, facilitating orders from small quantities to truckloads with rapid delivery options, often within 24 hours. Sary serves a diverse clientele, including mini-market chains, hotels, restaurants, and convenience shops, and has expanded its operations to 12 major cities, catering to over 40,000 customers and partnering with more than 1,700 brands and wholesalers. The platform provides users with immediate price quotations and product comparisons, enabling them to manage their expenses effectively as their businesses grow.

Baraka

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Baraka is an investment application founded in the UAE that aims to democratize access to the stock markets. The platform provides users with educational resources, concise market news, and comprehensive stock analysis to build their confidence as investors. It facilitates commission-free investing in a wide range of stocks and exchange-traded funds, allowing individuals to easily explore various investment opportunities. Baraka's mission is to empower everyone to participate in the financial markets, making investment accessible and straightforward for all.

NymCard

Series A in 2021
NymCard is a payment processing platform founded in 2016, operating from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with a focus on enhancing the digital payment landscape in Africa and the Middle East. The company specializes in providing an issuer processor solution that allows banks and financial institutions to offer innovative digital payment products, including plastic, virtual, and tokenized cards. NymCard's advanced infrastructure and user-friendly mobile wallet solutions facilitate quick account setup and immediate access to smart payment cards, promoting efficient and secure online transactions. By leveraging open APIs and mobile SDKs, NymCard aims to address the low penetration of payment cards in these regions, thereby driving greater participation in the digital economy.

Tabby

Series A in 2020
Tabby Inc. is a financial technology company based in the United Arab Emirates that offers innovative payment solutions for online and offline shopping. The company specializes in a buy now, pay later service, providing consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with flexible payment options. Customers can choose to pay for their purchases either in a single deferred payment or in multiple installments, allowing them to manage their spending and enhance their shopping experience. Through its platform, Tabby aims to reshape the relationship between consumers and money, promoting financial freedom and responsible spending.

Mamo

Seed Round in 2020
Mamo is a fintech startup based in Dubai, UAE, specializing in payment and financial solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is the first fintech company licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority to provide money services, enabling it to offer a diverse range of financial services. Mamo's flagship product, Mamo Business, serves as an alternative to traditional business banking, functioning as a financial operating system tailored to the needs of SMEs. The platform incorporates essential components such as payments, spend management, and analytics, facilitating efficient financial operations. Mamo's application allows businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies, issue virtual cards, manage expenses, and integrate with e-commerce platforms. Its customer base includes a variety of sectors, including B2B service providers, tourism, healthcare, wellness, and retail, helping to streamline financial processes and enhance analysis of spending habits.

Quant Data & Analytics

Seed Round in 2020
Quant Data & Analytics is a consultancy based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specializing in data science services. Founded in 2015, the company offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including data analytics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data quality management. Its services encompass data visualization, predictive analytics, and analytics training, aimed at helping businesses and governments leverage data effectively. Additionally, Quant develops a data analytics platform that integrates project management, data aggregation, and metadata management, enabling clients to address operational and strategic challenges. Through its offerings, Quant Data & Analytics strives to empower organizations to optimize operations and enhance decision-making capabilities.

Dapi

Seed Round in 2020
Dapi Ltd is a fintech company that specializes in developing an application programming interface (API) designed to facilitate payments between consumer bank accounts and businesses. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Dapi offers a suite of open banking APIs that enable real-time connections to customer bank accounts, initiate payments, and access financial data. This functionality empowers developers to create various financial applications, such as digital wallets, budget trackers, and investment tools. Dapi's services have gained traction across multiple countries, including operations in the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, South Africa, and Kuwait. The company has experienced significant growth, achieving $400,000 in annual recurring revenue and a monthly growth rate exceeding 50%.

Sabbar

Seed Round in 2019
Sabbar Ltd. is an on-demand staffing platform based in Saudi Arabia that focuses on blue-collar jobs in the retail, hospitality, and entertainment sectors within the MENA region. The company provides an integrated solution for businesses to recruit casual staff during peak periods by connecting them with qualified and vetted professionals. Sabbar streamlines the recruitment process, alleviating administrative burdens associated with hiring, such as interviews, training, scheduling, and payment. By combining application software with strategic analytics and video communications, Sabbar aims to enhance productivity in candidate management and improve hiring outcomes for its clients.

Kitopi

Series B in 2019
Kitopi is a Kitchen as a Service (KaaS) platform that provides restaurants with the essential infrastructure and software needed to establish delivery-only locations efficiently and cost-effectively. Founded in 2018 by Mohamad Ballout, Saman Darkan, Bader Ataya, and Andy Arenas, the company operates a network of over 60 cloud kitchens across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Kitopi's offerings include kitchen infrastructure, management services, call assistance, delivery management, trained staff, and industry-specific technology, allowing restaurateurs to focus on their culinary creations while minimizing capital expenditure and time. Although Kitopi expanded into the United States in 2019, it exited the market following the onset of the pandemic.

Dapi

Seed Round in 2019
Dapi Ltd is a fintech company that specializes in developing an application programming interface (API) designed to facilitate payments between consumer bank accounts and businesses. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Dapi offers a suite of open banking APIs that enable real-time connections to customer bank accounts, initiate payments, and access financial data. This functionality empowers developers to create various financial applications, such as digital wallets, budget trackers, and investment tools. Dapi's services have gained traction across multiple countries, including operations in the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, South Africa, and Kuwait. The company has experienced significant growth, achieving $400,000 in annual recurring revenue and a monthly growth rate exceeding 50%.

Tenderd

Seed Round in 2019
Tenderd LLC operates an on-demand marketplace for renting heavy equipment, including bulldozers and cranes, primarily serving construction and engineering companies in the Middle East and North Africa. Based in Dubai, the company connects equipment owners with contractors to facilitate rentals. Additionally, Tenderd offers an AI-driven platform that enhances fleet operations by transforming equipment data into actionable insights. This platform enables clients to monitor operations, optimize equipment use, manage fuel consumption, plan routes, and schedule maintenance, all while measuring carbon emissions. By integrating AI and analytics, Tenderd aims to improve decision-making, reduce operational costs, enhance safety, and promote environmentally sustainable practices within the industry.

Lucidya

Series A in 2019
Lucidya, LLC is a software as a service (SaaS) company specializing in social media monitoring and analytics. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Lucidya offers a platform that enables organizations to detect and analyze social media trends, track hashtags, and access brand statistics through an interactive dashboard. It provides features such as real-time alerts, automated reporting, competitive analysis, and benchmarking. The company's unique AI and Arabic natural language processing technologies allow for accurate analysis of interactions in the Arabic language, positioning it as a leading tool in the MENA region. Lucidya serves a diverse clientele, including agencies, brands, non-profit organizations, and media entities, and has expanded its reach beyond Saudi Arabia to over six countries, catering to various industries such as telecommunications, banking, automotive, and retail.

Kitopi

Series A in 2018
Kitopi is a Kitchen as a Service (KaaS) platform that provides restaurants with the essential infrastructure and software needed to establish delivery-only locations efficiently and cost-effectively. Founded in 2018 by Mohamad Ballout, Saman Darkan, Bader Ataya, and Andy Arenas, the company operates a network of over 60 cloud kitchens across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Kitopi's offerings include kitchen infrastructure, management services, call assistance, delivery management, trained staff, and industry-specific technology, allowing restaurateurs to focus on their culinary creations while minimizing capital expenditure and time. Although Kitopi expanded into the United States in 2019, it exited the market following the onset of the pandemic.

Telfaz11

Series A in 2018
Telfaz11 is a media production company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 2011. It operates an Arabic multi-channel network that focuses on talent management, comedy, entertainment, and content creation. The company specializes in producing and distributing engaging online content, partnering with video platforms to deliver captivating series and films that resonate with local audiences while maintaining universal appeal. Telfaz11 influences social trends and provides opportunities for brands to promote themselves through its creative entertainment offerings, ensuring a blend of entertainment and brand promotion within its network.

Souqalmal

Series B in 2017
Souqalmal.com LLC FZ operates a leading financial comparison website in the Middle East, providing consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with the tools to search and compare various financial products. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Dubai, the platform offers detailed information on credit cards, personal loans, car loans, bank accounts, mortgages, and various insurance options, including car, home, travel, and SME insurance. Users can obtain real-time quotes for insurance in under 60 seconds and have their policies issued within an hour. Souqalmal.com has also expanded its services to include mobile phone and broadband plans, as well as educational options like schools and nurseries. The company has received multiple awards for its innovative approach and has grown its insurance business significantly. With backing from notable investors and a proven track record, Souqalmal.com continues to empower consumers to make informed financial decisions.

Zoomcar

Series B in 2016
Zoomcar is a leading car-sharing marketplace operating primarily in emerging markets, with over 20,000 cars available on its technology-driven platform across India, Southeast Asia, and Egypt. The company enables host entrepreneurs to share their vehicles safely and easily, generating additional passive income. Guests benefit from a wide range of affordable cars for memorable driving experiences. Founded in 2013 and based in Bengaluru, India, Zoomcar employs over 300 people and serves 50 cities across India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Egypt. Uri Levine, co-founder of mobility companies Waze and Moovit, is the Chairman of the Board. The company's revenue comes mainly from short-term self-drive rentals and vehicle subscriptions, with a significant portion derived from its operations in India.

Souqalmal

Convertible Note in 2016
Souqalmal.com LLC FZ operates a leading financial comparison website in the Middle East, providing consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with the tools to search and compare various financial products. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Dubai, the platform offers detailed information on credit cards, personal loans, car loans, bank accounts, mortgages, and various insurance options, including car, home, travel, and SME insurance. Users can obtain real-time quotes for insurance in under 60 seconds and have their policies issued within an hour. Souqalmal.com has also expanded its services to include mobile phone and broadband plans, as well as educational options like schools and nurseries. The company has received multiple awards for its innovative approach and has grown its insurance business significantly. With backing from notable investors and a proven track record, Souqalmal.com continues to empower consumers to make informed financial decisions.

Zoomcar

Series B in 2016
Zoomcar is a leading car-sharing marketplace operating primarily in emerging markets, with over 20,000 cars available on its technology-driven platform across India, Southeast Asia, and Egypt. The company enables host entrepreneurs to share their vehicles safely and easily, generating additional passive income. Guests benefit from a wide range of affordable cars for memorable driving experiences. Founded in 2013 and based in Bengaluru, India, Zoomcar employs over 300 people and serves 50 cities across India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Egypt. Uri Levine, co-founder of mobility companies Waze and Moovit, is the Chairman of the Board. The company's revenue comes mainly from short-term self-drive rentals and vehicle subscriptions, with a significant portion derived from its operations in India.

Zoomcar

Series A in 2014
Zoomcar is a leading car-sharing marketplace operating primarily in emerging markets, with over 20,000 cars available on its technology-driven platform across India, Southeast Asia, and Egypt. The company enables host entrepreneurs to share their vehicles safely and easily, generating additional passive income. Guests benefit from a wide range of affordable cars for memorable driving experiences. Founded in 2013 and based in Bengaluru, India, Zoomcar employs over 300 people and serves 50 cities across India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Egypt. Uri Levine, co-founder of mobility companies Waze and Moovit, is the Chairman of the Board. The company's revenue comes mainly from short-term self-drive rentals and vehicle subscriptions, with a significant portion derived from its operations in India.

Knot Standard

Angel Round in 2013
Knot Standard Limited is a custom menswear brand that specializes in selling hand-made suits, shirts, blazers, trousers, and various accessories online. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in New York, the company allows customers to provide their measurements via webcams for a personalized fit. Knot Standard caters to a diverse clientele, including professionals and individuals preparing for special occasions, such as weddings. In addition to its online offerings, the company operates showrooms in several major cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Dubai, and maintains production facilities in locations such as Brooklyn and Portugal. The brand emphasizes quality craftsmanship and tailored experiences, serving customers both in the United States and internationally.

Knot Standard

Seed Round in 2012
Knot Standard Limited is a custom menswear brand that specializes in selling hand-made suits, shirts, blazers, trousers, and various accessories online. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in New York, the company allows customers to provide their measurements via webcams for a personalized fit. Knot Standard caters to a diverse clientele, including professionals and individuals preparing for special occasions, such as weddings. In addition to its online offerings, the company operates showrooms in several major cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Dubai, and maintains production facilities in locations such as Brooklyn and Portugal. The brand emphasizes quality craftsmanship and tailored experiences, serving customers both in the United States and internationally.
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