Flat6Labs is a startup accelerator based in Cairo, Egypt, established in 2011 by Sawari Ventures. It focuses on seed-stage investments, supporting entrepreneurs through the initial stages of business development. Every four months, Flat6Labs selects and funds a number of start-ups from Egypt and the MENA region, providing them with seed capital and office space. The accelerator emphasizes hands-on mentorship and educational programs in collaboration with the American University in Cairo, aiming to equip entrepreneurs with the skills to navigate real-world business challenges. Flat6Labs has expanded its presence with additional offices in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Jeddah, Manama, and Tunis. It is also a member of the Global Accelerator Network, having joined in May 2012 as the first African member.
Wamda Capital is a prominent venture capital firm based in Dubai, founded in 2010, with an additional office in Jordan. It focuses on investing in high-growth, technology-driven startups across the MENA region, targeting both seed and growth-stage companies. The firm is sector-agnostic but has particular interests in financial services, consumer goods, software, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. Wamda Capital aims to support exceptional entrepreneurs by guiding portfolio companies through successive financing rounds until exit. Additionally, Wamda operates as a knowledge platform, offering integrated programs that include media, community development, research, and advisory services to enhance the regional startup ecosystem.
Shorooq Partners, established in 2017 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, operates as a venture capital firm with additional offices in Riyadh, Manama, Cairo, and Dubai. The firm specializes in early-stage investments and venture debt, focusing on sectors such as technology, fintech, game tech, climate, cleantech, cryptocurrency, and web 3.0. Shorooq Partners has successfully built a portfolio that has generated over $1.5 billion in equity value, supported by investments from some of the world's leading sovereign wealth funds.
Impact46 is a venture capital firm established in 2019 and located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The firm specializes in social impact acceleration, seeking to promote and support alternative investment opportunities within the Saudi Arabian market. By focusing on ventures that drive both economic growth and social benefits, Impact46 aims to contribute to the development of sustainable business practices in the region.
STV is an independent venture capital investment firm based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 2018. It is anchored by STC, the largest telecom operator in the MENA region, granting access to essential assets such as network infrastructure, customer analytics, and an extensive customer base. This support enables STV to assist its portfolio companies in scaling their operations effectively. The firm focuses on investing in early and later-stage companies, with a particular emphasis on the information technology sector.
Raed Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Saudi Arabia, founded in 2015. It focuses on providing funding for seed and early-stage startups in the Kingdom and the broader MENA region. The firm aims to support entrepreneurial teams that are shaping the market landscape by facilitating their entry into the Saudi and GCC markets. Raed Ventures invests across various sectors, including media, retail, software, commercial services, and healthcare. The firm assists startups in developing and executing their business plans through collaboration with affiliated companies, leveraging its extensive market knowledge and network.
Lorax Capital Partners is a private equity firm established in 2015 and headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. The firm manages approximately $200 million in committed capital, primarily sourced from the Egyptian American Enterprise Fund. Lorax Capital Partners focuses on investing in companies within various sectors, including financial services, clean energy, logistics, infrastructure, healthcare, consumer products, retail, and manufacturing. The firm aims to connect Egypt with global investors, offering opportunities for attractive risk-adjusted returns while also contributing to the country’s economic development.
Falak Startups is a Cairo-based startup accelerator established in 2018 that focuses on supporting and empowering Egyptian entrepreneurs. It offers a four-month accelerator program designed to foster the growth of startups in various sectors, including auto tech, logistics, health tech, cleantech, agri-tech, and e-commerce. Falak Startups provides essential resources such as funding, mentorship, training, and workspace to help entrepreneurs develop and expand their businesses. The organization is committed to enhancing the startup ecosystem in Egypt by equipping project owners with the necessary tools and skills to compete effectively in the global market.
A15 is a venture capital firm based in Cairo, Egypt, that focuses on investing in digital products and technology brands. Established in 2014, A15 aims to support entrepreneurs by providing investment and leveraging its extensive ecosystem to help them scale their businesses. The firm primarily targets pre-seed and seed stage companies operating in the digital sector across North Africa and the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on Egypt. A15 is committed to empowering individuals and businesses by fostering innovation and facilitating the development of useful products that enhance human capabilities.
Algebra Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Cairo, Egypt, founded in 2016. It specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in the technology sector, with a focus on startups in the Fintech space. The firm targets high-growth companies that leverage innovation to transform markets, seeking to invest between $0.1 million and $4 million, primarily in Series A and Series B rounds. Algebra Ventures is interested in technology-enabled businesses, including e-commerce, online marketplaces, enterprise software, and digital technology. It predominantly invests in Egypt while also considering opportunities in Jordan, Lebanon, the UAE, Tunisia, and Morocco. The firm aims to take minority stakes of 15% to 30% in the companies it supports, valuing passionate teams with a unique value proposition and strong execution capabilities.
Global Ventures is an international venture capital firm, investing in founders and ideas across emerging markets. They back global-minded founders that are leading growth-stage companies and using technology to transform emerging markets and the world. The Global Ventures team is a diverse, collaborative, talented and curious group of professionals who, combined, have years of experience and expertise building and scaling companies.
Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP) is a Dubai-based venture capital firm established in 2010, with additional offices in Beirut, Bahrain, and Riyadh. It focuses on investing in early and growth-stage companies in the GCC and Levant regions, targeting sectors such as e-commerce, cloud-based software, education, digital services, consumer technology, and financial technology. MEVP seeks to support innovative small and medium enterprises, primarily investing between $0.2 million and $5 million while typically holding a minority stake of 15% to 30% in its portfolio companies. With over $260 million in assets under management, MEVP is recognized as one of the largest and most established venture capital firms in the Middle East, demonstrating a strong appetite for cross-border investments.
International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, is the private equity and venture capital arm of The World Bank Group. It focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investments and mobilizing capital in international financial markets. IFC provides a wide range of financial products, including loans, equity, quasi-equity, and advisory services, targeting sectors such as agriculture, forestry, financial services, education, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, retail, tourism, and technology. The organization aims to support businesses and financial institutions in emerging markets to create jobs, improve corporate governance, and enhance environmental performance. IFC typically invests between $1 million and $100 million, often taking minority stakes but preferring majority ownership in its portfolio companies. It does not engage directly in the management of its investments and usually exits through domestic stock markets or other arrangements after several years. By focusing on initiatives that benefit underserved communities, IFC contributes to local economic development and improves the quality of life for people in developing regions.
Sanabil Investments is a sovereign wealth fund based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, established in 2008. The firm specializes in direct investments as well as fund of funds investments across a range of asset classes, including private equity, venture capital, and real assets. Sanabil is dedicated to investing in venture, growth, and small buyout opportunities, without limitation to specific geographies or sectors. Its strategic approach aims to enhance the economic diversification and sustainability of the Saudi economy through targeted investment initiatives.
SEEDRA is an early-stage venture capital firm established in 2019 and located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The firm specializes in providing venture-building services and focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including business-to-business, commercial services, business-to-consumer, energy, financial services, healthcare, and technology. SEEDRA aims to support innovative companies in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and the development of groundbreaking ideas. With a flat organizational structure, SEEDRA promotes shared knowledge among its team, enabling them to cultivate and elevate promising ventures.
Oryx Fund is a venture capital investment firm based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and managed by Hambro Perks. Founded in 2021, the fund focuses on investing in early-stage technology companies at the late Seed and Series A stages across the MENA region. Oryx Fund targets transformative startups led by exceptional entrepreneurs, with particular expertise in sectors such as fintech, health tech, logistics tech, and edtech.
DisrupTech Ventures is a venture capital investment firm founded in 2021 and based in Giza, Egypt. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology startups, with a primary focus on the financial technology sector and fintech-enabled digital services. DisrupTech Ventures aims to support the growth of innovative companies in Egypt, leveraging the potential of the fintech landscape to drive economic development and technological advancement in the region.
Mubadala Investment Company is a sovereign wealth fund based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, established to diversify the emirate's economy. It manages a global portfolio with interests spanning multiple sectors, including aerospace, information and communication technology, semiconductors, metals and mining, renewable energy, oil and gas, petrochemicals, utilities, healthcare, real estate, pharmaceuticals, and agribusiness. The company was formed through the merger of the International Petroleum Investment Company and the Mubadala Development Company. It aims to generate sustainable financial returns for its shareholder, the Government of Abu Dhabi, and has a strong presence with offices in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, New York, and San Francisco. Mubadala actively invests in advanced technology sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, and maintains a commitment to responsible governance and economic growth.
Egypt Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and based in Cairo, Egypt. The firm focuses on empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystem by investing in accelerators and supporting local startups. By targeting Egyptian companies, Egypt Ventures aims to foster innovation and growth within the region's business landscape.
VentureSouq is a Dubai-based venture capital firm established in 2013 that focuses on investing in early-stage technology companies across various sectors, including agriculture tech, environmental tech, food tech, fintech, enterprise software, health tech, and digital media. The firm operates a substantial co-investment platform and maintains a global investment portfolio, aiming to support innovative startups in their growth and development. By concentrating on diverse technology-driven industries, VentureSouq seeks to contribute to the evolution of the regional and global tech landscape.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), established in 1971, is a sovereign wealth fund based in Riyadh aimed at fostering the development of the national economy. Initially tasked with holding equity positions in joint-stock ventures within Saudi Arabia, PIF has since evolved to focus on sustainable investments on both domestic and international fronts. The fund is actively expanding its portfolio by investing in various global sectors and markets, while also forming strategic partnerships and launching initiatives that align with the objectives of Vision 2030. The management of PIF’s assets is overseen by an executive team dedicated to enhancing the fund's impact and contributions to economic growth.
BECO Fund I, managed by BECO Capital, is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2012, the fund focuses on investing in technology startups within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly in sectors such as mobile services, software as a service (SaaS), and internet technologies. BECO Fund I typically invests between $0.25 million and $3 million in single funding rounds, targeting small to medium-sized enterprises. The firm seeks to partner with socially responsible companies that have early adopter users and some revenue generation, even if limited. In addition to financial investment, BECO Fund I provides hands-on operational mentorship to its portfolio companies, enhancing their growth potential and overall success.
Cairo Angels is an angel investment network established in 2012 and headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. The organization focuses on investing in early-stage startups primarily located in Egypt and the broader MENA region, with particular interest in sectors such as technology, logistics, renewable energy, and agri-business. Cairo Angels organizes regular investment meetings where members can review pre-selected startups that align with their investment criteria. While each angel investor makes independent decisions regarding their investments, the network facilitates due diligence, negotiates terms, and assists in closing deals for interested opportunities. Investments typically range from 250,000 to 2 million Egyptian Pounds per company, with members investing their personal funds in exchange for minority equity stakes. Additionally, Cairo Angels offers portfolio management services to its investors after the investment process is complete. Members can participate in meetings either virtually or in person in Cairo or London.
Global Founders Capital (GFC) is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm is stage agnostic, meaning it invests in companies at various stages of development, from early-stage ventures to those preparing for an initial public offering. GFC focuses on empowering talented entrepreneurs and seeks investment opportunities in sectors such as internet, retail, financial software, media, communication, and information technology. With a global perspective, GFC aims to support innovative companies across all continents.
Endure Capital is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, established in 2015. The firm focuses on early-stage investments and seeks out startup teams led by founders who demonstrate resourcefulness and creativity in addressing significant problems. Endure Capital aims to support high-growth companies that have the potential to endure over time. In addition to its investment activities, the firm is set to manage Endure Accelerate, an upcoming early-stage venture capital fund.
Endeavor is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting high-impact entrepreneurs worldwide to foster long-term economic growth. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in New York City, Endeavor operates in over 25 countries, including regions in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The organization offers specialized mentorship, networking opportunities, and capital-raising support to innovative entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses and create jobs. Endeavor Catalyst, its venture capital arm established in 2012, focuses on investing in startups and growth equity across various sectors, such as agriculture, fintech, and healthcare. It primarily targets companies with revenues between $0.5 million and $15 million, seeking to take minority stakes and co-invest in significant financing rounds. Through these initiatives, Endeavor aims to catalyze economic transformation by empowering entrepreneurs in developing regions.
Sawari Ventures is an Egyptian private equity and venture capital firm established in 2009, headquartered in Cairo. The firm focuses on early-to-growth stage investments in technology businesses across the MENA region, leveraging its deep understanding of the local culture and business environment. Sawari Ventures primarily targets sectors such as consumer internet, fintech, edtech, health tech, deep tech, and e-commerce, with investment sizes ranging from $250,000 to $1 million for selected companies. Recognizing the Middle East as a rapidly growing market with a youthful, tech-savvy population and significant disposable income, Sawari Ventures aims to connect local innovators with global opportunities, facilitating their transformation into internationally recognized successes.
Faith Capital is a Kuwait-based venture capital firm established in 2016, specializing in investments across various stages, including seed, early, and later stages. The firm focuses on e-commerce businesses in the MENA region, targeting companies with high growth potential. With a management team that possesses extensive business experience in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Faith Capital aims to support talented founders by fostering sound operations both locally and internationally. The firm's investment interests also extend to sectors such as information technology, software as a service, mobile, and the Internet of Things, emphasizing its commitment to nurturing innovative ventures that contribute to long-term value creation.
Wa'ed Ventures is a corporate venture capital fund established in 2013 and based in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. With a capital of $500 million, it aims to foster a robust startup ecosystem by investing in local technology-driven startups while encouraging international entrepreneurs to adapt their innovations for the Saudi market. The firm focuses on sectors such as sustainability, manufacturing, digitalization, and social innovation, contributing to the diversification and growth of the Kingdom's economy.
Arzan Venture Capital, established in 2013 and based in Kuwait City, Kuwait, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early-stage, innovative technology companies. As the corporate venture arm of Arzan Financial Group, it aims to build strong, lasting relationships with talented entrepreneurs while targeting investments in young and fast-growing tech teams. The firm's investment strategy includes managing a fund that seeks to support up to 18 companies, reflecting its commitment to fostering success in the technology sector.
4DX Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Brooklyn, New York, specializing in early-stage investments in technology companies across Africa. Established in 2017, the firm partners with entrepreneurs to develop transformative businesses that leverage technology to address various challenges within the continent. Through its dedicated funds, 4DX Ventures aims to support innovative startups and contribute to the growth of the African tech ecosystem.
Hala Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, founded in 2018. It focuses on investing in seed and early growth stage technology startups within the MENA region. Hala Ventures aims to support innovative entrepreneurs and drive the development of the technology sector in the area.
Maroc Numeric Fund is a venture capital firm established in 2009 and located in Casablanca, Morocco. The fund focuses on investing in technology companies at various stages, including seed, early, and later stages. It primarily targets businesses within the biotechnology, life sciences, and information and communication technology sectors. By supporting Moroccan startups, Maroc Numeric Fund aims to foster innovation and drive economic growth in the region.
Elm specializes in delivering a diverse array of ready-made and customized digital solutions tailored to meet the specific needs and aspirations of its clients. The company serves a broad customer base through various subscription packages designed to address different business requirements. Elm's offerings include consulting, data analysis, and technical solutions, with a significant focus on digital business, business process outsourcing, and professional services. The majority of Elm's revenue is generated from the digital business segment, reflecting its commitment to providing innovative and effective solutions to its customers.
B&Y Venture Partners is a venture capital fund focused on early-stage technology startups in the MENA region. The firm aims to support high-impact founders who are building transformative and category-leading companies. By investing in talented entrepreneurs, B&Y provides not only financial backing but also strategic value to help these teams succeed. The firm seeks to partner with driven individuals and teams known for their strong execution capabilities and commitment to realizing their visions. B&Y Venture Partners emphasizes the importance of founding teams as the critical element in the success of startups, aligning its investment strategy with those who aspire to create the next significant technology success stories.
Nama Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital fund founded in 2019 and based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology startups within the MENA region, with a strong emphasis on supporting innovation in Saudi Arabia. Nama Ventures aims to empower entrepreneurs by providing not just capital, but also a value-added approach to investment that enhances their chances of success. Through its focused investment strategy, the firm seeks to foster growth and development in the region's burgeoning tech landscape.
Iraq Venture Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2021 and located in Baghdad, Iraq. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, specifically targeting pre-seed, seed, and pre-series A funding rounds. It seeks to support high-growth technology startups within Iraq, aiming to foster innovation and development in the country's burgeoning tech sector.
AUC Angels is the first university-based angel investor network in the MENA region, located in Cairo, Egypt. It aims to support early-stage startups by connecting them with potential investors who are affiliated with the American University in Cairo. The network focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students and alumni, providing them with the necessary resources and mentorship to help their ventures succeed. Through its unique position, AUC Angels not only facilitates investment opportunities but also contributes to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
Azur Innovation Management is a venture capital firm based in Casablanca, Morocco, founded in 2020. The firm operates the Azur Innovation Fund, a public-private seed fund that offers capital and quasi-equity funding to innovative start-ups. Azur Innovation Management focuses on investing in various sectors, including agriculture, consumer products and services, manufacturing, and beauty. By supporting early-stage companies, the firm aims to foster innovation and growth within these industries.
Riyad Bank is a commercial bank headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, established in 1957. It offers a wide range of banking and investment services through four main segments: Retail Banking, Investment Banking and Brokerage, Corporate Banking, and Treasury and Investments. The Retail Banking segment provides deposits, credit, and investment products for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. The Investment Banking and Brokerage segment focuses on investment management and asset management services, including dealing, managing, and advising on securities. Corporate Banking caters to corporate clients with services such as current accounts, loans, and credit facilities. The Treasury and Investments segment manages investment portfolios and offers money market and trading services. Additionally, Riyad Bank provides Islamic banking products and operates a network of approximately 341 branches across Saudi Arabia, along with a branch in London, a representative office in Singapore, and an agency in Houston, USA.
Development Partners International (DPI) is a prominent private equity firm based in London, established in 2007 by Miles Morland and Runa Alam. The firm focuses on investing in growing companies across Africa and manages over $1.1 billion in assets through two private equity funds. DPI has built a diverse portfolio of 19 companies operating in various sectors, including telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, agri-business, mining, and renewable energy, among others. With a team that boasts over 100 years of combined experience in African investments, DPI's investment professionals are entirely African, with over 40% of the team being women. This strong local presence equips DPI with the necessary knowledge and networks to identify and execute investment opportunities throughout the continent.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an investment firm established in 1991 to support the development of market economies and democracies in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. As the largest single investor in the region, the EBRD focuses on private enterprises, investing primarily in minority equity positions and participating in private equity funds that target medium-sized companies seeking expansion. The firm mobilizes significant foreign direct investment and provides project financing for a variety of sectors, including banking, industry, and municipal services. It collaborates with publicly owned companies to facilitate privatization and restructuring efforts. The EBRD operates in countries committed to democratic principles and emphasizes strong corporate governance and environmental respect in all its investments. With a portfolio exceeding €130 billion across over 5,200 projects, the EBRD has also extended its financing initiatives to the Middle East and Africa, leveraging its expertise to foster economic growth and transformation.
CDG Invest is the investment arm of the CDG group, established in 2019 and based in Rabat, Morocco. The firm operates as both an investment manager for its own portfolio and as a fund manager for third-party investors. CDG Invest focuses on key sectors of the Moroccan economy, including industry, agro-food, digital technology, renewable energy, and public-private partnerships. The firm targets investments across various stages of company development, including seed, early, and later-stage ventures.
Plus Venture Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm established in 2021 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The firm focuses on investing in seed to Series A technology startups within the MENA region and its diaspora. By targeting tech and tech-enabled companies, Plus Venture Capital aims to support innovative entrepreneurs and foster growth in emerging markets. The firm's investment strategy includes making initial seed investments, followed by follow-on funding at the Series A stage, thereby providing comprehensive financial backing to promising startups.
Jahez International Company, founded in 2016 and based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, operates an online food delivery platform that connects restaurants, customers, and delivery partners. The company offers a mobile application that allows users to browse local restaurant options, place orders, and track their meals in real-time. Jahez is dedicated to enhancing the user experience through the development of innovative features and functions tailored to meet customer expectations. Since its launch, Jahez has established itself as a significant player in the Saudi food delivery market, streamlining the process for users while uniting various stakeholders within the food service sector.
Sequoia Capital, founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California, is a prominent venture capital firm that invests in early to growth stage companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer services. The firm specializes in supporting startups and emerging growth companies, typically investing between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. Sequoia Capital operates globally, with a presence in regions such as Israel, China, and Southeast Asia, and has built a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies like Airbnb, Alibaba, and JD.com. The firm emphasizes a partnership approach with entrepreneurs, leveraging decades of experience to guide them from initial concept through to public offering and beyond.
Jabbar Internet Group, established in 2009 and based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, operates as a venture capital firm focused on the e-commerce and information technology sectors. The firm is renowned for its role in the development of notable regional successes, including the creation of Souq, which was later acquired by Amazon, and Maktoob, the largest Arabic internet property prior to its acquisition by Yahoo. Jabbar aims to inspire and support entrepreneurs by nurturing innovative ideas and fostering a culture of risk-taking. The firm continues to contribute to the growth of the tech landscape in the region, positioning itself as a pivotal player in the evolution of e-commerce and technology.
Iliad Partners is a venture capital firm based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in startups at the Series A and B funding stages. Founded in 2014, the firm focuses on the technology sector, with a keen interest in software, internet-based ventures, and e-commerce enablement, which includes logistics, payments, and platforms. Iliad Partners also invests in financial technology, along with the digitization of various verticals such as financial services, insurance, real estate, hospitality, and artificial intelligence. The firm primarily targets the MENA region, emphasizing opportunities within the UAE, GCC, and Levant markets.