500 Global, formerly known as 500 Startups, is a venture capital firm and incubator based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in seed investments, primarily focusing on early-stage technology and financial services startups across various sectors, including biotech, e-commerce, fintech, and digital healthcare. 500 Global operates a four-month accelerator program, where it typically invests between $0.05 million and $1 million for a 5 to 10 percent equity stake in companies with at least $100,000 in monthly revenue. The firm targets a global market, with particular emphasis on regions such as the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Since its inception, it has invested in over 2,200 startups and supports the growth of innovation ecosystems through educational programs and partnerships. 500 Global also prioritizes investments in companies led by minority founders, reflecting its commitment to diverse entrepreneurial leadership.
Flat6Labs is a prominent startup accelerator founded in 2011 and based in Cairo, Egypt, dedicated to supporting seed-stage ventures primarily in the MENA region. The organization funds and mentors a select group of startups every four months, providing them with seed capital and office space. Through partnerships, particularly with the American University in Cairo, Flat6Labs offers mentorship and educational programs designed to address the real-world challenges entrepreneurs face in building successful businesses. The accelerator has expanded its reach with additional offices in cities including Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Jeddah, Manama, and Tunis. Flat6Labs is also a member of the Global Accelerator Network, further enhancing its network and resources for startups. In collaboration with the Saudi Venture Capital Company, it manages early-stage venture capital funds that target various sectors, including technology and mobile applications, with investments ranging from SAR 0.75 million to SAR 1.5 million in emerging companies.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of The World Bank Group that focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth in developing countries through private sector investment. It provides a range of financial services, including loans, equity investments, quasi-equity products, and advisory services aimed at supporting startups and various stages of company development. IFC invests in sectors such as agribusiness, financial services, health, education, infrastructure, global manufacturing, oil and gas, telecommunications, and tourism, with a particular emphasis on projects that promote food security, digital finance, and affordable healthcare. The organization targets investments ranging from $1 million to $100 million, often seeking minority stakes but may also take a majority position in its portfolio companies. IFC aims to create jobs, generate tax revenues, and enhance corporate governance in emerging markets, thus contributing positively to local communities. Established in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., IFC operates globally with offices across various regions, focusing its efforts on financing projects that align with its mission of improving lives in developing countries.
Algebra Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Cairo, Egypt, specializing in early-stage investments within the technology sector, particularly in Fintech. Founded in 2015, the firm targets high-growth startups across the MENA region, with a preference for companies in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the UAE, Tunisia, and Morocco. Algebra Ventures focuses on Series A and Series B funding rounds, although it is open to earlier-stage investments. The firm typically invests between $0.1 million and $4 million, seeking minority stakes of 15% to 30% in the companies it supports. Its investment strategy emphasizes technology-enabled businesses in areas such as e-commerce, online marketplaces, enterprise software, and digital technology, aiming to partner with passionate teams that demonstrate a unique value proposition and the potential for significant economic returns.
Endure Capital is an early-stage investment fund based in Palo Alto, California, that focuses on supporting startup teams. The fund seeks out founders who are resourceful and imaginative, particularly those addressing significant problems with the potential to create high-growth companies. By prioritizing innovative solutions that resonate with a broad audience, Endure Capital aims to foster the development of businesses that can sustain long-term success.
Sawari Ventures is an Egyptian private equity firm established in 2009 that focuses on early-to-growth stage investments in technology businesses throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With a keen understanding of the local culture and business environment, the firm identifies investment opportunities in a region characterized by a youthful, digital-savvy population and significant disposable income. Sawari Ventures aims to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for consumer technology products and services by investing in software and technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million in a select number of companies, leveraging its global network and local expertise to help transform regional visionaries into successful global enterprises.
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.
BECO Fund I is a venture capital fund managed by BECO Capital, specializing in late seed to early venture and growth capital investments. Founded in 2012 and based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the firm focuses on technology-driven companies in the Middle East and North Africa, with particular attention to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Levant, Egypt, and other GCC countries. BECO Capital typically invests between $0.25 million and $3 million in small to medium-sized enterprises, acting as a lead investor while also co-investing. The firm prioritizes socially responsible companies with early adopter users and some revenue, providing not only financial support but also hands-on operational mentorship to enhance growth.
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.
Endeavor is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting high-impact entrepreneurs globally, with the aim of fostering long-term economic growth. Established in 1997 and headquartered in New York City, Endeavor operates in various countries, including Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa, among others. The organization identifies, mentors, and accelerates entrepreneurs who have the potential to create substantial economic impact in their regions. In addition to its core mission, Endeavor Catalyst, the venture capital arm of Endeavor Global, focuses on making growth equity investments in startups across sectors such as agriculture, fintech, and healthcare. Established in 2012, Endeavor Catalyst typically invests in companies generating revenues between $0.5 million and $15 million and participates in financing rounds of $5 million or more. This co-investment model not only supports the entrepreneurs but also contributes to the sustainability of Endeavor's broader initiatives.