UAE telecom operator du is deploying significant capital to back its digital ambitions, launching a $50 million corporate venture capital fund named du Ventures. The initiative, managed by UAE-based investment firm Shorooq, aims to accelerate innovation by investing in startups across the UAE and the wider region.
Quick Facts
- Fund Size: $50 million corporate venture fund.
- Fund Manager: UAE-based investment firm Shorooq.
- Target Sectors: AI, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud, and gaming.
Beyond Telecom: du’s Digital Ecosystem Play
The launch of du Ventures signals a strategic move for the telecom giant as it expands beyond its traditional services. The fund will invest in startups developing technologies in artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud services, gaming, loyalty platforms, enterprise software, and customer experience solutions.
For du, the fund provides a direct channel to access emerging technologies that can enhance its core products and services. This move aligns with the UAE’s broader national agenda to build a globally competitive digital economy and deepens the pool of institutional capital available to regional founders.
Corporate Capital Meets Startup Innovation
Corporate venture capital has become a critical funding source for startups in the Gulf, offering more than just capital. For founders, partnerships with corporate funds like du Ventures provide access to established customers, infrastructure, and distribution channels essential for scaling.
du Ventures plans to back founders with technologies that align with the company’s long-term strategic goals. The fund will leverage du’s extensive infrastructure, enterprise customer base, and market reach to help its portfolio companies fast-track commercialization.
“du Ventures represents our commitment to driving meaningful digital transformation while contributing to the UAE’s ambitions to build a globally competitive digital economy,” said Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du. “Through this platform, we are investing in technologies and founders that align closely with our strategic priorities. Leveraging du’s scale, infrastructure, and enterprise reach with startup innovation, we aim to accelerate the commercialization of emerging technologies and create long term value for our customers, shareholders, and the wider economy.”
Shorooq to Steer Investment Strategy
The fund’s management will be overseen by Shorooq, a multi-strategy investment firm active in the region since 2017. Shorooq will prioritize investments that fit du’s corporate strategy, with a significant allocation reserved for UAE-based ventures to support the local innovation ecosystem.
“Partnering with du on this initiative is a natural fit for Shorooq,” stated Mahmoud Adi, founding partner at Shorooq. “We share a common belief that the region’s most promising startups deserve access to both capital and the strategic infrastructure that du can offer. du Ventures will enable us to bridge the gap between innovation and scale, empowering founders to bring transformative solutions to market faster.”
About du
du offers a comprehensive portfolio of mobile, fixed, broadband, entertainment services, and fintech solutions. Through a digital-first approach powered by ultra-reliable fiber and 5G technology, du delivers bespoke solutions leveraging cloud computing, AI-driven analytics, advanced cybersecurity, and IoT integration.
About Shorooq
Founded in 2017, Shorooq is a multi-strategy investment firm engineered around technology. Its strategies span venture capital, credit, private equity, and real assets. The firm invests across the capital stack in businesses reshaping their sectors, from fintech and software to AI, industrials, and infrastructure.
Source: Zawya
