Riyadh Valley Company, the investment arm of King Saud University, has announced the launch of the King Saud University Venture Fund and a new startup accelerator. The initiative is a strategic collaboration with the global venture capital group SparkLabs and aims to bolster the university’s innovation ecosystem by transforming academic research and entrepreneurial projects into high-growth technology startups.
Bridging Academia and Venture Capital
The new fund and accelerator are designed to create a direct pipeline from the university’s research labs to the market. This initiative will focus on commercializing scientific research and student-led projects, providing the necessary capital and support to build sustainable, high-impact technology companies.
By strengthening the university’s entrepreneurial infrastructure, the program aims to solidify King Saud University’s role as a national leader in innovation and technology within the knowledge-based economy.
A Strategic Focus on Early-Stage Innovation
The fund will primarily target early-stage startups, with a special emphasis on ventures originating from within the King Saud University community, including projects led by students, researchers, and faculty members.
Beyond the university, the initiative will also seek to attract promising external technology companies that can benefit from access to King Saud University’s advanced research facilities and innovation infrastructure.
Global Expertise From SparkLabs
To ensure the success of the fund and accelerator, Riyadh Valley Company has partnered with SparkLabs to manage the operations. Founded in Silicon Valley in 2013, SparkLabs is a leading global venture capital and startup acceleration platform with a presence in over 12 countries. The firm brings an extensive investment track record, having backed hundreds of technology companies across a wide range of sectors.
A Word From The CEO
Commenting on the launch, Dr. Khalid bin Saad Al-Saleh, CEO of Riyadh Valley Company, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the company’s core strategy.
“This step aligns with the company’s strategic role in supporting King Saud University’s entrepreneurship ecosystem,” Dr. Al-Saleh stated. “The fund and its accompanying accelerator will help build the capabilities of university-based entrepreneurs, enhance the investment readiness of tech projects, and strengthen the university’s position as a national leader in innovation and technology within the knowledge economy.”
About Riyadh Valley Company
Riyadh Valley Company is the investment arm of King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It plays a pivotal role in the nation’s knowledge economy by investing in early-stage technology companies and bridging the gap between academic research and commercial enterprise. The company focuses on fostering innovation and supporting the growth of a vibrant startup ecosystem within the university and beyond.
Source: Riyadh Valley Company
