The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) venture capital landscape is witnessing a period of strategic consolidation and sector-specific growth, led by a cohort of highly active investment firms. From the rapid expansion of early-stage funds like Plus VC to the massive capital deployment of institutional giants, these ten investors are defining the trajectory of the regional tech ecosystem.
- Plus VC Leads Seed Stage Momentum In The Emirates
- Saudi Arabia’s Impact46 Drives Gaming And Multi Asset Growth
- APY Ventures Strengthens Turkish Tech Ties
- Shorooq Partners Focuses On Fintech And Software Scalability
- Alesta Yatırım Targets High Volume Early Stage Deals
- Boğaziçi Ventures Manages Multi Stage Thematic Funds
- STV Scales The Kingdoms Largest Tech Bets
- VentureSouq Champions Fintech And Climate Tech
- Raed Ventures Powers Saudi Arabian Innovation
- Wamda Capital Sustains Long Term Ecosystem Support
- About MENA Startup Digest
Plus VC Leads Seed Stage Momentum In The Emirates
Based in the United Arab Emirates, Plus VC has established itself as a cornerstone for early-stage founders. With over 250 deals completed since 2010, the firm specializes in bridging the gap between seed and Series A funding. Their sector-agnostic approach has built a diverse portfolio, featuring prominent names such as the digital investment platform Thndr and the conversational AI startup DXwand.
Saudi Arabia’s Impact46 Drives Gaming And Multi Asset Growth
Impact46 operates as a B Corporation-certified asset management firm, bringing a unique focus to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tech scene. The firm famously launched the Kingdom’s first dedicated gaming fund in 2019, backing innovators like Fahy Studios. Beyond gaming, Impact46 provides critical credit advisory services and has supported major players like the AI customer experience platform Lucidya and the fintech unicorn Tamara.
APY Ventures Strengthens Turkish Tech Ties
Operating out of Turkey, APY Ventures acts as a vital bridge in the regional ecosystem, particularly through its ties to Albaraka Asset Management. The firm targets early-stage technology startups with a median deal size of $1.1 million. Its portfolio reflects a strong interest in high-growth niches, including mobility startup Saykal and mobile gaming studio Circle Games.
Shorooq Partners Focuses On Fintech And Software Scalability
The UAE-based Shorooq Partners has amassed a portfolio of over 80 startups since its inception in 2017. Known for a high median deal size of $10 million, the firm prioritizes fintech, platforms, and software-as-a-service. Key investments include the SME lending platform Lendo and the AI-driven startup Mozn, signaling a focus on infrastructure-level technology.
Alesta Yatırım Targets High Volume Early Stage Deals
Alesta Yatırım stands out for its high deal volume and focus on the Turkish market. With 46 deals and a strategy focused on early-stage entry, the firm supports a wide variety of sectors. Their portfolio includes AI-powered HR solutions like Ono and ecommerce conversion tools such as ConverJinn.ai, emphasizing digital transformation across industries.
Boğaziçi Ventures Manages Multi Stage Thematic Funds
With $200 million in assets under management, Boğaziçi Ventures serves as a sector-agnostic investor supporting startups from early to late stages. The Turkish firm has been particularly active in supporting cloud infrastructure via Retter and artificial intelligence through Cerebrum, maintaining a steady pace of investment across the regional tech landscape.
STV Scales The Kingdoms Largest Tech Bets
STV is a heavyweight in the MENA region, managing more than $1.4 billion in assets. As one of the largest venture capital firms in the Middle East, the Saudi-based entity focuses on scaling disruptive companies. STV’s portfolio includes the region’s first fintech unicorn, Tabby, and the prominent restaurant management platform Foodics, with an impressive median deal size of $28 million.
VentureSouq Champions Fintech And Climate Tech
Based in Dubai, VentureSouq manages thematic funds that span 30 countries, with a primary focus on the intersection of finance and sustainability. The firm is a key backer of the neobank ABHI and the crypto platform Rain Financial. Their investment strategy balances high-growth fintech with long-term climate tech initiatives across the MENA region and beyond.
Raed Ventures Powers Saudi Arabian Innovation
Raed Ventures is a Riyadh-based firm that has become synonymous with seed and early-stage support in Saudi Arabia. Targeting the wider MENA region, the firm has backed sophisticated tech solutions including the AI assistant Deep.sa and the debt resolution platform ClearGrid. Their involvement is often a catalyst for startups looking to scale within the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving economy.
Wamda Capital Sustains Long Term Ecosystem Support
One of the pioneers of the regional VC scene, Wamda Capital launched in 2015 and continues to manage a robust evergreen fund. With over 100 companies in its portfolio, the UAE-based firm has been instrumental in the growth of startups like the peer-to-peer payment app Ziina and the mental health platform Tuhoon. Their long-term commitment makes them a foundational pillar of the Middle Eastern tech community.
About MENA Startup Digest
MENA Startup Digest is a premier news platform providing the latest insights into startup news, trends, and investment updates across the Middle East and North Africa. We serve a professional audience of founders, venture capitalists, and tech professionals, delivering professional analysis on the region’s rapidly growing digital economy.
Source: PitchBook
