UAE's Global Ventures Closes in on $100 Million Target for Second Fund

Dubai-based Global Ventures is close to achieving its $100 million target for its latest fund, after attracting a plethora of investments from Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia's state investors.

Mubadala, a Dubai-based investment company that previously contributed to Global Ventures’ inaugural fund, doubled down during this investment round, which also saw money from Saudi Arabia’s Venture Capital Co, and insurer Bupa Arabia. Investors from the U.S contributed to 60% of the fund, signifying the global interest in the MENA’s burgeoning technology market.

Under the guidance of General Partner, Noor Sweid and Basil Moftah, Global Ventures’ second fund succeeded in raising twice as much as its first venture. Global Ventures will go on to participate in pre-series A and series A funding for startups operating in the MEA region, in order to support early stage startups innovating in key sectors such as edtech, agritech, fintech and digital health. 

The fund has already invested in 18 startups across the region, with plans to inject even more capital in up to 30 companies. Fintech is the most enticing sector for Global Ventures, having recently invested in Pakistan-based fintech firm ABHI.