Introduction

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as a thriving hub for startups and innovation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With strong government support, tax-friendly policies, and a burgeoning tech ecosystem, the country has attracted several high-profile venture capital (VC) firms that are fueling entrepreneurship across various industries.

This blog highlights the top venture capital firms in the UAE, their notable investments, key exits, and typical deal sizes to help startups and investors understand the funding landscape in the region.

Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP)

About MEVP

Founded in 2010, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP) is one of the largest and most active venture capital firms in the MENA region. The firm focuses on early- and growth-stage investments, particularly in technology-enabled businesses.

Notable Investments

• Rain – A regulated cryptocurrency exchange platform.
• Fresha – A leading software platform for beauty and wellness businesses.
• Lyve – A last-mile delivery and logistics solutions provider.

Significant Exits

• MEVP has guided several startups toward successful acquisitions and public offerings, although specific exit details are not always disclosed.

Deal Size

• Typically invests between $1 million and $10 million, depending on the stage and potential of the company.

Wamda Capital

About Wamda Capital

Wamda Capital is a premier venture capital firm in the MENA region, known for its investments in high-growth technology-enabled companies. It is backed by Wamda Group, an ecosystem-enabling platform for entrepreneurship.

Notable Investments

• RemotePass – A platform for managing remote teams and global hiring.
• BitOasis – A cryptocurrency exchange catering to the MENA region.
• FlexxPay – A fintech company providing salary advance solutions.

Significant Exits

• Careem – Wamda Capital was an early investor in the ride-hailing giant, which was acquired by Uber for $3.1 billion in 2019.

Deal Size

• Investments range from $500,000 to $5 million, depending on the business stage.

BECO Capital

About BECO Capital

Founded in 2012, BECO Capital is one of the most influential venture capital firms in the UAE, focusing on early-stage technology investments in the MENA region.

Notable Investments

• Property Finder – A leading real estate marketplace in the UAE.
• Vezeeta – A digital healthcare platform.
• Kitopi – A global cloud kitchen operator.

Significant Exits

• Careem – BECO Capital was also an investor in the Careem-Uber acquisition.

Deal Size

• Typically invests between $1 million and $10 million.

Global Ventures

About Global Ventures

Global Ventures is an international venture capital firm headquartered in the UAE, focusing on scaling innovative B2B startups.

Notable Investments

• YAP – A leading digital banking app.
• Mamo Pay – A fintech startup focused on seamless money transfers.
• Arrow Labs – A workforce management software platform.

Significant Exits

• Global Ventures has multiple portfolio companies preparing for IPOs and mergers and acquisitions.

Deal Size

• Investments range from $1 million to $20 million, primarily in Series A and B funding rounds.

Shorooq Partners

About Shorooq Partners

Founded in 2016, Shorooq Partners is a prominent seed-stage and early-stage VC firm investing across fintech, SaaS, and platform businesses.

Notable Investments

• TruKKer – A logistics and trucking marketplace.
• Pure Harvest – An agri-tech startup innovating in controlled-environment farming.
• Sarwa – A robo-advisory wealth management platform.

Significant Exits

• Shorooq Partners has successfully exited multiple fintech startups via acquisitions and secondary sales.

Deal Size

• Investments range from $500,000 to $5 million.

VentureSouq

About VentureSouq

VentureSouq is a Dubai-based VC firm with a focus on fintech, edtech, and sustainable technologies.

Notable Investments

• Tabby – A leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) startup in the Middle East.
• Tamara – A Saudi-based fintech company.
• Altibbi – A digital health platform providing telemedicine services.

Significant Exits

• VentureSouq has exited multiple early-stage investments through secondary market sales and follow-on funding rounds.

Deal Size

• Investments typically range from $500,000 to $3 million.

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FAQs on Venture Capital (VC) Firms in the UAE

1. What is venture capital (VC), and why is it important in the UAE?

Venture capital (VC) is a form of private equity funding provided to startups and early-stage companies with high growth potential. In the UAE, VC firms play a vital role in supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic diversification, especially in sectors like fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and SaaS.

2. Which are the top venture capital firms in the UAE?

Some of the leading VC firms in the UAE include Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), Wamda Capital, BECO Capital, Shorooq Partners, Global Ventures, and VentureSouq.

3. What industries do UAE VC firms invest in the most?

UAE-based VC firms focus on technology, fintech, e-commerce, logistics, AI, healthcare, mobility, and cloud-based solutions. With the rise of digital transformation, investments in blockchain, AI, and SaaS companies are increasing.

4. What is the typical deal size for UAE VC firms?

Deal sizes vary based on the stage of the startup:

• Seed and Pre-Series A: $100K – $1 million
• Series A & B: $1 million – $10 million
• Growth-stage investments: $10 million+

5. How do VC firms in the UAE raise funds?

VC firms raise capital from institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), family offices, and government-backed investment programs.

6. What are some notable investments made by UAE VC firms?

• MEVP: Invested in Rain, Fresha, and Lyve
• Wamda Capital: Funded RemotePass, BitOasis, and FlexxPay
• BECO Capital: Backed Careem, Kitopi, and Property Finder
• Shorooq Partners: Invested in Pure Harvest, TruKKer, and Sarwa
• Global Ventures: Funded Lunch:ON, Mamo Pay, and Tabby

7. What are some major VC-backed startup exits in the UAE?

• Careem’s $3.1 billion acquisition by Uber (BECO Capital-backed).
• Fetchr’s large-scale expansion and funding rounds (500 Global-backed).
• Multiple fintech and e-commerce exits through acquisitions and IPOs.

8. How do UAE VC firms help startups grow?

Beyond funding, VCs provide mentorship, strategic partnerships, industry connections, operational guidance, and support in scaling internationally. Many also assist startups with regulatory compliance and fundraising in later rounds.

9. What are the main challenges for VC firms in the UAE?

Challenges include high startup failure rates, regulatory complexities, market volatility, limited liquidity for exits, and competition from global VCs. Finding scalable businesses with long-term growth potential is also crucial.

10. How do UAE VC firms exit their investments?

Common exit strategies include IPO listings, acquisitions by larger corporations, mergers, and secondary sales to other investors or funds.

Conclusion

The UAE’s venture capital ecosystem is thriving, driven by strong governmental support, an increasing number of startups, and a maturing investment landscape. Top VC firms like MEVP, Wamda Capital, BECO Capital, and Global Ventures are fueling innovation across various industries, from fintech and logistics to healthcare and SaaS.

With the UAE continuing to position itself as a leading startup hub, the future of venture capital in the region looks promising. If you’re a founder looking for funding, these VC firms could be your gateway to success!

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