Thinking about getting some funding for your startup in the UAE? It can feel like a big puzzle, right? You're probably looking for the right people to talk to, the ones who actually invest in new businesses. We've put together a list to help you find those key UAE angel investors and venture capital firms. It's meant to make your search a bit easier, so you can focus on what you do best – building your company.
When you're looking for funding, Wamda Capital is a name you'll likely come across. They're a big player in the region, focusing on early-stage tech companies. Their investment thesis often centers on founders who are building scalable businesses with a clear path to growth.
Here's what you should know about them:
They've backed some notable companies, showing their ability to spot potential. It's worth checking out their portfolio to get a feel for the types of businesses they support. Remember, the startup funding landscape can shift, with periods of high investment followed by slower times, like the dip seen in October 2025 MENA startup funding saw a significant drop.
Wamda Capital isn't just about writing checks; they aim to be partners. They often provide strategic guidance and access to their network, which can be incredibly helpful for founders trying to scale.
If you're preparing to pitch, make sure your business model is solid and you can clearly articulate your growth strategy. They want to see that you've thought through the challenges and have a plan to overcome them.
Shorooq Partners is a big player when it comes to tech investment in the region. They're really focused on backing entrepreneurs and building companies that can grow. Think of them as a go-to for startups looking for that crucial early-stage funding.
What they're looking for:
Some of their notable investments include:
Shorooq Partners aims to be more than just a capital provider; they strive to be partners in growth, bringing global best practices to the local startup ecosystem. They actively support their portfolio companies with strategic guidance and operational help.
If you're building a tech company in FinTech or E-Commerce and are based in the UAE or surrounding regions, Shorooq Partners is definitely a firm you should look into. They've shown a strong track record of supporting innovative businesses and helping them scale. You can find more about their investment philosophy and portfolio on their website, which often details their approach to healthtech startups and other emerging sectors.
Middle East Venture Partners, or MEVP as you'll often hear them called, is a big player in the venture capital scene across the region. They've been around for a while and manage a significant amount of capital, making them a go-to for many startups looking for funding.
If you're building a tech company in the Middle East, especially in the GCC or Levant areas, MEVP is definitely worth getting to know. They focus on early and growth-stage companies, meaning they're interested in businesses that have already shown some traction but are looking to scale up.
Here's a quick rundown of what they look for:
With offices in Dubai, Beirut, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, they have a solid presence across the region. They manage multiple funds and have over $260 million in assets under management, which shows their capacity to make substantial investments. They're known for being one of the most established VC firms in the area and have a clear interest in cross-border deals.
MEVP's extensive network and experience can be a real asset for founders. They've seen a lot of different market cycles and business models, which can translate into practical advice and connections that help you avoid common pitfalls. It's not just about the money; it's about the partnership they aim to build.
They've backed a number of companies, and while specific investment sizes aren't always public, their fund size suggests they can write significant checks. If you're looking for a VC with a strong track record and deep regional ties, MEVP is a firm you should consider as you explore options for startup funding in the UAE.
When you're looking for investment, Oraseya Capital is a venture capital firm you'll want to know about. They're actually the venture arm of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, which is pretty interesting.
They tend to focus on early-stage companies, particularly those in software, FinTech, and Artificial Intelligence.
Here's a quick rundown of what they look for:
Some of their past investments give you a good idea of their style:
Keep in mind that Oraseya Capital is part of a larger authority, which might mean they have a specific strategic interest in certain types of innovation within the UAE's economic zones. It's worth understanding that connection when you approach them.
They've been active, with a good number of investments made recently, so they're definitely a player in the UAE's startup scene.
Raed Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage startups. They're known for backing founders with strong ideas and helping them grow.
They invest in companies across various sectors, with a particular interest in technology and digital businesses.
Here's what you should know about them:
If you're looking for early-stage funding, Raed Ventures is definitely a firm to consider. They seem to have a hands-on approach, aiming to support founders beyond just capital.
They've made a significant number of investments recently, showing they are actively looking for promising ventures to back. This activity suggests a dynamic approach to identifying and supporting new businesses in the startup ecosystem.
They are one of the key players in the region's startup scene, and understanding their investment thesis can be helpful for founders seeking capital. You can find more information about their investments and focus areas on platforms that track venture capital activity, like angel investor options.
If you're an early-stage founder in emerging markets, F6 Ventures might be a great fit for you. They really focus on seed and pre-seed rounds, which means they're looking to get in on the ground floor with promising ideas. They've backed over 300 investments across seven countries, managing over $90 million in assets.
What sets them apart is their hands-on approach. They don't just throw money at you; they aim to be a real partner. Think of them as a launchpad, helping you cover those initial costs, get your product developed, and out into the market. They want to help you hit those first big milestones, like landing your first customers or securing that next round of funding.
Here's a quick look at what they're into:
They've been quite active, making 13 investments in the past year alone. It shows they're serious about finding and supporting new talent. If you're building something innovative in these spaces, it's worth checking out what F6 Ventures has to offer. You can find more about their work and portfolio on F6 Ventures' website.
They're not just about the capital; they're about building long-term relationships and helping founders scale with purpose. It's a partnership approach that can make a real difference when you're just starting out.
Global Ventures is a venture capital firm that’s really focused on backing founders from emerging markets. They’ve been around for a bit and have a global portfolio, but their main thing is supporting entrepreneurs in places like the Middle East and Africa.
They're all about investing early, helping startups get off the ground from the idea stage all the way to Series A. This means they can provide that initial capital you need to build your product, get your first customers, and start growing.
Here’s a quick look at what they focus on:
They manage a decent amount of capital, over $90 million, and have backed quite a few companies already. It seems like they’re really committed to being a long-term partner for the founders they work with, offering more than just money.
They aim to help startups scale with purpose and make a real impact. It’s not just about the quick win; it’s about building something sustainable and meaningful.
BECO Capital is a venture capital firm that really focuses on backing tech startups across the MENA region and the Gulf. They get involved from the very early stages, like pre-seed, all the way up to growth. Their conviction-driven approach means they're looking for strong teams with big ideas.
If you're building something in e-commerce, financial services, or information technology, BECO Capital might be a good fit. They've invested in companies at Seed, Series A, and Series B stages, and they're open to businesses in the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Egypt.
Here's a quick look at what they're into:
They've backed some interesting companies, like Taager, which is a social e-commerce platform helping online merchants with their logistics, and PoliCloud, a cloud solution focused on data control. It shows they're interested in practical tech solutions that solve real problems for businesses and consumers.
When you're thinking about pitching to a firm like BECO Capital, remember they're looking for that conviction. It's not just about the idea, but about your belief in it and your plan to make it happen. They want to see that you've thought through the market and how you'll gain traction.
If you're looking for early-stage funding, it's worth checking out networks like Emirates Angels Investors Association to see how they connect startups with investors.
Oqal is an interesting player in the angel investment scene, especially if you're looking for early-stage support. They focus on bringing together angel investors and entrepreneurs to create partnerships that aim for real economic impact. It's not just about the money; it's about building something that benefits society.
If you're a founder with an innovative idea, Oqal can be a good place to start. They're set up to help fast-growing startups get the smart capital and experienced guidance they need. They look at a few key sectors:
They typically invest in pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds. While they are based in Saudi Arabia, they also look at opportunities in the UAE and Egypt, so there's a regional scope to their investments.
Oqal's structure as an endowment group, formed by young businessmen, suggests a long-term vision. They're aiming to foster sustainable growth and societal benefit through their investments, which is a bit different from purely profit-driven funds.
They've backed companies like BRKZ, which is a construction-tech firm, and Spare, a personal finance app. This shows they're open to different types of tech-enabled businesses. If you're building something innovative in their focus areas, it might be worth exploring what Oqal has to offer for UAE startups.
When you're looking for investment, especially in the UAE, it's good to know about places like Dtec Ventures. They're part of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, which is a pretty big deal. They focus on early-stage tech companies in the MENA region, with a special eye on those based in Dubai.
Their main goal is to back businesses that are shaking things up or making existing industries work better with new technology.
Here's what you should know about them:
Beyond Dtec Ventures, there are other players worth noting in the UAE's investment scene. For instance, COTU Ventures, which stands for Champions Of The Underdog, is all about reinventing seed investing in the Middle East. They back founders and help them believe in themselves during those tough early days. Their investment focus includes Financial Services, FinTech, and Education, and they invest at the Seed, Pre-Seed, and Series A stages.
Another one is VentureSouq (VSQ). They manage thematic funds, currently focusing on FinTech and ClimateTech, and have a global portfolio. They invest from Seed up to Series B.
It's always a smart move to research different venture capital firms to see where your business idea might fit best. Understanding their investment thesis and past successes can give you a good idea of whether they're the right partner for you.
Looking for support and connections in the UAE startup scene? We've got you covered. Discover how founders are teaming up to overcome challenges and grow their businesses. Find out more about how we help startups connect and thrive. Visit our website today to see how you can get involved!
Alright, you've made it through the list! It's pretty wild to see how many people and groups are ready to back new ideas in the UAE, right? This whole directory thing can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but think of it as your personal roadmap. You've got names, you've got industries they like, and sometimes even how much they tend to put in. It’s not just a list; it’s a starting point for conversations. Now, the real work begins – figuring out who’s the best fit for your specific project and reaching out. Don't be shy; these investors are actively looking for the next big thing. Go get 'em!
You can find angel investors in the UAE by looking at directories like this one! These lists often include information on who they are, where they invest, and sometimes even how to get in touch. Think of it like a phone book for people who want to invest in new businesses.
Investors in the UAE often look for companies in areas like technology, online shopping, and financial tech (fintech). They also invest in businesses that are just starting out (seed stage) or looking to grow bigger (Series A, B). It really depends on what the investor is interested in!
The amount can change a lot. Some angel investors might give a smaller amount, like $100,000, to help a company get off the ground. Others, especially venture capital firms, can invest much larger sums, sometimes millions of dollars, as a company grows.
An angel investor is usually an individual who uses their own money to invest in startups, often when the company is very new. A venture capital (VC) firm is a company that pools money from different people and institutions to invest in businesses, usually at a later stage than angels do.
Getting investment is always a challenge, but having a solid business plan and showing how your company can grow helps a lot. Knowing which investors are interested in your type of business makes a big difference too. This list can help you figure that out!
While this list focuses on UAE investors, many of them also invest in companies in other countries, like the United States or the UK. Some investors might be open to businesses from anywhere, especially if they see a great idea and a strong team.
