VentureSouq

VentureSouq is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The firm specializes in managing thematic funds with a focus on early-stage technology companies. Its investment strategy encompasses various sectors, including FinTech, ClimateTech, agriculture tech, environmental tech, food tech, enterprise software, health tech, and digital media. With a global portfolio, VentureSouq aims to support innovative startups in the MENA region and beyond.

Maan Eshgi

General Partner

Sonia Gokhale

Partner

Suneel Gokhale

Partner

Tammer Qaddumi

Partner

Sonia Weymuller

Founding Partner

Past deals in Western Asia

Hakbah

Series A in 2023
Hakbah Fintech is a prominent startup based in Saudi Arabia that specializes in financial savings through a unique social savings model. The company aims to transform how individuals save and access funds by offering a digital platform that facilitates both business-to-consumer and business-to-business-to-consumer solutions. Its application allows users to create or join savings groups, enabling them to save collaboratively with others. Users can participate in various time-based savings plans and customize their saving options. Payments for installments can be made using debit cards, and users have the flexibility to withdraw funds to their bank accounts when it is their turn to receive the pooled savings. Hakbah's mission is to simplify the savings process and make it accessible to everyone, empowering individuals to take control of their financial habits in a hassle-free manner.

Salla

Secondary Market in 2023
Salla is a Saudi-based e-commerce platform that enables users to create their own online stores in Arabic, allowing them to sell products and services directly to customers. Users can personalize their stores by choosing from various design templates and establishing a branded domain name. The platform offers comprehensive inventory management and marketing tools, along with features such as automatic invoicing, customer database management, and promotional capabilities like discounts and offers. Additionally, Salla provides detailed reports that help store owners analyze performance metrics and optimize their operations. This functionality allows e-commerce merchants to manage their businesses efficiently without incurring fees or commissions.

Huspy

Series A in 2022
Huspy is a proptech company based in Dubai, UAE, that aims to simplify the home financing process. Founded in 2020, it focuses on creating an easy-to-use online platform that enhances the home buying and selling experience. By eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork, Huspy enables home buyers to secure mortgages conveniently through its web and mobile applications. The company seeks to transform the traditional mortgage process into a more accessible and cost-effective solution, making home buying a more celebratory experience for its users.

Manara

Pre Seed Round in 2022
We identify and thoroughly vet undiscovered talent. You hire them directly for onsite or remote jobs, diversifying and accelerating your team. Our mission is to accelerate the growth of the Arab tech sector by untapping its human potential. Did you know that 52% of computer science graduates in Palestine are women? Follow us and visit our website to learn more.

Cyble

Series A in 2022
Cyble is a cybersecurity company that specializes in cyber intelligence software aimed at monitoring the dark web and cybercrime. The company offers a platform that provides comprehensive visibility into cyber threats and risks by automating risk assessment processes and integrating deep web intelligence. This enables governments and enterprises to detect, prioritize, and remediate security threats effectively. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Cyble has a global presence with offices in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and India. By delivering timely intelligence and expert insights, Cyble empowers its clients to safeguard their citizens and infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

Lucidya

Series B in 2022
Lucidya, LLC is a software as a service (SaaS) company specializing in social media monitoring and analytics. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Lucidya offers a platform that enables organizations to detect and analyze social media trends, track hashtags, and access brand statistics through an interactive dashboard. It provides features such as real-time alerts, automated reporting, competitive analysis, and benchmarking. The company's unique AI and Arabic natural language processing technologies allow for accurate analysis of interactions in the Arabic language, positioning it as a leading tool in the MENA region. Lucidya serves a diverse clientele, including agencies, brands, non-profit organizations, and media entities, and has expanded its reach beyond Saudi Arabia to over six countries, catering to various industries such as telecommunications, banking, automotive, and retail.

Sary

Series C in 2021
Sary is a digital B2B marketplace based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that connects small businesses with merchant wholesalers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Launched in 2018, the platform allows small and medium-sized enterprises, including mini-market chains, hotels, restaurants, and convenience shops, to efficiently procure a wide range of products such as milk, tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, juices, oils, and chocolates. Sary's user-friendly mobile and web application enables customers to place orders for wholesale items, ranging from small boxes to large truckloads, with delivery options available as quickly as 24 hours. The company has expanded its services to 12 major cities and has served over 40,000 customers while collaborating with more than 1,700 brands and wholesalers. Sary aims to streamline the supply chain in the wholesale industry, providing businesses with immediate price quotations, product comparisons, and insights to help manage costs effectively.

Tamatem

Series B in 2021
Tamatem Inc. is a mobile gaming studio and publishing company based in Amman, Jordan, with an additional office in Mountain View, California. Founded in 2013, Tamatem specializes in developing and localizing mobile games for Arabic-speaking smartphone users. The company collaborates with international studios to adapt games, ensuring they resonate culturally and linguistically with the Arabic audience. Tamatem's portfolio includes various genres, such as racing, RPG-MMO, strategy, puzzle, and trivia games. With a focus on user acquisition, distribution, and monetization, Tamatem has successfully published 40 games that have garnered over 50 million downloads. The company is recognized for its expertise in making games relevant to the regional market, enhancing their potential for success.

Dayra

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Dayra is an online financial platform that aims to provide essential financial services to unbanked gig workers and micro-businesses, primarily in Egypt. By leveraging API integration, Dayra enables companies to offer services such as virtual bank accounts, prepaid cards, and access to credit and loans. This approach allows businesses to seamlessly embed financial services into their existing operations, facilitating hassle-free and instant financing for their unbanked workers and customers. Dayra's offerings are designed to be more accessible and cost-effective than traditional lending options, addressing the financial needs of underserved populations.

Huspy

Convertible Note in 2021
Huspy is a proptech company based in Dubai, UAE, that aims to simplify the home financing process. Founded in 2020, it focuses on creating an easy-to-use online platform that enhances the home buying and selling experience. By eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork, Huspy enables home buyers to secure mortgages conveniently through its web and mobile applications. The company seeks to transform the traditional mortgage process into a more accessible and cost-effective solution, making home buying a more celebratory experience for its users.

Rain

Convertible Note in 2021
Rain is a regulated cryptocurrency exchange based in Manama, Bahrain, that was founded in 2017. It operates a digital currency trading platform specifically designed to facilitate secure and compliant transactions in the Middle East. The platform allows clients to buy, sell, and store digital currencies while adhering to regulatory standards. By functioning within a regulatory sandbox, Rain aims to provide a safe environment for digital transactions, enhancing trust and security for its users.

Tabby

Series B in 2021
Tabby Inc. is a financial technology company based in the United Arab Emirates that offers payment solutions for online purchases. It operates a platform that provides customers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with a buy now, pay later option, allowing them to make payments for their purchases either in a single deferred payment or through multiple installments. This service aims to enhance financial flexibility, enabling consumers to manage their spending more effectively while ensuring safe payment transactions. Through its innovative approach, Tabby seeks to reshape the relationship individuals have with their finances, promoting a more accessible shopping experience.

Baraka

Seed Round in 2021
Baraka is an investment application founded in the UAE that aims to democratize access to the stock markets. The platform provides users with educational resources, concise market news, and comprehensive stock analysis to build their confidence as investors. It facilitates commission-free investing in a wide range of stocks and exchange-traded funds, allowing individuals to easily explore various investment opportunities. Baraka's mission is to empower everyone to participate in the financial markets, making investment accessible and straightforward for all.

Quant Data & Analytics

Series A in 2021
Quant Data & Analytics is a consultancy based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specializing in data science services. Founded in 2015, the company offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including data analytics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data quality management. Its services encompass data visualization, predictive analytics, and analytics training, aimed at helping businesses and governments leverage data effectively. Additionally, Quant develops a data analytics platform that integrates project management, data aggregation, and metadata management, enabling clients to address operational and strategic challenges. Through its offerings, Quant Data & Analytics strives to empower organizations to optimize operations and enhance decision-making capabilities.

Wealthes Capital

Series A in 2021
Wealthes Capital is a global investment manager, specializing in alternative investments, with a primary focus on fintech in Europe and real estate in the Middle East (MEA). Since our establishment in 2018, we've been committed to generating attractive returns for our clients while creating enduring value in our portfolio companies by adopting a disciplined investment process. We employ talented professionals and leverage the resources of a global institution with an innovative approach. We invest capital into our products and strategies, ensuring that interests align with our investors and stakeholders. We strive for sustainable value creation through our investments and in the communities where we operate. We take pride in partnering with clients to provide tailored solutions to their needs. Our primary offices are located in Abu Dhabi and London.

Sary

Series B in 2021
Sary is a digital B2B marketplace based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that connects small businesses with merchant wholesalers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Launched in 2018, the platform allows small and medium-sized enterprises, including mini-market chains, hotels, restaurants, and convenience shops, to efficiently procure a wide range of products such as milk, tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, juices, oils, and chocolates. Sary's user-friendly mobile and web application enables customers to place orders for wholesale items, ranging from small boxes to large truckloads, with delivery options available as quickly as 24 hours. The company has expanded its services to 12 major cities and has served over 40,000 customers while collaborating with more than 1,700 brands and wholesalers. Sary aims to streamline the supply chain in the wholesale industry, providing businesses with immediate price quotations, product comparisons, and insights to help manage costs effectively.

Baraka

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Baraka is an investment application founded in the UAE that aims to democratize access to the stock markets. The platform provides users with educational resources, concise market news, and comprehensive stock analysis to build their confidence as investors. It facilitates commission-free investing in a wide range of stocks and exchange-traded funds, allowing individuals to easily explore various investment opportunities. Baraka's mission is to empower everyone to participate in the financial markets, making investment accessible and straightforward for all.

NymCard

Series A in 2021
NymCard is a payment processing platform founded in 2016, with operations based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and a subsidiary in London, United Kingdom. The company focuses on providing a comprehensive online payments solution that enhances user experience, security, and data management. NymCard offers mobile wallet solutions, card issuance and processing, and cloud-based services, allowing financial institutions in Africa and the Middle East to issue innovative digital payment products. By leveraging open APIs and mobile SDKs, NymCard enables clients to provide plastic, virtual, or tokenized cards to users quickly and efficiently, facilitating access to the digital economy. The platform aims to streamline the account opening process and ensure secure online transactions, addressing the challenges of low payment card penetration in its target regions.

Tabby

Series A in 2020
Tabby Inc. is a financial technology company based in the United Arab Emirates that offers payment solutions for online purchases. It operates a platform that provides customers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with a buy now, pay later option, allowing them to make payments for their purchases either in a single deferred payment or through multiple installments. This service aims to enhance financial flexibility, enabling consumers to manage their spending more effectively while ensuring safe payment transactions. Through its innovative approach, Tabby seeks to reshape the relationship individuals have with their finances, promoting a more accessible shopping experience.

Mamo

Seed Round in 2020
Mamo is a fintech startup based in Dubai, UAE, specializing in payment and financial solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is the first fintech company licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority to provide money services, enabling it to offer a diverse range of financial services. Mamo's flagship product, Mamo Business, serves as an alternative to traditional business banking, functioning as a financial operating system tailored to the needs of SMEs. The platform incorporates essential components such as payments, spend management, and analytics, facilitating efficient financial operations. Mamo's application allows businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies, issue virtual cards, manage expenses, and integrate with e-commerce platforms. Its customer base includes a variety of sectors, including B2B service providers, tourism, healthcare, wellness, and retail, helping to streamline financial processes and enhance analysis of spending habits.

Quant Data & Analytics

Seed Round in 2020
Quant Data & Analytics is a consultancy based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, specializing in data science services. Founded in 2015, the company offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including data analytics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data quality management. Its services encompass data visualization, predictive analytics, and analytics training, aimed at helping businesses and governments leverage data effectively. Additionally, Quant develops a data analytics platform that integrates project management, data aggregation, and metadata management, enabling clients to address operational and strategic challenges. Through its offerings, Quant Data & Analytics strives to empower organizations to optimize operations and enhance decision-making capabilities.

Dapi

Seed Round in 2020
Dapi Ltd is a fintech company that specializes in developing an application programming interface (API) designed to facilitate payments between consumer bank accounts and businesses. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Dapi offers a suite of open banking APIs that enable real-time connections to customer bank accounts, initiate payments, and access financial data. This functionality empowers developers to create various financial applications, such as digital wallets, budget trackers, and investment tools. Dapi's services have gained traction across multiple countries, including operations in the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, South Africa, and Kuwait. The company has experienced significant growth, achieving $400,000 in annual recurring revenue and a monthly growth rate exceeding 50%.

Kitopi

Series B in 2019
Kitopi is a Kitchen as a Service (KaaS) platform that facilitates the establishment of delivery-only restaurant locations by offering managed kitchen infrastructure and software solutions. Founded in 2018 by Mohamad Ballout, Saman Darkan, Bader Ataya, and Andy Arenas, Kitopi operates a network of over 60 cloud kitchens across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The company enables restaurateurs to minimize capital expenditure and streamline operations by providing essential services such as management, call assistance, delivery management, trained staff, and specialized technology. Although Kitopi expanded into the United States in 2019, it exited the market following the onset of the pandemic.

Tenderd

Seed Round in 2019
Tenderd LLC operates an on-demand marketplace for renting heavy equipment, including bulldozers and cranes, primarily serving construction and engineering companies in the Middle East and North Africa. Based in Dubai, the company connects equipment owners with contractors to facilitate rentals. Additionally, Tenderd offers an AI-driven platform that enhances fleet operations by transforming equipment data into actionable insights. This platform enables clients to monitor operations, optimize equipment use, manage fuel consumption, plan routes, and schedule maintenance, all while measuring carbon emissions. By integrating AI and analytics, Tenderd aims to improve decision-making, reduce operational costs, enhance safety, and promote environmentally sustainable practices within the industry.

Lucidya

Series A in 2019
Lucidya, LLC is a software as a service (SaaS) company specializing in social media monitoring and analytics. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Lucidya offers a platform that enables organizations to detect and analyze social media trends, track hashtags, and access brand statistics through an interactive dashboard. It provides features such as real-time alerts, automated reporting, competitive analysis, and benchmarking. The company's unique AI and Arabic natural language processing technologies allow for accurate analysis of interactions in the Arabic language, positioning it as a leading tool in the MENA region. Lucidya serves a diverse clientele, including agencies, brands, non-profit organizations, and media entities, and has expanded its reach beyond Saudi Arabia to over six countries, catering to various industries such as telecommunications, banking, automotive, and retail.

Kitopi

Series A in 2018
Kitopi is a Kitchen as a Service (KaaS) platform that facilitates the establishment of delivery-only restaurant locations by offering managed kitchen infrastructure and software solutions. Founded in 2018 by Mohamad Ballout, Saman Darkan, Bader Ataya, and Andy Arenas, Kitopi operates a network of over 60 cloud kitchens across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The company enables restaurateurs to minimize capital expenditure and streamline operations by providing essential services such as management, call assistance, delivery management, trained staff, and specialized technology. Although Kitopi expanded into the United States in 2019, it exited the market following the onset of the pandemic.

Souqalmal

Series B in 2017
Souqalmal.com is the leading financial comparison site in the Middle East with operations in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE. The company has empowers customers to make decisions on their best deal on credit cards, mortgages, personal loans and insurance products. The company has raised 3 rounds of fundraise and over USD 12M to date. Shareholders include major comparison site GoCompare from the UK, Hummingbird Ventures, Riyadh Taqnia Fund, 500 Start up amongst others. Multiple awards from the Best Online Business of the Year by Gulf Capital to The UAE start up of the Year by Forbes, the company has thrived and grown its insurance business 7X in 3 years.

Zoomcar

Series B in 2016
Zoomcar is a leading peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace based in Bengaluru, India, specializing in self-drive rentals and vehicle subscriptions. Founded in 2013, the company operates a technology-driven platform that features over 20,000 vehicles across India, Southeast Asia, and Egypt. By empowering host entrepreneurs to share their cars, Zoomcar allows them to earn passive income while providing guests with a diverse and affordable selection of vehicles. The company's primary revenue comes from short-term self-drive rentals, with India being its largest market. Zoomcar employs over 300 people and operates in 50 cities, including locations in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Egypt. Uri Levine, a notable entrepreneur known for his work with mobility companies, serves as the Chairman of the Board.

Souqalmal

Convertible Note in 2016
Souqalmal.com is the leading financial comparison site in the Middle East with operations in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE. The company has empowers customers to make decisions on their best deal on credit cards, mortgages, personal loans and insurance products. The company has raised 3 rounds of fundraise and over USD 12M to date. Shareholders include major comparison site GoCompare from the UK, Hummingbird Ventures, Riyadh Taqnia Fund, 500 Start up amongst others. Multiple awards from the Best Online Business of the Year by Gulf Capital to The UAE start up of the Year by Forbes, the company has thrived and grown its insurance business 7X in 3 years.

Zoomcar

Series B in 2016
Zoomcar is a leading peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace based in Bengaluru, India, specializing in self-drive rentals and vehicle subscriptions. Founded in 2013, the company operates a technology-driven platform that features over 20,000 vehicles across India, Southeast Asia, and Egypt. By empowering host entrepreneurs to share their cars, Zoomcar allows them to earn passive income while providing guests with a diverse and affordable selection of vehicles. The company's primary revenue comes from short-term self-drive rentals, with India being its largest market. Zoomcar employs over 300 people and operates in 50 cities, including locations in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Egypt. Uri Levine, a notable entrepreneur known for his work with mobility companies, serves as the Chairman of the Board.

Zoomcar

Series A in 2014
Zoomcar is a leading peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace based in Bengaluru, India, specializing in self-drive rentals and vehicle subscriptions. Founded in 2013, the company operates a technology-driven platform that features over 20,000 vehicles across India, Southeast Asia, and Egypt. By empowering host entrepreneurs to share their cars, Zoomcar allows them to earn passive income while providing guests with a diverse and affordable selection of vehicles. The company's primary revenue comes from short-term self-drive rentals, with India being its largest market. Zoomcar employs over 300 people and operates in 50 cities, including locations in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Egypt. Uri Levine, a notable entrepreneur known for his work with mobility companies, serves as the Chairman of the Board.

Knot Standard

Angel Round in 2013
Knot Standard Limited is a custom menswear brand that specializes in selling hand-made suits, shirts, blazers, trousers, and various accessories online. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in New York, the company allows customers to provide their measurements via webcams for a personalized fit. Knot Standard caters to a diverse clientele, including professionals and individuals preparing for special occasions, such as weddings. In addition to its online offerings, the company operates showrooms in several major cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Dubai, and maintains production facilities in locations such as Brooklyn and Portugal. The brand emphasizes quality craftsmanship and tailored experiences, serving customers both in the United States and internationally.

Knot Standard

Seed Round in 2012
Knot Standard Limited is a custom menswear brand that specializes in selling hand-made suits, shirts, blazers, trousers, and various accessories online. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in New York, the company allows customers to provide their measurements via webcams for a personalized fit. Knot Standard caters to a diverse clientele, including professionals and individuals preparing for special occasions, such as weddings. In addition to its online offerings, the company operates showrooms in several major cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Dubai, and maintains production facilities in locations such as Brooklyn and Portugal. The brand emphasizes quality craftsmanship and tailored experiences, serving customers both in the United States and internationally.
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