Venture capitalist Tala Al Jabri has started Wyld VC, one of the Middle East and North African funds focusing on artificial intelligence (AI). The fund has $50 million to invest in early-stage AI startups in both the Gulf countries and Silicon Valley.
Based in Saudi Arabia, Wyld VC is supported by the family office of Lawrence E. Golub, the CEO of Golub Capital in New York. The goal is to connect Silicon Valley’s tech skills with the Gulf region’s growing investment in AI.
Until recently, there hasn’t been much venture capital funding for AI startups in the Middle East. Wyld VC’s new fund could help change that by supporting the region’s growing AI ecosystem and filling the gap in skilled talent.
The fund also hopes to build stronger tech partnerships between the U.S. and Gulf countries. The timing is important, too—President Trump is starting his Gulf tour tomorrow, and technology cooperation between the regions is expected to be a significant focus.
Venture capitalist Tala Al Jabri has launched Wyld VC, one of the first AI-focused investment funds in the MENA region. The fund has $50 million to support early-stage AI startups in both the Gulf countries and Silicon Valley.
Wyld VC will mainly invest in AI middleware and applications, which are seen as areas ready for significant changes and innovation.
The fund will support early-stage startups in the Gulf region and the San Francisco Bay Area, aiming to encourage the sharing of technology and ideas between the two regions.
The fund’s launch comes when Saudi Arabia is working to become a major player in artificial intelligence.
In the first quarter of 2025, the country attracted $391 million in venture capital, making it the top emerging market in the world, according to Magnitt.
This is the first time Lawrence E. Golub’s family office has invested in the region, showing interest in the Gulf’s growing tech scene.
Earlier this year, Golub Capital opened an office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), showing that international investors are becoming more confident in the Gulf’s technology ecosystem.
Wyld VC plans to connect startups in the Middle East with Silicon Valley’s talent, investors, and support systems.
At the same time, it will help tech ideas from the Bay Area find strong partners and opportunities in Gulf countries.
In recent years, venture capital investment in the MENA region’s AI sector has increased, but most money has gone to early-stage startups. There is still a lack of variety and depth in funding.
The region faces two main challenges: not enough unique AI startups with their technology, and some investors are still unsure about putting money into advanced tech. However, things are starting to change as more local innovahappens and investors become informed.
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