Top 10 Venture Capital Firms in MENA in 2026: Best VC Investors for Startups
Oct 8, 2026 | By Yan lii
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has become an increasingly important market for startups and venture capital. Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to attract a large share of investment, while countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain are also developing stronger startup ecosystems.
MENA's startup funding market saw strong growth in 2025. According to Wamda, startups across the region raised $7.5 billion across 647 companies, with Saudi Arabia accounting for around $5 billion of the total. MAGNiTT also reported significant growth in MENA venture funding, highlighting the region's rising importance for investors.
For founders raising money in 2026, choosing a VC firm is not just about finding capital. The right investor can also offer industry experience, business connections, hiring support, market access and help with international expansion.
Here are 10 notable venture capital firms and investment platforms supporting the MENA startup ecosystem in 2026.
1. Aramco Ventures
Aramco Ventures is one of the major corporate venture investors in the MENA region. Based in Saudi Arabia, it invests in technologies that can support the energy, industrial and digital sectors.
Its investment interests include AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, carbon management and energy storage. The firm has several investment programs designed to support companies at different stages.
For startups working in deep tech, energy or industrial technology, Aramco Ventures can provide access to more than funding, including technical expertise and connections to Aramco's global operations.
2. Prosperity7 Ventures
Prosperity7 Ventures is an investment platform linked to Aramco Ventures. It focuses on high-growth companies outside traditional energy and looks for businesses with the potential to expand internationally.
The firm invests in areas including technology, fintech, enterprise software and other emerging industries.
Its focus on growth-stage businesses makes it relevant for startups that have moved beyond the early stages and are looking for larger amounts of capital to scale.
3. STV
STV is one of Saudi Arabia's leading technology-focused venture capital firms. Based in Riyadh, it invests in technology companies across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
The firm has become increasingly important as Saudi Arabia develops its technology sector through Vision 2030. STV has also increased its focus on areas such as AI and emerging technologies.
For founders looking to build or expand their businesses in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, STV is an important investor to consider.
4. Wamda Capital
Wamda Capital is one of the most established names in the MENA venture capital market. The firm invests in technology and technology-enabled businesses across the region.
Its investment activity covers markets across the Middle East, North Africa and other emerging markets, while its broader Wamda platform also supports the startup ecosystem through research, community programs and industry connections.
For founders looking for a VC with strong regional experience, Wamda Capital is a notable option.
5. Shorooq
Shorooq is a UAE-based investment firm that operates across several asset classes, including venture capital, private equity and private credit.
The firm has invested in more than 100 companies across 11 countries and says its assets under management have grown to more than $1 billion.
Shorooq focuses on companies with strong growth potential and can be relevant for founders looking to expand from MENA into international markets.
6. Global Ventures
Global Ventures is a UAE-based venture capital firm focused on technology and high-growth businesses in emerging markets.
The firm has built a broad network across MENA and international markets. This can be useful for startups that want to raise capital in the region while also preparing for international expansion.
Its portfolio covers multiple industries and stages, making Global Ventures a notable investor for technology startups with ambitious growth plans.
7. BECO Capital
BECO Capital is a Dubai-based venture capital firm focused on technology companies in the Middle East.
The firm has invested in businesses across areas such as fintech, software, marketplaces and digital services. Its long-standing presence in the regional startup market has made it a recognised name among MENA founders.
BECO Capital can be particularly relevant for technology startups that already have some market traction and are preparing for their next stage of growth.
8. Kube VC
Kube VC is a UAE-based venture capital firm that invests in technology startups across MENA.
The firm has built a regional portfolio and focuses on supporting technology companies with growth potential. Kube VC has also appeared in industry research covering leading MENA venture investors.
For founders seeking investors with knowledge of the regional technology market, Kube VC is another firm worth considering.
9. Wa'ed Ventures
Wa'ed Ventures is a Saudi-focused venture capital platform within the wider Aramco ecosystem. It supports startups that can contribute to Saudi Arabia's growing technology and innovation economy.
The platform is particularly relevant for founders building businesses for the Saudi market or companies planning to establish operations in the Kingdom.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in technology, entrepreneurship and new industries, Wa'ed Ventures has become an important source of startup funding in the country.
10. PlusVC
PlusVC is a MENA-focused venture capital investor that supports technology startups across the region.
The firm is part of a growing group of investors providing funding to early-stage companies in MENA. Its regional focus can be valuable for founders who want an investor that understands local markets, customers and business conditions.
For startups at the seed and early-growth stages, regional investors such as PlusVC can offer both capital and local market knowledge.
Why Is MENA Attracting More Venture Capital in 2026?
Several factors are driving the growth of venture capital across MENA.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain the region's biggest investment hubs. Both countries are attracting startups, investors and international technology companies while developing programs designed to support innovation and entrepreneurship.
Investors are also showing greater interest in sectors such as AI, fintech, enterprise software, climate technology, logistics, healthtech and deep tech.
AI, in particular, has become an important investment area as businesses across the region look for new ways to use artificial intelligence.
Government-backed investment programs are another major driver. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar have launched initiatives designed to bring more capital into their startup ecosystems and encourage the development of local technology companies.
Qatar, for example, expanded its venture capital program to as much as $3 billion in 2026, with plans to invest in several international and regional funds.
How Should Founders Choose a MENA VC Firm?
Founders should not choose a VC firm based only on how much money it manages. The right investor should also match the company's sector, stage, market and long-term goals.
Before approaching a VC, founders should consider:
- Investment stage: Does the firm invest in pre-seed, seed, Series A or later-stage companies?
- Industry expertise: Does the investor understand your sector and business model?
- Geographic focus: Does it invest in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt or other MENA markets?
- Portfolio: Has the firm backed companies similar to yours?
- Follow-on funding: Can it support future funding rounds as the company grows?
- Network: Can the investor help with customers, partners, hiring and international expansion?
The MENA startup ecosystem is becoming more competitive, but it is also creating more opportunities for founders. For startups entering the region in 2026, finding an investor that brings capital, local knowledge and long-term support can be just as important as the size of the funding round.
Final Takeaway
The MENA venture capital market is entering 2026 with stronger institutional participation, significant available capital and growing interest in technology businesses. Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain central to this growth, while other regional markets are developing their own startup ecosystems.
For founders, the best VC is not necessarily the largest one. The right partner is the investor that understands the company's sector, stage, market and long-term growth plans.









