VUZ, a company that creates immersive video experiences, has raised $12 million in a Pre-Series C funding round. The investment was led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The money will help VUZ grow its presence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and support its expansion into Africa, Asia, and the United States.
Several well-known investors joined the funding round, including Al Jazeera Capital and CrossWork VC through the Success Fund, along with existing investors and Saudi family offices.
VUZ competes with big platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram. But what makes it different is its unique 360-degree immersive videos that let users feel inside the event—the Grammy Awards, a La Liga football match, or a fashion show in Dubai.
Users can watch this content through mobile apps, on the web, with virtual reality headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Oculus, or even smart TVs.
2022 the company raised $20 million in a Series B funding round. It has signed exclusive deals to provide immersive broadcasts for La Liga and the Professional Fighters League. VUZ also works with over 100 content creators and over 100 million followers.
VUZ helps content creators through its VUZ Studio, an in-house team that quickly edits and prepares immersive videos. It also gives creators tools to sell products live during their broadcasts, making it easier for influencers to earn money while streaming.
The company has offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and the United States. It aims to reach over 5 billion total views by 2026. VUZ is now building teams in India and Indonesia and already provides services in Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria. It also plans to launch in South Africa later this year.
Khaled Zaatara, the Founder and CEO of the company, said: “IFC saw our potential as a company aiming to grow globally, especially in emerging markets. They were impressed by our work with content and creators, and with the progress we’ve made, there’s a lot of opportunity to grow even more.”
