The top 50 Middle East & North Africa venture investors

In the fast-paced world of venture capital, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has become a hotbed of activity, with over 1,300 investors backing equity deals in the last year. This competitive landscape has forced top firms to strategically position themselves to stand out and capture outsized returns. Using CB Insights data, we analyzed the performance of these investors to identify the top 50 venture investors in the MENA region, highlighting their key strengths and areas of focus.

The list is dominated by Aramco Ventures, the energy giant's multi-stage fund, which leads our ranking with 100 startup deals since 2023. This impressive tally underscores Aramco's aggressive pursuit of high-growth areas such as manufacturing, AI, and healthcare. Following Aramco Ventures is Prosperity7 Ventures, a diversified growth fund with notable investments in Uniphore Series F and TensorWave Series A. Rounding out the top three is WAED Ventures, a Riyadh-based fund focused on the Saudi ecosystem, with portfolio companies like Lucidya and Rewaa.

The UAE emerges as the hub for nearly half of the top MENA investors, including Kube VC (#5) and Wamda Capital (#6). These firms have established themselves as key players in the region, driving innovation and growth. Saudi Arabia follows closely with 12 investors, many of whom are backing initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, such as STV and WAED Ventures. Turkey rounds out the top three countries with 11 investors, showcasing the region's diverse investment landscape.

STV, a Riyadh-based investor, stands out for its quality of recent investments, boasting a higher average Mosaic score (742 out of 1,000) than any other investor on the list. Notable top performers in its portfolio include Tabby, a BNPL platform that has partnered with Checkout.com and UAE's Ministry of Finance, and Foodics, a point of sale system that reported $6B in gross merchandise volume last July.

Aramco Ventures also excels in exit strategies, with a strong track record that positions it to maximize returns for its portfolio companies. The top 50 MENA venture investors are not only driving innovation but also ensuring sustainable growth, positioning the region as a key player in the global startup ecosystem.

For venture firms looking to enhance their portfolio representation, we encourage them to reach out to analyst@cbinsights.com for a review of CB Insights' coverage of their investments. By staying informed about these top investors' deals in real time, startups and entrepreneurs can leverage the region's burgeoning venture capital scene to achieve success and growth. The competitive landscape of MENA venture capital is not only driving innovation but also fostering a collaborative environment that benefits everyone involved. As the region continues to evolve, these top investors will play a crucial role in shaping its future and solidifying its position as a global hub for startups and high-growth opportunities.