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VentureSouq

Asia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai

Description

VentureSouq (VSQ) is a prominent Dubai-based venture capital firm and investment platform dedicated to fostering early-stage technology businesses across global markets. Established with a vision to connect investors with high-growth startups, VSQ has carved a niche by offering diversified investment opportunities and strategic support to its portfolio companies. The firm's approach extends beyond traditional venture capital, leveraging a robust network of limited partners and co-investors to fuel innovation in emerging and established tech ecosystems.

VSQ operates through several specialized funds, each targeting distinct stages and sectors. Key among these are the MENA Seed Fund, which focuses on nascent technology ventures in the Middle East and North Africa region, and the Global FinTech Fund, designed to back disruptive financial technology companies worldwide. Additionally, VentureSouq launched a MENA Venture Debt Fund in 2022, further broadening its financial instruments available to growing startups. This multi-fund strategy allows VSQ to cater to a wide spectrum of funding needs, from initial seed capital to growth-stage financing.

For its typical first cheques, particularly through its MENA Seed Fund, VentureSouq generally invests between $250,000 and $1 million in promising early-stage companies. The firm's expansive portfolio now includes over 100 companies globally, demonstrating its significant reach and commitment to fostering a diverse range of technological advancements. Notable investments include regional success stories like Kitopi and Tabby, underscoring VentureSouq's ability to identify and nurture future market leaders. The firm's strategic location in Dubai positions it as a crucial bridge between global capital and the rapidly evolving tech landscape of the MENA region and beyond.

Investor Profile

VentureSouq has backed more than 121 startups, with 9 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 8 rounds, about 7% of its total and boasts 10 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Pre Seed rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria.
  • Strong thematic focus on FinTech, Software, Financial Services.
  • Led 2 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $250K – $1M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (56%)
  • Series A (21%)
  • Pre Seed (8%)
  • Series B (7%)
  • Convertible Note (4%)
  • Series Unknown (2%)
  • Series C (2%)
  • Undisclosed (1%)

Country Focus

  • United States (38%)
  • United Arab Emirates (12%)
  • Nigeria (7%)
  • Saudi Arabia (7%)
  • Pakistan (6%)
  • India (5%)
  • Singapore (5%)
  • United Kingdom (4%)
  • Egypt (3%)
  • Switzerland (2%)

Industry Focus

  • Fintech
  • Software
  • Financial Services
  • Payments
  • Finance
  • E-commerce
  • Apps
  • Information Technology
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Health Care
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does VentureSouq frequently co-invest with?

FJ Labs
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 10
Soma Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 12
Global Ventures
Asia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Co-Investments: 8
Endeavor Catalyst
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 9
FundersClub
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 7
Y Combinator
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Co-Investments: 39
Raed Ventures
Asia, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
Co-Investments: 7
Pioneer Fund
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 7
Global Founders Capital
Europe, Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Co-Investments: 15
Alumni Ventures
North America, New Hampshire, United States, Manchester
Co-Investments: 6

Which angels does VentureSouq often collaborate with?

WG
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3
KN
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 3
PT
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 3
JM
North America, United States
Shared Deals: 5
EL
North America, Florida, United States, Miami Beach
Shared Deals: 3
CG
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
DF
North America, California, United States, Penngrove
Shared Deals: 2
PB
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Shared Deals: 3
BF
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 6
AA
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 3

What are some of recent deals done by VentureSouq?

Tradoor is a decentralized finance app that uses The Open Network (TON) and is safe, effective, and affordable.

BlockchainCryptocurrencyInternet
SeedMay 15, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,700,000
Nawy

Cairo, Al Qahirah, Egypt

Nawy is Africa’s largest proptech. Its products include Nawy Shares, Nawy Now, Nawy Unlocked & Nawy Partners

MortgageProperty ManagementReal EstateReal Estate BrokerageReal Estate InvestmentRental PropertyResidential
Series AMay 12, 2025
Amount Raised: $52,000,000
Erad

Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia

Working capital for SMEs

FinTechInformation Technology
SeedApr 30, 2025
Amount Raised: $16,000,000
SILQ

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

SILQ is a platform dedicated to bridging economies and empowering businesses to trade, grow, and navigate new frontiers.

UndisclosedApr 9, 2025
Amount Raised: $110,000,000
Mala Inc.

Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia

Mala is a B2B BNPL platform that facilitates transactions in MENA.

FinTech
Pre SeedOct 19, 2024
Amount Raised: $7,000,000
Pathao

Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Pathao is a super-app platform with services in ride-sharing, logistics, e-commerce, food delivery, fintech, BNPL, and more.

Courier ServiceDelivery ServiceE-CommerceFood DeliveryInformation TechnologyLogisticsPaymentsRide SharingTransportation
Series BSep 15, 2024
Amount Raised: $12,000,000
PostEx

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

PostEx is a hybrid of receivables factoring solutions and courier services.

Financial ServicesPayments
SeedAug 20, 2024
Amount Raised: $7,300,000
Resal

Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Resal develops an e-gifting platform that specializes in digital cards, rewards solutions, and loyalty programs.

FinTechGift CardLoyalty ProgramsPayments
Series AAug 18, 2024
Amount Raised: $9,000,000

LayerPixel is a Layer 1.5 solution built on TON for Telegram, aiming to provide a one-stop DeFi solution for Telegram Mini App.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
SeedJul 26, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,000,000
Elevate Pay

Newark, Delaware, United States

Elevate Pay is a financial technology company that offers a mobile banking app to provide consumers with regulated banking services.

AppsBankingFinancial ServicesFinTech
SeedJun 6, 2024
Amount Raised: $5,000,000