Noha Gad
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of Web3 and blockchain technologies, driven by a strategic vision to harness innovation for economic growth. The Kingdom's commitment to advancing these technologies is evident through various initiatives, including the establishment of dedicated hubs and partnerships aimed at fostering a vibrant ecosystem.
As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has been actively investing in emerging technologies, recognizing blockchain's potential to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in both public and private enterprises.
In this rapidly evolving ecosystem, Web3 has emerged as a transformative force that reshapes industries and creates new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia.
Adaverse, a prominent player in the Web3 investment landscape, is actively contributing to this burgeoning market. As one of the leading venture funds and blockchain accelerators in the region, Adaverse invested in several startups, such as Takadao, UmrahCash, Tharawat Green Exchange (TGE), and Grintafy, as part of its mission to empower local entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of decentralized technologies across the region.
In this regard, Sharikat Mubasher held an interview with Vincent Li, Founding Partner at Adaverse, to learn more about the company’s activities in Saudi Arabia and his insights on the future of Web3 and blockchain technologies in the Kingdom and the region.
What sets Adaverse apart from other venture funds and blockchain accelerators in the region?
What sets us apart is our unique approach to building the Web3 ecosystem through a venture-building partnership model. We have successfully invested in around 100 founders across multiple regions, including Asia, Africa, and now Saudi Arabia. Our philosophy is centered on supporting persistent founders with necessary web3 knowledge throughout the whole startup journey, and valuable experiences and resources from other markets in the globe.
Unlike traditional venture funds, we focus on projects that solve real-world problems and drive mass adoption of blockchain technology. Our flat organizational structure and partnership-based approach allow us to work closely with founders, empowering them rather than simply providing capital.
What motivated Adaverse to commit $10 million to Saudi Web3 startups?
Our decision to commit to Saudi Arabia was driven by extensive market research and field visits that highlighted Saudi Arabia's significant potential for Web3 development. This commitment aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the country's digital transformation goals.
We have already invested in several promising Saudi ventures, including Grintafy, UmrahCash, TGE (Tharawat Green Exchange), TakaDAO, and others, with more investments in the pipeline.
The unique government support we have received has reinforced our conviction that Saudi Arabia is positioned to become a global Web3 hub. This investment represents our long-term commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the local ecosystem.
In your opinion, what are the unique opportunities that blockchain and Web3 technologies offer in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia presents unique opportunities for blockchain and Web3 technologies, particularly in solving real-world challenges. Let me share some concrete examples from our portfolio with the disclaimer that the list is non-exhaustive:
We have invested in TGE, which is revolutionizing carbon offsetting by connecting carbon offsetters with local nurseries and land projects via blockchain technology, directly supporting Saudi Arabia's ambitious goal of planting 10 billion trees by 2040.
In the sports sector, we have backed Grintafy, which is transforming football talent discovery through blockchain technology, serving over 2 million users across its ecosystem.
We are also seeing great potential in projects like Mithu App, which addresses the underserved loyalty program market in Riyadh, where only 2.5% of restaurants currently offer such programs.
Similarly, solutions like UmrahCash demonstrate how blockchain can revolutionize financial services for the 21 million migrant workers and religious visitors in Saudi Arabia.
What makes Saudi Arabia particularly exciting for Web3 development is the strong government support for technology innovation, combined with the Kingdom's strategic position and vision for digital transformation.
These opportunities align perfectly with our focus on practical applications that drive mass adoption. The diversity of use cases, from environmental sustainability to sports tech to financial services, shows how Web3 can create real value across multiple sectors in the Saudi economy.
What key challenges has Adaverse faced in adopting blockchain technologies in the Kingdom, and how has the company tackled them?
The key challenges we have faced primarily revolve around achieving mass adoption and educating the market about Web3's potential. While blockchain technology is still consolidating its foundations, we have tackled these challenges by focusing on projects that address tangible problems. Our approach has been to invest in startups that make blockchain technology accessible and practical for everyday users. We have also worked closely with regulatory bodies and government institutions to ensure our initiatives align with local requirements.
What are the company’s strategic plans for further expansion in Saudi Arabia and the region?
Our strategic plans for expansion in Saudi Arabia and the region focus on three key areas. First, we are continuing to identify and invest in promising Web3 startups that solve real-world problems. Second, we are actively building partnerships with local institutions and government bodies to strengthen the ecosystem.
Third, we are organizing events and initiatives to promote Web3 adoption locally and connect valuable investment and market resources internationally.
We are particularly excited about upcoming projects in the social network and real estate markets, which we believe have significant potential in the region. Our strategy remains aligned with our long-term perspective of supporting persistent founders and nurturing projects over time.
How do you see the long-term impact of Web3 technologies on Saudi Arabia's economic and social landscape?
Looking at the long-term impact of Web3 technologies on Saudi Arabia's landscape, I believe we are at the beginning of a transformative journey. Based on our experience across multiple markets, we see Web3 playing a crucial role in achieving Saudi Vision 2030's goals. The technology will enable new models of value exchange, enhance transparency in various sectors, and create new economic opportunities. We are already seeing this impact through our portfolio companies, which are addressing real challenges in areas like financial services, loyalty programs, and digital asset management. The key is to focus on practical applications that can drive mass adoption and create tangible value for the Saudi economy.
How does Adaverse contribute to the development of a vibrant Web3 community in Saudi Arabia?
Adaverse contributes to the Web3 community development through multiple strategic initiatives. Most recently, we released our landmark report, "State of Web3 in Saudi Arabia," which serves as a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs, investors, and talent looking to participate in the Kingdom's Web3 ecosystem. The report highlights tremendous opportunities in sectors like gaming, fintech, e-commerce, and proptech, demonstrating our commitment to building knowledge in the ecosystem.
Beyond research, we actively organize events and knowledge-sharing sessions, bringing together founders, investors, and technology enthusiasts. We work closely with local institutions to create opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Our approach is not just about providing capital – we are helping to shape Saudi Arabia's transformation into a tech-driven powerhouse by building alliances and partnerships that strengthen the entire ecosystem. Through these efforts, we are positioning the Kingdom as a premier destination for Web3 innovation, attracting both local and international talent to contribute to this growing community.
What are Adaverse’s plans to nurture Saudi talent in the blockchain and Web3 space?
During our extensive research for the "State of Web3 in Saudi Arabia”, one of the key findings was that we need more Web3 talent in Saudi, and we are committed to helping achieve that! We are implementing a multi-faceted approach that encourages young entrepreneurs to be curious and experimental with frontier technologies.
First, we are creating opportunities for hands-on experience through our portfolio companies, where Saudi talent can join startups and immerse themselves in the ecosystem.
Second, we have a plan to develop partnerships with local educational institutions and tech hubs to provide training and mentorship programs.
As I often tell aspiring youth in the Web3 landscape, do not be afraid to experiment, fail, and learn from your experiences.
This practical approach, combined with our long-term commitment to the region, will help develop the next generation of Web3 innovators in Saudi Arabia. The key is to empower local talent by asking questions rather than giving assignments, maintaining our philosophy of partnership-based growth.