Dubai - Sharikat Mubasher: The leading global venture capital firm, 500 Global, launched a new fund dedicated to investing in high-growth technology startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The 500 MENA fund will invest primarily in startups with proven product-market fit and significant growth potential, addressing the critical funding gap MENA founders face, particularly in the expansion stage, the company announced in a press release today.

The new fund aims to actively support these companies through their extended international network and comprehensive platform, empowering them to build and scale innovative solutions regionally and globally.

Amjad Ahmad, Managing Partner of 500 Global MENA, and Emerging Market Advisor, will lead the fund. He will be supported on the investment committee by Courtney Powell, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner at 500 Global.

Commenting on this milestone, Ahmed said: “We are thrilled to fuel the next wave of tech champions in the MENA region, driving innovation and economic growth as digital transformation accelerates across key economies. Our partnership with talented founders aims to empower them to innovate, build, and scale.”

The fund is backed by prominent Saudi institutional investors, including Jada Fund of Funds and Saudi Venture Capital (SVC).

500 Global has been pivotal in shaping MENA’s startup ecosystem since it began deploying capital in the region in 2012. With a strong focus on early-stage investments and a founder-centric approach, the company has a proven track record of success.