Despite the global economic problems, the first quarter of 2023 was a vital moment for entrepreneurs and new businesses to raise capital, as startups with innovative ideas in the MENA region witnessed investment rounds in which venture capital firms funded more than one billion US dollars.
The following list features the 5 most active investors in the region, who have closed 46 funding deals that have provided opportunities to incubate and accelerate the growth of promising startups, according to the most recent MAGNITT reports.
1. Techstars
- Investor Type: accelerator
- Number of Deals: 13
- Website: https://www.techstars.com/accelerators
Techstars is one of the leading global startup accelerators running hundreds of accelerator programmes worldwide yearly. This accelerator’s investment teams are highly experienced at identifying the correct startups and typically have a lot of knowledge about dealing with the proper type of company. Techstars has one goal: to assist startups in succeeding. Techstars surrounds incubated startups with the best mentors and an unequalled network of partners and investors during each three-month programme.
2. Catalyst Fund
- Investor Type: accelerator
- Number of Deals: 10
- Website: https://www.thecatalystfund.com/
BFA Global established Catalyst Fund in 2015 as a global accelerator. The fund aims to enable early-stage end-to-end fintech startups to deliver inexpensive, accessible, and relevant digital financial products to underprivileged communities in emerging markets. The accelerator’s activities have grown, thanks to the backing of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), PayPal and the Mastercard Foundation.
3. 500 Global
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
- Number of Deals: 8
- Website: https://500.co/
Venture Capital 500 Global’s assets under management are estimated to be $2.7 billion. These funds are used to help startups and founders develop fast-growing technological enterprises. 500 Global focuses on potential markets where technology, innovation, and capital can generate long-term value to drive economic growth. The CV company works directly with key stakeholders and advises governments and businesses on supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems so startups may thrive. 500 Global has assisted over 5,000 founders representing over 2,700 firms operating in 81 countries, with a portfolio of 49 startups worth more than $1 billion and more than 150 startups worth more than $100 million. The company’s team members are in 27 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world’s leading technology companies.
4. Flat6labs
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
- Number of Deals: 8
- Website: https://www.flat6labs.com/
Flat6Labs, founded in 2011 and headquartered in Cairo, now oversees the region’s most famous startup programmes, investing annually in more than 100 innovative technology-driven firms. Flat6Labs’ total assets surpass $85 million and provide startup funding ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, assisting entrepreneurs in their early journey to raise Pre-Seed to the Pre-Series A stage. Through a vast network of hundreds of business mentors, investors, and companies, the funds also help startups grow, provide many support services, and connect them to unprecedented prospects.
5. Y Combinator
- Investor Type: accelerator
- Number of Deals: 7
- Website: https://www.ycombinator.com/
Y Combinator (YC) is an American technology accelerator founded in March 2005 and has assisted in establishing over 4,000 startups. YC launched its accelerator programme in Boston and Mountain View before expanding to San Francisco in 2019. By January 2023, the valuation of YC’s top startups will have surpassed $600 billion. Y Combinator invests in many startups twice a year. The startup accelerator programme works intensively with companies for three months to refine project ideas and present them to investors in the best possible way. Y Combinator’s motto is “Make Something People Want.”
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for startup & business news and inspiring stories of MENA businesses, entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, investors, and change-makers.
To report any issue or error in the story, please email us editor [at] rasmal [dot] com.
