• Over 1,300 MENA investors backed equity deals last year, driving intense competition. • Aramco Ventures tops list with 100 deals since 2023, dominating high‑growth sectors. • UAE hosts nearly half of top investors, including Kube VC (#5) and Wamda Capital (#6). • Saudi Arabia contributes 12 investors, backing Vision 2030 diversification with STV and WAED Ventures. • STV leads in investment quality, averaging Mosaic score 742, backing Tabby and Foodics. • Aramco Ventures boasts best exit record, backing 14 startups since 2018.
Article Summaries:
- CB Insights released a ranking of the top 50 venture investors in the Middle East and North Africa, highlighting a highly competitive landscape where over 1,300 investors backed equity deals last year. The list places Aramco Ventures at the top, having closed 100 startup deals since 2023 and leading the region in exits with 14 companies sold. Followed by Prosperity7 Ventures and WAED Ventures, the ranking shows that nearly half of the leading firms are based in the UAE, with Saudi Arabia and Turkey also well represented. The methodology relies on CB Insights data, weighing deal volume, exit rates, and portfolio quality while excluding government vehicles and accelerators.
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