COTU Ventures

COTU Ventures is a Dubai-based early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Founded in 2021, the firm has raised a $54 million fund to back exceptional founders, particularly those at the pre-seed and seed stages. COTU emphasizes being the first institutional investor, helping startups navigate the most challenging early stages of growth. COTU Ventures typically makes initial investments ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million, with the flexibility to follow on in later rounds. They are committed to working with a small number of portfolio companies per fund, which allows them to provide deep, hands-on support. Their investment approach is driven by building strong relationships with founders and assisting in critical areas like product development, strategy, and talent acquisition. The firm focuses primarily on the GCC, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan, and backs startups in diverse sectors. Notable portfolio companies include Supy and MoneyHash, which reflect COTU’s interest in fragmented, fast-growing markets. COTU Ventures stands out for its commitment to the MENA region, aiming to help build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.