Central Asia VC Funds

Future Shape LLC is an investment and advisory firm founded by Tony Fadell, known for his work at Apple and Nest Labs. Based in Paris, France, the firm focuses on deep technology, investing in engineers and scientists developing groundbreaking technologies. Founded in 2014, Future Shape primarily engages in seed investments but is also involved in later-stage funding under specific conditions. The firm's investment portfolio spans multiple sectors, including agriculture, energy, transportation, medical diagnostics, financial services, consumer products, and robotics. Notable investments include companies like Phononic, Modern Meadow, Weave, Simbe Robotics, and Vium. Future Shape is known for its hands-on approach, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance in areas such as product-to-market fit, branding, user experience, and go-to-market strategies. Future Shape typically invests amounts ranging from $100K to $10M, with a focus on early-stage companies in the US and Europe, though it occasionally invests in Asia and the Middle East. The firm's approach integrates extensive collaboration and advisory services, helping startups navigate the complexities of commercialization and scale their innovations effectively. Led by Tony Fadell, Future Shape leverages his extensive experience and network to support the growth and success of its portfolio companies, making it a key player in the venture capital landscape for deep tech startups.

Granatus Ventures is Armenia’s first venture capital firm, specializing in early-stage investments with a strong focus on leveraging the country’s emerging technology ecosystem. Established in 2013, Granatus Ventures operates globally, with offices in Yerevan, London, Berlin, and Singapore. The firm primarily targets startups that are pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence, advanced computing, data sciences, biotechnology, and robotics. Granatus Ventures is particularly committed to backing companies that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to solve fundamental human challenges rather than just focusing on business conveniences. Granatus Ventures has a unique approach that integrates Armenia’s highly skilled engineering talent into the global market. The firm not only provides capital but also offers strategic guidance, market access, and a robust network of international partners to help its portfolio companies scale effectively. Notable investments include Krisp, an AI-powered noise-canceling technology; SuperAnnotate, a leading computer vision company; and Prelaunch.com, a platform for product research. The firm is co-founded by Manuk Hergnyan, Pierre Hennes, and Yervand Sarkisyan, all of whom bring extensive experience in venture capital, technology, and entrepreneurship. Granatus Ventures is dedicated to fostering innovation that can have a significant positive impact on society while also positioning Armenia as a key player in the global tech landscape.

Ibtikar Fund, based in Ramallah, Palestine, is a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting innovative Palestinian startups. Established in 2015, the fund focuses on early-stage investments, primarily targeting tech and tech-enabled companies that demonstrate scalability and serve regional or global markets. Ibtikar aims to bridge the gap between local accelerators and larger venture capital firms by investing from seed to Series A rounds. The fund has a strong focus on Palestinian entrepreneurs, both within Palestine and the broader MENA region. Its portfolio covers a range of sectors, including healthtech, AI, and enterprise applications, with notable investments in companies like Mashvisor (real estate analytics) and Alma Health (digital healthcare for chronic conditions). Ibtikar also emphasizes co-investment, partnering with international funds to provide its portfolio companies with broader growth opportunities. Led by a seasoned management team, including partners like Habib Hazzan and Ambar Amleh, the fund actively supports startups beyond just financial backing, offering mentorship, business strategy, and networking opportunities. Ibtikar is committed to making a positive impact on the Palestinian economy while generating strong financial returns. Their dual commitment to both financial success and societal impact, particularly through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, positions them as a key player in the Palestinian entrepreneurial ecosystem.

KAUST Innovation Ventures, the venture capital arm of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), focuses on funding early-stage deep tech startups that address significant scientific and technological challenges. The fund invests in sectors such as energy, environment, food, water, advanced materials, robotics, ICT, and health, aligning closely with KAUST's main research areas. The fund supports startups from seed stages, with investments typically ranging from less than $200,000 to up to $2 million. KAUST Innovation Ventures not only provides financial backing but also strategic support, helping startups transition from research to commercialization through its comprehensive innovation ecosystem, which includes the KAUST Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Transfer Office. Notable startups backed by KAUST include Red Sea Farms, which uses saltwater-tolerant crops to address food security and water scarcity in arid regions, and Sadeem, a company developing multi-patented sensor solutions for flood, traffic, weather, and air quality monitoring​. These investments highlight KAUST's commitment to fostering innovation that has a significant impact on both the local Saudi economy and global markets.

Quest Ventures is a leading venture capital firm focused on driving the digital economy across Asia. Founded in 2011 by James Tan and Wang Yunming, Quest Ventures invests primarily in early-stage startups within sectors such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, fintech, logistics, media, and more. The firm is renowned for being one of the first investors in many startups, providing the critical early funding that enables these companies to scale and disrupt their industries. With its headquarters in Singapore and a significant presence in Southeast Asia, Quest Ventures has supported over 100 companies, including notable names like Carousell, ShopBack, 99.co, and StyleTheory. The firm's investment strategy includes thematic funds such as the Asia Fund, Metaverse Fund, and Decarbonisation Fund, focusing on areas like Web 3.0 technologies and environmental sustainability. Quest Ventures also operates investment syndicates, allowing accredited investors to participate in funding rounds of promising startups. This approach has enabled Quest Ventures to build a robust network of mentors, executives, and investors who provide strategic support and market insights to portfolio companies.

Raiven Capital is a global venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments, primarily in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and other digital technologies. Founded in 2018, the firm operates with a cross-border strategy, connecting ecosystems between North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With headquarters in Toronto and additional offices in Palo Alto, Dubai, and London, Raiven Capital seeks to support scalable startups that are leveraging technology to drive significant efficiencies and transformations across various industries. Raiven Capital is known for its hands-on approach, working closely with portfolio companies to help them achieve rapid growth. The firm invests in pre-Series A and Series A companies, providing not just capital, but also strategic guidance, market insights, and access to an extensive global network of industry experts and potential partners. In addition to financial backing, Raiven Capital is deeply involved in the operational aspects of its portfolio companies, helping them navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. This approach is aligned with the firm's broader mission to foster innovation that leads to meaningful societal impact, particularly through the deployment of AI and IoT technologies.