MENA VC Funds

Morgan Creek Capital, founded by Mark Yusko, is a prominent venture capital firm based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Established in 2018, Morgan Creek Digital, a division of Morgan Creek Capital, focuses on early-stage investments in blockchain technology, digital assets, and other innovative sectors such as AI and big data. The firm’s portfolio includes notable investments in companies like Coinbase, BlockFi, Figure Technologies, and eToro. They have a strategic focus on emerging technologies and financial services, providing significant support and funding to help these companies scale. Morgan Creek Digital recently raised $80 million for its third fund, emphasizing its commitment to expanding its influence in the blockchain and digital asset space. Morgan Creek Capital's investment strategy is influenced by the Endowment Model, which prioritizes asset allocation, value orientation, and a forward-thinking approach. The firm typically leads investment rounds, providing both capital and strategic guidance to their portfolio companies. This model has helped them achieve successful exits, including those from Kyndi and BlockFi​. The firm is led by experienced professionals including co-founders Mark Yusko and Jason Williams, alongside General Partners Sachin Jaitly and Xavier Segura. Their combined expertise and strategic insight have positioned Morgan Creek as a significant player in the venture capital landscape, particularly within the realm of digital assets and blockchain technology. For startups looking to engage with Morgan Creek Capital, presenting innovative, scalable solutions in blockchain or digital assets with a clear market potential is crucial. The firm values direct and strategic pitches that align with their investment philosophy and long-term vision.

Morpheus Ventures, founded in 2016 and based in Los Angeles, focuses on early-stage investments in cutting-edge technologies such as data analytics, machine learning, robotics, and SaaS. Their portfolio includes innovative companies like Rigetti Computing, Vicarious, and Starship Technologies. The firm has made significant exits including Rigetti Computing and Vicarious (acquired by Alphabet). Other notable investments include HouseCanary, a real estate data analytics company, SafetyCulture, a leading safety and quality inspection software, and Sidecar Health, a health insurance platform. The leadership team at Morpheus Ventures includes experienced investors like Damien Petty, who has a background in artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing, and has led investments in companies like DeepMind (acquired by Google) and Skype (acquired by Microsoft). The team focuses on identifying and nurturing companies with the potential to disrupt their respective industries and drive significant advancements in technology.

Mubadala Capital’s Ventures platform stands out as a leading global investor, blending the strengths of Mubadala Investment Company with the agility of a venture capital firm. Focused on technology and healthcare sectors, Mubadala has made over 75 investments, including notable startups like Chroma Medicine, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, and Exscientia. Their strategy revolves around partnering with visionary founders to build enduring companies, leveraging Mubadala’s extensive resources and global scale. Geographically, Mubadala Ventures operates with a significant presence in technology hubs such as San Francisco, London, and Abu Dhabi, ensuring deep integration into the global innovation ecosystem. They emphasize Series A+ investments in the U.S. and Series B+ in Europe, providing substantial capital and strategic support to their portfolio companies. Mubadala's investment strategy is marked by a focus on capital preservation and downside protection, ensuring sustainable growth and returns. The fund typically invests in founder-led companies, with average check sizes tailored to the needs of each growth stage. They are known for their disciplined approach to evaluating opportunities, benefiting from Mubadala's broad network and sovereign backing. The team at Mubadala Ventures includes industry veterans like Ibrahim Ajami, Head of Ventures, and Alaa Halawa, Co-Head of US Ventures. Their expertise spans various sectors and geographies, further strengthening Mubadala’s investment acumen. Startups looking to engage with Mubadala are advised to highlight their alignment with Mubadala’s strategic focus and demonstrate robust business models that can benefit from Mubadala’s vast resources and network.

Mucker Capital, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Los Angeles, is a venture capital firm that invests in seed and early-stage startups across the United States, Canada, and beyond. With additional offices in Austin and Toronto, Mucker Capital focuses on internet-enabled software and services, aiming to support startups outside the traditional Silicon Valley ecosystem. The firm believes that great companies can be built anywhere and provides tactical help, networking opportunities, and a bridge to Silicon Valley resources. Notable portfolio companies include Honey, acquired by PayPal; Surf Air, which went public on NASDAQ; and ServiceTitan, a business management software for home service providers. Mucker Capital has also backed companies like The Black Tux, ServiceTitan, and BloomNation. MuckerLab, their pre-seed accelerator, is highly regarded and ranked second in the U.S. by the Seed Accelerator Rankings Project based on valuations, exits, fundraising, survival, and founder satisfaction. Mucker Capital's approach includes rolling up their sleeves to work alongside entrepreneurs on product development, marketing, sales, recruiting, and other critical areas to help startups succeed. The firm has launched multiple funds, including Mucker III, a $45 million seed-stage fund, and continues to support the growth and scaling of innovative startups.

Nama Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital fund based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focused on fueling innovation across the MENA region, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Founded by Mohammed Alzubi, the fund is committed to nurturing early-stage technology startups with a strong emphasis on team-based ventures over solo founders. Their portfolio includes notable investments like PIESHIP in logistics, palm.hr in business productivity software, and Brev.dev, an AI and ML platform recently acquired by NVIDIA. Nama Ventures emphasizes supporting startups from pre-seed to seed stages, often leading funding rounds and providing strategic guidance to help ventures grow and realize their potential. They have invested in 47 companies, achieving several successful exits, including the acquisition of Brev.dev by NVIDIA. The fund recently launched a $27 million fund to further invest in MENA startups, with some allocations for Silicon Valley-based ventures through strategic syndication partners. Nama Ventures' investment strategy is centered around fostering technology innovation and supporting startups with complementary skill sets in their founding teams. For startups looking to approach Nama Ventures, it's crucial to demonstrate a robust team dynamic, innovative technology, and the potential for significant impact and growth within the targeted markets. The leadership team, including Mohammed Alzubi, brings extensive experience from Silicon Valley, offering a wealth of knowledge and a strong network to support portfolio companies in achieving their goals and scaling their businesses effectively.

OTV (formerly Olive Tree Ventures) is a global venture capital firm specializing in digital health startups. Founded in 2015, OTV is based in Tel Aviv and New York, with additional offices in China to support its expansion into the Asia-Pacific market. The firm focuses on mid-growth stage companies developing cutting-edge digital health technologies that aim to revolutionize healthcare globally. OTV’s mission is to back innovative entrepreneurs who are building impactful solutions that address significant healthcare challenges. The firm’s $170 million fund is geared toward investing in companies offering groundbreaking technologies in telemedicine, genomics, AI-driven health platforms, and more. Notable portfolio companies include TytoCare, Lemonaid Health, and Scopio Labs, which are leaders in telehealth and healthcare innovation. OTV’s portfolio reflects its commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through technological advancement. With a leadership team boasting decades of experience in healthcare, technology, and private equity, OTV provides more than just capital. The firm actively supports its portfolio companies in scaling their businesses and navigating complex regulatory environments. By bridging innovation from the West with opportunities in North America, Israel, and Asia, OTV is uniquely positioned to help startups thrive in the growing global digital health market.

Orange Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Orange Group, operates with a fund allocation of €350 million. This fund focuses on strategic areas of interest such as Networks & IT, Digital Enterprise, Cybersecurity, and Fintech, as well as exploring new territories like e-health, gaming, and consumer platforms. Orange Ventures targets startups across various stages of maturity, from seed-stage companies in the Middle East and Africa to more mature companies in Europe and the US. Their investments typically range up to €20 million per round, and they emphasize creating synergies between their portfolio companies and Orange's extensive network and customer base​. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of companies such as Dataiku, a leading AI platform, and Brut, a global media brand for millennials and Gen Z. Orange Ventures aims to promote technological champions that support a digital and responsible world, leveraging the Orange Group’s business expertise and customer reach.

Oraseya Capital is a Dubai-based VC fund launched in 2023 by the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority. Backed by $136 million, it invests in UAE startups from pre-seed to Series B. The focus is on high-growth areas like fintech, edtech, digital health, AI, logistics, and the future of work. As a government-linked fund, it’s part of Dubai’s push to back local founders and build a strong tech ecosystem.

Origins Fund is a unique venture capital firm that specializes in backing consumer technology startups from pre-seed to Series A. What sets Origins apart is its strategy of combining financial investment with the power of social influence. The fund's limited partners include high-profile athletes and celebrities who collectively have over 160 million social media followers. This provides an "unfair advantage" to the startups in its portfolio by significantly boosting their visibility and growth potential. Origins typically invests between $100,000 and $500,000 per startup and reserves additional capital for follow-on investments in the most promising companies. The fund focuses on category-defining consumer businesses, particularly those that can benefit from the massive influence and reach of its celebrity LPs. The fund's co-founders, including former French football star Blaise Matuidi, are based in global hubs like Miami, New York, and Paris, allowing Origins to maintain a diverse and internationally connected portfolio. Notable investments include companies like Upway, a marketplace for reconditioned e-bikes, and Moka.care, a corporate mental health solution.

Pantera Capital is a pioneering venture capital firm focused exclusively on blockchain and cryptocurrency investments. Founded by Dan Morehead in 2003, Pantera launched the first cryptocurrency fund in the U.S. in 2013 when Bitcoin was valued at $65 per BTC. They have since introduced various funds, including the first blockchain-focused venture fund and the first early-stage token fund in 2017. Pantera manages $5.6 billion in assets, providing investors with comprehensive exposure to the blockchain ecosystem through venture equity, early-stage tokens, and liquid tokens. Their investment strategy is global, having backed over 100 blockchain companies and 110 early-stage token deals across sectors like decentralized finance (DeFi), next-gen payment systems, and institutional trading tools. The firm's notable funds include the Pantera Venture Funds, Pantera Bitcoin Fund, Pantera Liquid Token Fund, and the all-encompassing Pantera Blockchain Fund. Their extensive portfolio features key players in the blockchain space, contributing significantly to the industry's infrastructure and growth. Pantera Capital operates from offices in the Bay Area, New York, and Puerto Rico, with a team of seasoned professionals bringing decades of experience from top-tier financial firms and technical backgrounds.

Plug and Play Tech Center, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is the world’s largest startup accelerator and a leading venture capital firm. Known for its expansive global reach, Plug and Play operates in over 50 locations across five continents. Their notable investments include industry giants like PayPal, Dropbox, and LendingClub, along with a portfolio boasting more than 30 unicorns such as Honey and Guardant Health. Focusing on diverse industries such as fintech, health, insurtech, and supply chain, Plug and Play leverages its robust corporate network of 450 partners to drive innovation. Their investment strategy is characterized by small, pre-seed and seed-stage checks typically ranging from $100,000 to $150,000. They maintain an active presence globally, investing equally in U.S.-based and international startups. The firm's founder and CEO, Saeed Amidi, emphasizes high energy and a global approach to foster entrepreneurship. Key team members like George Damouny play vital roles in maintaining Plug and Play’s status as one of the most active investors worldwide. Plug and Play’s investment approach is unique, often engaging startups through their acceleration programs without necessarily investing in every participant. They focus on building ecosystems around each industry to maximize startup potential. Recently, the firm has made 102 investments in Q1 2023 alone, underscoring its dynamic and proactive investment strategy.

Presight Capital, founded in 2019 by Christian Angermayer in partnership with Apeiron Investment Group, is a global venture capital firm based in West Hollywood, California. The firm manages over $600 million in assets across two early-stage funds and focuses on investing in biotechnology, consumer, fintech, deep tech, food tech, cryptocurrency, healthcare, and technology sectors. Notable investments by Presight Capital include ATAI Life Sciences, a mental health company using psychedelics; AbCellera, a biotech firm specializing in antibody therapies; and Compass Pathways, which focuses on mental health treatments using psilocybin. Other prominent companies in their portfolio are General Fusion, EnergyVault, and Perfect Day, which produces lab-grown dairy products. Presight Capital aims to support ambitious founders by providing capital, connections, and strategic advice. They invest in various stages, from seed to IPO, and have a diverse portfolio that includes companies like Razor Group, Syfe, and Alto Neuroscience. The firm's approach is characterized by a strong emphasis on transformative technologies and groundbreaking solutions across different industries​.

Quona Capital, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a venture capital firm focused on fintech innovation in emerging markets. They invest primarily in Latin America, Africa, MENA, South, and Southeast Asia, targeting financial inclusion and positive social impact. Notable investments include Coins.ph, a Philippines-based cryptocurrency exchange; IndiaMART, a B2B marketplace; and ZestMoney, a fintech company offering credit to underserved consumers in India. Quona's strategy emphasizes early to growth-stage investments in companies that leverage technology to improve financial services for underserved populations. They typically lead funding rounds and provide follow-on investments to support scaling efforts. The firm's average check size ranges from $1M to $10M, and they actively collaborate with co-investors like Accion and QED Investors. Key team members include co-founders Monica Brand Engel, Jonathan Whittle, and Miguel Herrera. The team is known for their deep expertise in fintech and emerging markets, providing strategic support to portfolio companies. Startups seeking to engage with Quona should highlight scalable, tech-driven solutions that enhance financial access and inclusion.

Rainfall Ventures is a founder-focused venture capital firm with a strong presence in New York and Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, the firm emphasizes partnering with innovative and passionate founders to help them transform industries. Rainfall Ventures typically invests in early-stage companies, including pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, with investment sizes ranging from $1 million to $5 million​. The firm focuses on a broad range of sectors such as analytics, AI, cloud infrastructure, social media, cryptocurrency, cybersecurity, developer tools, digital health, education, fintech, gaming, IoT, and more. This diverse investment strategy allows Rainfall to support a variety of technological advancements and innovative business models. Rainfall Ventures has a portfolio that includes notable companies like Kyra and Blloc, and they invest globally with a particular focus on the US and the UK. The firm has built a reputation for not only providing capital but also offering extensive support to their portfolio companies through mentorship and strategic guidance. The team at Rainfall Ventures includes experienced professionals like co-founder and General Partner Ron Rofé, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their investment strategy.

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.

Rethink Capital Partners is an impact-focused investment firm that manages a diverse array of strategies aimed at generating both financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. As part of Seavest Investment Group, Rethink Capital Partners oversees several funds, including Rethink Education, Rethink Food, and Rethink Impact, each targeting different sectors. Founded with the mission of leveraging capital to drive systemic change, Rethink Capital Partners has invested in various sectors including education technology, food technology, and gender equity. The firm has a strong emphasis on diversity, with a significant portion of its investments in women-led and minority-led companies. They are pioneers in impact investing, often ahead of market trends, and focus on businesses that address critical societal challenges. Notable additions to their team include Amy Nelson, Chief Strategy Officer, and Alison Smith, Partner, who bring substantial expertise and networks to the firm. Their roles focus on growing Rethink’s strategies and expanding their impact.

Robust VC is an early-stage venture capital firm established in 2022 with headquarters in San Francisco. The firm takes an industry-agnostic approach to investment, focusing on identifying and backing startups with the potential to drive significant technological advancements. With a global reach, Robust VC actively seeks opportunities in the U.S., Southeast Asia, and regions such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines​. Led by founder Kanin Asva, who has a diverse background in investment and risk management, the firm prides itself on delivering precise, high-quality investments rather than taking a "spray-and-pray" approach. Its investments generally range from $25,000 to $1 million, targeting companies at the prototype or early-revenue stages. Robust focuses on fostering innovation and supporting businesses that tackle complex economic, logistical, and technological challenges, particularly in sectors that promise long-term societal and financial returns​. Noteworthy investments include Symbiome, a microbiome-focused skincare brand committed to sustainability, and Offsight, a project management software company improving productivity in modular construction​. The firm’s goal is to partner with transformational companies that offer breakthrough solutions in their industries, helping them scale effectively through hands-on guidance, operational support, and access to a wide network of industry veterans​. Asva's leadership is reflected in his commitment to quality and careful selection of partners, ensuring that Robust's portfolio generates both impactful outcomes and significant financial returns.

Sawari Ventures is a leading venture capital firm based in Cairo, Egypt, focusing on knowledge and innovation-based technologies across North Africa. Established in 2010 by Ahmed El Alfi and Hany Al-Sonbaty, the firm has played a pivotal role in supporting the region’s tech ecosystem. With $70 million in assets under management, Sawari has invested in over 30 companies across sectors such as fintech, healthtech, edtech, logistics, and e-commerce. Sawari primarily targets early and growth-stage startups, with investments ranging from $1M to $3M per deal. Notable portfolio companies include SWVL, a ride-sharing platform that went public, and Instabug, a software bug reporting tool used by global tech companies. The firm also plays a crucial role in Egypt’s startup scene by founding Flat6Labs, one of the region’s most prominent seed accelerators. In addition to its investment activity, Sawari is committed to responsible investing, integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria into its decision-making process. With its recent $1 billion fund dedicated to Egyptian tech startups, Sawari continues to drive growth by fostering innovation and supporting scalable businesses that can transform the local economy. Sawari’s dual fund structure—combining local and international capital—enables it to leverage deep local knowledge with global expertise, solidifying its position as a crucial player in North Africa’s venture capital landscape.

Soma Capital, founded in 2015 by Aneel Ranadive, is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in software and technology startups that aim to automate and improve various sectors. Soma Capital's approach is stage- and sector-agnostic, investing globally in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Asia. Soma Capital has raised several funds, with its latest, Soma Capital Fund III, closing at $412 million in January 2022. This fund is used to support unicorn and startup software companies around the world. The firm has made significant investments in over 1,097 companies, including notable names like Cruise, Rappi, Ironclad, Human Interest, Razorpay, Rippling, and Lambda School. Soma Capital has seen 19 of its portfolio companies achieve unicorn status and has been involved in more than 140 exits. The firm’s leadership includes Founder and Managing Partner Aneel Ranadive, along with partners like Mir Faiyaz and Nikhita Jaaswal. Soma Capital's mission is to invest in transformative technology solutions that can impact billions of people globally​.

Sparkmind.vc is the first Nordic venture capital firm focused exclusively on the learning sector. Founded in Helsinki, Finland, the firm invests in early-stage startups that are transforming education across various levels, including early childhood, K-12, higher education, vocational training, and corporate learning. Sparkmind.vc supports companies that improve learning outcomes, expand access to education, enhance process efficiency, or generate actionable insights from educational data. The firm typically invests in Seed to Series B stages, with individual investments reaching up to €5 million. While their primary focus is on Europe, Sparkmind.vc also selectively invests in companies outside the region, particularly those with a strong potential for international scalability. Their portfolio includes companies like Vygo, which focuses on higher education tutoring, and Fretello, an AI-driven music education platform. With a final fund size of €55 million, Sparkmind.vc aims to back around 20-25 companies, often taking a lead role in funding rounds. The firm’s leadership team brings extensive experience in education, venture capital, and strategic business development, making them well-equipped to guide their portfolio companies to success.

Supermoon Capital is a pioneering venture capital firm exclusively focused on the rapidly growing sleep industry, which they refer to as the "Night Market™." Launched in 2021 with a $36 million fund, Supermoon Capital seeks to address the global epidemic of insufficient sleep, which affects 75% of Americans and has been declared a public health crisis by the CDC. The firm invests in early-stage startups across various sectors, including software, medical devices, and consumer products, all aimed at improving sleep health through science-backed innovations. The firm’s portfolio is diverse, featuring companies like Endel, an AI-driven platform that creates personalized soundscapes to enhance sleep and reduce stress, and EnsoData, which uses FDA-cleared AI software to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Other notable investments include FreshBed, a Netherlands-based company that designs beds optimizing air quality, temperature, and humidity for better sleep, and Clair Labs, an Israeli startup revolutionizing patient monitoring with contact-free technology for clinical-grade physiological monitoring. Supermoon Capital was co-founded by industry veterans Pat Connolly, Michael Masterson, and Grayson Judge. Connolly, with his extensive background at Williams-Sonoma, brings a wealth of experience in business strategy and e-commerce. Masterson and Judge contribute deep expertise from the healthcare and venture capital sectors. Together, they provide more than just capital; they offer a robust network of sleep science experts and strategic partners to help their portfolio companies succeed. Supermoon Capital is positioned as the premier source of expertise and funding in the emerging sleep economy.

Techstars is a global platform for investment and innovation that has supported over 4,000 startups since its inception in 2006. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Techstars operates accelerator programs worldwide, providing early-stage startups with access to capital, mentorship, and a vast network of investors and partners. Their portfolio spans a diverse range of industries, including HealthTech, FinTech, Web3, CleanTech, and more. Notable companies in their portfolio include Chainalysis, DataRobot, and Remitly. Techstars has facilitated over $27.3 billion in total funding for its startups, with a cumulative market cap of $113.6 billion​. Techstars' investment strategy involves pre-seed and early-stage investments through their accelerator programs. They invest up to $120,000 in each startup during the accelerator program, and follow-on investments through their Venture Fund. This strategy allows them to support companies from their initial stages through to growth​.

TEN13 is an innovative venture capital firm based in Fortitude Valley, Australia, co-founded by Stew Glynn and Steve Baxter in 2019. TEN13 operates on a deal-by-deal investment model, allowing its network of over 500 investors to choose specific deals they want to back. This model offers flexibility and targeted investment opportunities, enabling investors to allocate capital more precisely. TEN13 focuses on early-stage investments in diverse sectors, including fintech, health and wellbeing, education, and AI. Notable portfolio companies include Clipchamp, an online video editing platform acquired by Microsoft, Go1, an online learning platform that recently raised $200 million from Softbank, and Chipper Cash, a leading African fintech app. The firm has seen significant growth, deploying over $70 million across 32 startups since its inception. TEN13 is known for its supportive approach, providing more than just capital. They offer strategic guidance, network connections, and operational support to help startups scale effectively. This hands-on approach has been a key factor in their success, with several of their portfolio companies achieving substantial growth and recognition. TEN13’s team includes experienced professionals like Sophie Robertson, who was recently promoted to Partner, and Joel Pobar, who joined as a Venture Partner to strengthen their AI investments. The firm continues to expand its presence, recently building connections in Southeast Asia and North America to support and discover new opportunities.

The Fund VC, established in 2018, is a unique venture capital firm that operates a community-driven investment model. It focuses on early-stage startups across a variety of sectors including technology, consumer goods, and healthcare. The Fund VC operates through a network of micro-funds spread across different cities such as New York, Los Angeles, London, and Sydney, each managed by a group of local investors with deep expertise in their respective markets. The Fund VC has made notable investments in companies like Tia, a women’s health tech company; Parsley Health, a holistic health startup; and Bravely, a platform providing on-demand professional coaching. This portfolio reflects their commitment to backing innovative solutions that address significant market needs. The firm leverages its extensive network of founders, operators, and investors to provide not just capital but also mentorship and strategic support to its portfolio companies. This approach helps startups navigate early challenges and scale effectively. The Fund VC is particularly known for fostering a strong community among its portfolio companies, encouraging collaboration and shared growth​

The Helm is a New York City-based early-stage venture capital firm with a mission to invest in female-founded companies and redefine the venture landscape by focusing on gender-lens investing. Founded by Lindsey Taylor Wood, The Helm has become a prominent player in supporting women-led startups across various industries including healthcare, sustainability, and technology. Notable portfolio companies include Tia, a modern healthcare provider for women; Venus Aerospace, pushing the boundaries of hypersonic transportation; and Rebellyous Foods, revolutionizing plant-based meat production. The Helm’s investment strategy emphasizes identifying undervalued companies that demonstrate significant promise early on, ensuring they have the capital to achieve their potential. Their average check size varies, but they are known for leading funding rounds and maintaining active engagement with their portfolio companies. Startups seeking investment should highlight innovative solutions and robust business models that align with The Helm’s focus on female empowerment and sustainability. The team at The Helm includes Lindsey Taylor Wood, who leads the fund’s strategy and fundraising efforts; Julie Weber, COO and General Partner, with extensive experience in fund administration and operations; and Olivia Fleming, Partner, who directs the fund’s sustainability initiatives and angel investor network. This experienced team supports a diverse portfolio of over 20 companies and maintains a strong community of investors and founders committed to advancing female entrepreneurship.

TheVentureCity, founded in 2017, is a global early-stage venture capital firm focused on product-centric startups across the US, Europe, and Latin America. The firm manages over $150 million in assets, investing from pre-seed and seed stages up to Series A, with investment sizes ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. TheVentureCity's diverse portfolio includes companies such as Sidekick in financial services, Tiny Health in biotechnology, and Moonflow, a SaaS platform for debt collections. These investments highlight their commitment to sectors like AI/ML, cybersecurity, FinTech, and SaaS. Operating with an operator-led model, TheVentureCity provides both financial backing and strategic support to help startups scale globally. This approach has led to successful funding rounds and the growth of companies like Fixme Connect, BrandLovrs, and Plexigrid. Key team members, including founders Laura González-Estéfani and Clara Bullrich, leverage their extensive experience in technology investment and international scalability to drive the firm’s success and support portfolio companies effectively.

Third Prime is an early-stage venture capital firm focusing on financial and industrial technology sectors. Established in 2016 by Keith Hamlin and Wes Barton, the firm leverages their extensive backgrounds in M&A law, private equity, and hedge funds to identify and invest in paradigm-shifting startups. Notable investments include companies such as Moonware, which automates aviation ground operations, and Paywatch, which offers financial wellness services in Asia. The firm prioritizes close partnerships with entrepreneurs, offering both capital and strategic guidance. With a keen eye for early insights and a commitment to optimizing outcomes for both founders and investors, Third Prime has built a diverse portfolio. This includes companies like Halborn, providing blockchain security, and Inspiren, using AI to enhance patient safety in healthcare​. Third Prime's team is composed of seasoned professionals with backgrounds in law, investment banking, and technology. Key members include Mike Kim, with over a decade of investment experience, and Jenny Bloom, a former corporate associate at Wilson Sonsini. This experienced team supports Third Prime's mission to drive success through independent thinking, focus, and rigor.

TMV, formerly known as Trail Mix Ventures, is an early-stage venture capital firm founded by Soraya Darabi and Marina Hadjipateras in 2016. With a focus on investing in purpose-driven startups, TMV aims to support companies that are reimagining industries and fostering positive change. The firm manages around $200 million in assets, backing startups across sectors such as the care economy, sustainability, future of work, and logistics​. Notable investments from TMV include Cityblock Health, Kindbody, and Parsley Health, companies that emphasize social and environmental impact alongside financial success. TMV typically invests in pre-seed through Series A rounds, often leading or co-leading these rounds. The firm values a strong mission alignment and seeks founders who are dedicated to their company's vision and capable of overcoming challenges. TMV's team includes experienced professionals like General Partners Soraya Darabi and Marina Hadjipateras, as well as Principal Emma Silverman and several venture partners. They bring diverse backgrounds in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and operations to the table, providing valuable insights and support to their portfolio companies​. TMV encourages founders to reach out even without warm leads, appreciating well-crafted, succinct pitches that clearly communicate the company's mission, market opportunity, and differentiation. They emphasize the importance of storytelling and being well-prepared for due diligence from the start.

Tribe Capital, established in 2018, is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. The firm manages over $1.6 billion in assets, focusing on investments from seed to growth stages across various sectors, including technology and cryptocurrency. Tribe Capital employs a data-driven approach to identify and amplify early-stage product-market fit, aiming to invest in companies with the potential to become category leaders. Founded by Arjun Sethi, Jonathan Hsu, and Ted Maidenberg, Tribe Capital leverages the extensive experience of its founders, who have previously built and invested in notable companies like Facebook, Gusto, and Slack. The firm emphasizes a bottom-up investment strategy, aiming to be the best capital allocators by iterating rapidly and maintaining a strong focus on product-market fit. Tribe Capital's portfolio includes companies such as Carta, Relativity Space, Shiprocket, Kraken, and Bolt. The firm also has a strong presence in the cryptocurrency market, investing in projects like Berachain, Akash, and Cyberconnect.

Unicorn Growth Capital is a forward-thinking venture capital firm, established in 2020 and headquartered in New York City. The firm focuses on investing in fintech-enabled companies that are reshaping the financial services infrastructure of the digital economy. Unicorn Growth Capital specializes in bridging traditional finance (TradFi) with decentralized finance (DeFi), positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in Web3 technologies, blockchain, and cryptocurrency. This unique investment strategy aims to support the development of new financial systems that are more accessible, efficient, and inclusive. Led by Barbara Iyayi, the firm’s CEO and Founding Partner, Unicorn Growth Capital targets early-stage investments, particularly in emerging markets such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. The firm believes that these regions offer significant opportunities for financial technology innovations that can address longstanding challenges in financial inclusion and economic development. Unicorn Growth Capital’s portfolio is diverse and impactful, featuring companies like VertoFX, a global B2B payments platform; Bitmama, a startup driving crypto adoption in Africa; and Credrails, which is building open banking infrastructure across the continent. By backing these high-growth startups, Unicorn Growth Capital is not only driving financial innovation but also contributing to the broader goal of economic empowerment in underserved markets. With its strategic focus and expertise, Unicorn Growth Capital is well-positioned to continue leading investments in the fintech sector, particularly as the digital economy continues to evolve and expand​.

Vast Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in disruptive companies with a global impact. Founded in 2004 by Doug Chertok, the firm is headquartered in New York, New York. Vast Ventures has a diverse portfolio, investing in sectors such as healthcare, finance, AI, cloud software, and sustainability. They have a strong track record with notable investments in companies like Sweetgreen, Conductor, and Clover Health​. The firm's investment strategy centers on fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs who aim to create significant positive change. They emphasize long-term partnerships, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and support to help their portfolio companies grow and succeed​. Vast Ventures is managed by a team of experienced professionals, including Doug Chertok, Aniq Rahman, and Talia Zapolanski. The team leverages their extensive backgrounds in finance, entrepreneurship, and venture capital to help startups navigate the challenges of early-stage growth​. For startups seeking investment, Vast Ventures is particularly interested in companies that aim to improve health and happiness, promote resource sustainability, increase human potential and productivity, and foster knowledge and empathy. They prefer to lead investment rounds and take active roles in the development of their portfolio companies​.

Vibe Capital is a venture fund founded by Ankur Nagpal, known for its focus on early-stage investments in technology-driven startups. The fund's strategy is centered on identifying and supporting innovative companies, particularly those in emerging markets like India, Brazil, and across Africa, reflecting a belief in the transformative power of venture capital in these rapidly growing regions. Vibe Capital has raised two funds so far: the first at $12 million and the second at $70 million, with a significant portion of investments directed outside the U.S. The fund targets sectors like AI, Web3, and deep tech, emphasizing a proactive approach to wellness, financial innovation, and entrepreneurship-enabling platforms. What sets Vibe Capital apart is its no-management-fee structure, ensuring that all raised capital is directed into startups, with a third of the fund's capital coming from the founders themselves. The fund is particularly attractive to entrepreneurs due to the hands-on experience of its team, who are all former founders and operators, providing invaluable support in growth, marketing, and go-to-market strategies. The fund’s network is another strong point, with ties to prominent investors and firms like Bessemer and General Catalyst, offering startups crucial connections for future fundraising.

Zigg Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York City that specializes in proptech, aiming to revolutionize the real estate, construction, and retail sectors through technology. Their notable investments include Spruce Holdings, Crusoe Energy Systems, and Vontive, reflecting their focus on innovative solutions within these industries. Zigg Capital operates globally, investing from seed to Series B stages, with a typical check size ranging from $1M to $10M. They have a strategic approach, emphasizing demographic shifts, evolving preferences, and addressing societal inequalities to improve the quality of physical environments. This is evident in their recent $225 million second fund aimed at supporting visionary entrepreneurs in proptech. The team at Zigg Capital is led by Founding Partner Dave Eisenberg, who brings extensive experience from previous roles at companies like Floored and Red Swan Ventures. The firm values deep research, imagination, collaboration, and respect for the entrepreneurial journey, actively seeking to partner with startups that share their vision for transformative innovation. Startups can approach Zigg Capital via their website, where they encourage pitches that align with their mission to enhance the built environment through technology​