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Access Bridge Ventures is a pre-Series A venture capital fund established in 2019, headquartered in Dubai, UAE. The firm manages a capital of $35 million, having announced its first close at $25 million in January 2021. The fund is backed by prominent investors such as Mubadala Capital and the Saudi Venture Capital Company, along with various family offices. Access Bridge Ventures aims to be the first institutional investor in early-stage technology companies across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The firm has a strong commitment to supporting exceptional leaders from the earliest stages of their ventures. It has built strategic partnerships with organizations like Hub71, ADQ, and JADA, enhancing its ability to provide resources and support to portfolio companies. Access Bridge Ventures has made significant strides in the MENA investment landscape, focusing on sectors that demonstrate high growth potential.
Access Bridge Ventures primarily invests in early-stage technology companies within the MENA region, specifically targeting sectors such as HealthTech, Enterprise Tech & SaaS, EduTech, E-commerce, Fintech, and Marketplaces. The fund seeks to identify companies that exhibit strong traction, capital efficiency, scalability, and defensibility, along with a clear exit path. Investment stages include pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A, with the firm often leading investment rounds.
The firm’s investment thesis emphasizes backing exceptional leaders who have demonstrated product-market fit and a clear strategy for growth. While the primary focus is on the MENA region, Access Bridge Ventures is open to considering opportunities outside this area on a case-by-case basis. This approach allows the firm to remain flexible and responsive to promising investment opportunities that align with its core sectors.
Access Bridge Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 20 companies across various sectors. Notable investments include:
Issa Aghabi - Managing Director. Issa has a background in investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and brings extensive experience in venture capital and private equity.
Rakan Alrashed - Director. Rakan has a strong track record in venture investments and strategic partnerships, contributing to the firm's growth and portfolio management.
Imad Ghandour - Co-Founder. Imad is a co-founder of CedarBridge and has significant experience in managing venture capital funds and supporting startups.
Magellan Makhlouf - Co-Founder. Magellan also co-founded CedarBridge and has a deep understanding of the MENA investment landscape, focusing on technology-driven startups.
Hamed Mahmoud - Investment Team. Hamed is part of the investment team, focusing on sourcing and evaluating potential investment opportunities.
Omar Taha - Investment Team. Omar contributes to the investment team with expertise in market analysis and due diligence.
Aly Ramadan - Investment Team. Aly is involved in the investment process, providing insights into emerging trends and technologies.
To pitch Access Bridge Ventures, founders should visit their website at access-bridge.com. The firm prefers detailed pitch decks that outline the business model, market analysis, financial projections, and team background. A warm introduction is beneficial but not mandatory.
Response times can vary, but founders can generally expect feedback within a few weeks of submission. It is advisable to follow up if no response is received after this period.
In January 2026, Access Bridge Ventures made a pre-seed investment in Yozo, marking one of its latest additions to the portfolio. The firm continues to expand its presence in the MENA region, focusing on sectors with high growth potential.
Access Bridge Ventures has also been active in building strategic partnerships with organizations such as Hub71 and ADQ, enhancing its ability to support portfolio companies. These partnerships aim to foster innovation and growth within the MENA startup ecosystem.
What are the investment criteria for Access Bridge Ventures?
Access Bridge Ventures focuses on early-stage technology companies in the MENA region, particularly in sectors like HealthTech, SaaS, EduTech, E-commerce, Fintech, and Marketplaces. The firm looks for companies that demonstrate traction, capital efficiency, scalability, defensibility, and a clear exit path.
How can I apply or pitch to Access Bridge Ventures?
Founders can submit their pitches through the Access Bridge Ventures website at access-bridge.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan, financial projections, and information about the founding team.
What makes Access Bridge Ventures different from other VC firms?
Access Bridge Ventures differentiates itself by being the first institutional investor in many of its portfolio companies, providing not only capital but also strategic support and access to a network of partners. The firm emphasizes backing exceptional leaders with a clear vision for growth.
What is the geographic scope of Access Bridge Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the MENA region, with a specific focus on the UAE and KSA. However, it may consider opportunities outside this region on a case-by-case basis, particularly if they align with its sector preferences.
What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?
Access Bridge Ventures manages a fund size of $35 million and typically leads investment rounds in the pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages. Check sizes vary depending on the stage and specific opportunity but are generally aligned with early-stage funding norms.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Access Bridge Ventures provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies, including strategic guidance, access to a network of partners, and assistance in achieving capital efficiency and scalability. The firm is actively involved in helping founders navigate their growth journeys.
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