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Merak Capital is a Riyadh-based investment firm that focuses on private equity and venture capital. Founded in 2018 and operational since 2020, the firm is dedicated to supporting essential, innovation-led businesses across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. Merak Capital emphasizes active ownership and local insight to enhance performance and unlock growth potential in its portfolio companies.
As of October 2025, Merak Capital manages over SAR 3 billion in assets and operates multiple active funds, including the Merak Private Equity Fund and the Merak Technology Venture Fund I. The firm has invested in more than 35 companies, primarily in sectors such as fintech, healthcare, and cybersecurity. Its primary geographic focus is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with selective exposure to the broader MENA region.
Merak Capital's commitment to technology-driven investment opportunities positions it as a key player in the region's venture capital landscape. The firm aims to back founders building digital infrastructure and essential services that address real-world challenges in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Merak Capital invests primarily in essential B2B and service platforms with technology at their core. The firm targets sectors including SaaS, fintech, healthcare, biotech, consumer, gaming, cybersecurity, logistics, AI, and industrial. Investment stages range from seed to Series B, with check sizes varying from $1 million to $203 million. The firm prefers asset-light models with recurring revenue and seeks control or significant minority stakes in its investments.
The primary geographic focus is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with selective exposure to the MENA region. Merak Capital emphasizes backing software and data platforms that enable essential services in the real economy, particularly those that reduce costs, improve compliance, and increase speed in customer workflows. The firm’s investment strategy is thesis-driven, focusing on technology, market potential, and team dynamics.
Merak Capital has invested in a diverse range of notable companies, including:
In addition to these, Merak Capital has made significant investments in other companies such as DOO, an Arabic-first agentic AI customer-experience platform, and ByNow, a Saudi B2B fintech offering BNPL for businesses. The firm’s portfolio reflects its commitment to technology-driven solutions that address essential services in the region.
Abdullah Altamami: Founder and CEO of Merak Capital, Abdullah has over 16 years of technology investment experience. He co-founded Merak Capital in 2018 and previously founded iNet Fund in 2014.
Othman Alhokail: Founder and Managing Partner, Othman has 18 years of experience in technology and investment. He is also the founder and director of KCC, a technology contracting and trading holding group.
Abdulrahman Bin Mutrib: Partner and Chairman, Abdulrahman serves as board chair and is part of the management team at Merak Capital.
Mohannad Alfayez: Partner and Head of Capital Formation, Mohannad is responsible for capital formation and public-listing pathway support.
Abdulelah Alshareef: Principal in Venture Capital, Abdulelah focuses on venture investments and portfolio management.
Rema Alyahya: Vice President in Venture Capital, Rema plays a key role in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities.
To pitch Merak Capital, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website. A comprehensive pitch deck is essential, including details on the business model, market analysis, and team qualifications. The firm prefers warm introductions but is open to direct submissions.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. It is advisable to follow up if there is no response after this period.
Merak Capital operates two primary funds: the Merak Private Equity Fund, which focuses on essential businesses in Saudi Arabia, and the Merak Technology Venture Fund I (MTVF I), which targets early-stage technology ventures. These funds are designed to support startups that align with the firm's investment thesis and provide essential services in the MENA region.
In December 2025, Merak Capital announced a SAR 203 million investment in DSShield, a cybersecurity company, to expand its managed security operations. This investment highlights the firm's commitment to enhancing cybersecurity capabilities in the region.
In 2025, Merak Capital also invested SAR 100 million in Arsann, a smart parking and mobility infrastructure provider, further demonstrating its focus on essential services in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, the firm led a SAR 2.2 million seed investment in Khosouf Studio, a UAE-based game developer, in January 2026, showcasing its interest in the gaming sector.
Merak Capital has been active in publishing insights on trends in private markets and technology, including articles on cybersecurity potential in Saudi Arabia and investments in gaming and cybersecurity companies.
What are Merak Capital's investment criteria?
Merak Capital focuses on essential B2B and service platforms with technology at their core. The firm prefers asset-light models with recurring revenue and seeks control or significant minority stakes in its investments.
How can founders pitch to Merak Capital?
Founders can pitch their startups by reaching out through the firm's website. A well-prepared pitch deck should include details about the business model, market potential, and team dynamics.
What makes Merak Capital different from other investors?
Merak Capital emphasizes active ownership and local insights, providing operational guidance, go-to-market support, and access to a network of government and global technology partners.
What is the geographic focus of Merak Capital?
The primary focus is on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with selective investments in the broader MENA region where it can strengthen a Saudi platform or support commercialization.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Merak Capital's check sizes range from $1 million to $203 million, depending on the stage and potential of the investment.
What is Merak Capital's post-investment involvement?
Merak Capital actively engages with its portfolio companies, offering operational support, strategic guidance, and assistance in navigating market complexities.
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