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Modus Capital is a venture platform founded in 2015 or 2016, with a mission to support entrepreneurs through operational, institutional, and financial capital. The firm operates from multiple locations, including New York, Cairo, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Modus Capital emphasizes a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, focusing on building and investing in startups rather than merely providing financial backing.
The organization operates through three main pillars: Venture Building, Venture Capital, and Corporate Innovation. This structure allows Modus Capital to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and build scalable companies. The firm has raised a total of $75 million for its Modus MENA Venture Fund I, launched in 2019, which targets early and growth-stage companies across the MENA region. Additionally, Modus Capital has a separate $50 million Venture Builder Fund that supports its studio activities.
As of now, Modus Capital has invested in approximately 34 companies, with notable exits including MadHive and Unite Us. The firm continues to evolve its strategy, recently launching a second $75 million fund focused on AI and blockchain applications, expanding its reach into sub-Saharan Africa.
Modus Capital primarily targets early to mid-stage startups, particularly those in the Seed+ stage, across the MENA region and Africa. The firm invests in a variety of sectors, including fintech, healthcare, AI, SaaS, and consumer products. Their investment strategy is industry-agnostic, allowing them to adapt to various market needs and opportunities.
The organization emphasizes venture building, assisting founders in developing their ideas and early MVPs into scalable businesses. This support extends beyond capital, as Modus Capital collaborates with corporations and governments to foster corporate innovation and enhance entrepreneurial ecosystems. The firm seeks to partner with startups that demonstrate strong potential for growth and scalability, particularly in sectors that align with their focus areas.
Modus Capital's approach includes leading and co-leading seed and Series A rounds, with a commitment to follow-on investments for existing portfolio companies. Their geographic focus spans the MENA region, sub-Saharan Africa, and the United States, facilitating cross-border opportunities for startups.
Modus Capital's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these companies, Modus Capital has achieved notable exits with MadHive and Unite Us, showcasing its ability to identify and support high-potential startups.
Kareem Elsirafy: Founder & CEO, with a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship. He has led multiple investments in the MENA region and has extensive experience in building startups.
HE Faisal Belhoul: Chairman, Venture Builder Fund, known for his expertise in corporate innovation and investment strategies in the MENA region.
Simon Tkachenko: Partner, specializing in early-stage investments and operational support for portfolio companies.
Fares Abdullah Al-Haddashi: Venture Partner, with a focus on scaling startups and enhancing their market presence.
Amin Elkholy: Chief Operations Officer, responsible for overseeing operational strategies and venture building initiatives.
Michael Weingarten: Chief Information Officer, with expertise in technology and data-driven decision-making.
Waleed Saad: Chief Technology Officer, focusing on technology integration and innovation within portfolio companies.
Razia Shaikh: Chief Financial Officer, managing financial strategies and investment analysis.
Racha Helwa: Chief SDG Officer, focusing on sustainable development goals and impact investing.
Ahmed Al Mosa: Advisor, providing strategic insights and guidance on market trends.
To pitch Modus Capital, founders should submit their pitch deck through the website at modus.vc or via email at comms@modus.vc. The pitch deck should include detailed information about the startup's business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team background. Modus Capital prefers to see clear metrics and traction that demonstrate the startup's potential for growth.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect feedback within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. Modus Capital values direct communication and encourages founders to be concise and clear in their presentations.
Modus Capital runs several programs to support early-stage founders. One of their key initiatives is the **Ventures Lab**, a nine-month program designed to help founders develop and validate their ideas. This program offers funding of up to $450,000 and provides mentorship and resources to assist in building scalable businesses.
Additionally, Modus Capital operates the **MV Builder II**, a venture builder program in Egypt that focuses on startups promoting digital inclusion, supported by USAID. This program aims to enhance the entrepreneurial landscape in the region by providing targeted support to emerging companies.
In 2022, Modus Capital launched a second $75 million fund focused on AI and blockchain applications, expanding its investment strategy into sub-Saharan Africa. This move reflects the firm's commitment to supporting innovative startups in emerging technologies.
Modus Capital has also been active in its venture building initiatives, deploying $2.8 million across eight new launches in 2023, including companies like JamaliBox and MDBX. These efforts highlight the firm's dedication to fostering entrepreneurship in the MENA region.
Recent updates from Modus Capital include the publication of their MENA and Africa newsletters, which provide insights into the startup ecosystem and trends affecting early-stage companies.
What are Modus Capital's investment criteria?
Modus Capital primarily invests in early to mid-stage startups, focusing on Seed+ rounds. They target sectors such as fintech, healthcare, AI, SaaS, and consumer products, with a particular emphasis on companies operating in the MENA region and Africa.
How can I apply or pitch to Modus Capital?
Founders can pitch their startups by visiting the Modus Capital website at modus.vc or by emailing their pitch deck to comms@modus.vc. It is advisable to include detailed information about the business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch.
What makes Modus Capital different from other investors?
Modus Capital operates as a venture platform, providing not only capital but also operational support and access to institutional infrastructure. Their venture building initiatives help founders develop their ideas into scalable businesses, while their corporate innovation efforts foster partnerships with corporations and governments.
What is the geographic scope of Modus Capital's investments?
Modus Capital focuses on investments in the MENA region and Africa, with a growing interest in sub-Saharan Africa and cross-border opportunities with the United States.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Modus Capital typically invests in Seed+ rounds, with check sizes varying based on the stage and needs of the startup. They lead and co-lead seed and Series A rounds, and also provide follow-on investments for existing portfolio companies.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Founders can expect significant post-investment support from Modus Capital, including operational assistance, access to their network, and opportunities for collaboration with corporate partners. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach to help portfolio companies scale effectively.
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