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Phaze Ventures is a private venture capital firm founded in 2018 and headquartered in Muscat, Oman. It is recognized as the oldest venture capital firm in the country. The firm focuses on funding early-stage companies, particularly in the Deeptech and AI sectors, with an emphasis on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and North American markets. Phaze Ventures aims to accelerate the transformation of regional economies by investing in innovative technologies that can drive economic growth.
Since its inception, Phaze Ventures has launched a $30 million early-stage fund in November 2021, targeting startups in MENA, Europe, and North America. The firm has invested in over 20 companies, showcasing a commitment to supporting disruptive technologies within traditionally underserved markets. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of sectors, including enterprise applications, aerospace, maritime and defense tech, consumer products, and energy technology.
Phaze Ventures operates from its headquarters in Muscat, with additional presence in London to enhance deal flow in fintech and cleantech sectors. The firm is actively engaged in the startup ecosystem, providing resources and support to its portfolio companies while fostering connections between GCC LPs and frontier-tech opportunities in the West.
Phaze Ventures invests in early-stage startups, specifically targeting the Pre-Seed to Series A funding stages. The firm is particularly interested in disruptive technologies within the Deeptech and AI sectors. Their investment strategy emphasizes innovative solutions that can create significant and sustainable impacts on a global scale. Phaze Ventures seeks to partner with B2B startups that demonstrate strong potential for growth and scalability.
The geographical focus of Phaze Ventures includes the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and North America, with additional deal flow from the UK, Europe, and LATAM. The firm looks for founders who possess a deep understanding of their market and a clear vision for their technology. Deal structures typically involve co-investments with other well-known GCC and global funds, indicating a collaborative approach to funding.
Phaze Ventures values companies that can address pressing challenges in their respective industries, particularly those that leverage AI and Deeptech to enhance operational efficiency and drive economic transformation. Their investment thesis is centered around supporting startups that align with these criteria, ensuring a strong fit with their strategic goals.
Phaze Ventures has invested in over 20 companies since its inception, with a focus on early-stage startups in the Deeptech and AI sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Phaze Ventures continues to actively engage with its portfolio companies, providing support and resources to help them scale and succeed in their respective markets.
Abdullah Al-Shaksy: Co-Founder & CEO of Phaze Ventures, Abdullah has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. He has played a pivotal role in establishing the firm as a leading investor in the GCC region.
Mohammed Al-Wahaibi: Co-Founder & Partner, Mohammed brings a wealth of knowledge in technology investments and has been instrumental in sourcing and evaluating potential portfolio companies.
Masoud Al-Rawahi: Co-Founder & Partner, Masoud has a strong background in finance and investment strategy, contributing to the firm's overall investment thesis and operational support for portfolio companies.
Mohammed Al-Sajwani: Head of Investor Relations, Mohammed manages relationships with limited partners and oversees fundraising efforts for the firm.
Kamilya Al-Shaibani: Head of Finance & Admin, Kamilya is responsible for the financial operations of Phaze Ventures, ensuring efficient management of resources and compliance.
Hood Al-Farsi: Analyst, Hood supports the investment team in research and analysis, helping to identify promising startups and market trends.
To pitch Phaze Ventures, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at phazeventures.com. The pitch deck should include essential information such as the business model, market analysis, and technology details. Phaze Ventures prefers concise and clear presentations that effectively communicate the startup's value proposition.
Response times can vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. While warm introductions are beneficial, they are not strictly necessary. Phaze Ventures encourages direct submissions from founders who meet their investment criteria.
Phaze Ventures operates the **SparkLabs Energy** accelerator program, which focuses on energy startups. This initiative offers funding, mentorship, and access to corporate partners, running for six months to develop and deploy innovative technologies in the energy sector. Startups interested in applying to the program can find more information on the Phaze Ventures website.
In April 2024, Phaze Ventures announced a $7.5 million funding round for their portfolio company eMushrif, aimed at supporting its regional expansion. This investment highlights the firm's ongoing engagement with its portfolio and the broader market.
On September 25, 2024, Phaze Ventures celebrated the acquisition of CyberOwl, a UK-based B2B SaaS startup focused on maritime cyber risk monitoring, by DNV. This exit marks a significant milestone for the firm and its investment strategy.
Phaze Ventures continues to be active in the startup ecosystem, participating in various funding rounds and supporting its portfolio companies through mentorship and operational guidance.
What are Phaze Ventures' investment criteria?
Phaze Ventures focuses on early-stage companies in the Deeptech and AI sectors, specifically targeting Pre-Seed to Series A funding stages. They look for startups that demonstrate innovative solutions and strong growth potential.
How can I pitch to Phaze Ventures?
Founders can pitch their startups through the Phaze Ventures website at phazeventures.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and details on the technology being developed in the pitch deck.
What makes Phaze Ventures different from other investors?
Phaze Ventures is distinguished by its focus on the GCC and North American markets, as well as its commitment to supporting Deeptech and AI startups. The firm emphasizes collaboration with other investors and provides extensive resources to its portfolio companies.
What is the geographical scope of Phaze Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and North America, with additional deal flow from the UK, Europe, and LATAM.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Phaze Ventures typically invests in early-stage rounds, which can range from Pre-Seed to Series A funding stages.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Phaze Ventures provides operational support, mentorship, and access to a network of industry experts to help portfolio companies scale and succeed in their markets.
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