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Sukna Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund and venture studio based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Founded to support digital transformation businesses, Sukna Ventures operates with a mission to empower entrepreneurs at various stages of their startup journeys. The firm aims to create a meaningful impact in the MENA region while maintaining a global presence. Sukna Ventures is recognized as Saudi Arabia's first venture studio, known as Sukna Venture Studio (SVS), which allows it to build and invest in innovative businesses.
The organization is backed by JADA, Saudi Arabia's fund of funds, which connects Sukna to the broader Vision 2030 startup ecosystem. Sukna Ventures has established offices in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abu Dhabi, enhancing its operational footprint across the MENA region. The firm focuses on sectors such as fintech, gaming, edtech, and healthcare, targeting pre-seed to Series A stages. Sukna Ventures is committed to leveraging advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, blockchain, and AR/VR to drive growth and innovation.
Sukna Ventures invests primarily in technology-driven sectors, emphasizing digital transformation. The firm targets startups at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, with a particular focus on the MENA region, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain. The investment strategy seeks strong founders who are developing the next generation of digital ventures that can adapt to sectorial changes. Key sectors of interest include fintech, gaming, edtech, and healthcare.
The firm looks for businesses that incorporate leading technologies such as AI/ML, AR/VR, and blockchain. Sukna Ventures aims to back companies that not only have regional impact but also possess the potential for global reach. The fund's investment thesis emphasizes the importance of creating value beyond capital, leveraging a global network of corporate leaders and decision-makers to help portfolio companies scale effectively.
Sukna Ventures has invested in several notable companies that exemplify its focus on digital transformation:
These portfolio companies reflect Sukna Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in education, finance, and technology, aligning with its investment focus on sectors that drive digital transformation.
Waleed Alballaa — Managing Partner. Waleed has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, having led multiple successful investments in the MENA region.
Fares Bardeesi — Founding Partner. Fares brings a wealth of knowledge in technology and digital transformation, with a strong background in supporting early-stage startups.
Asher Siddiqui — General Partner, SV Fund I. Asher has a proven track record in investment management and has been instrumental in building Sukna's portfolio.
Marvin Liao — Investment Advisor. Marvin provides strategic insights and guidance to portfolio companies, leveraging his extensive network in the tech industry.
Omar Hamdalla — Principal. Omar focuses on sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities, with a keen eye for innovative startups.
Byung Hoon Yoo — Senior Associate. Byung Hoon supports the investment team in due diligence and portfolio management.
Rawan Al Muzaini — Executive Assistant. Rawan plays a key role in managing operations and supporting the team in various capacities.
To pitch to Sukna Ventures, founders should use the online proposal submission form available at this link. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and technology being utilized. Founders should also provide details on the team and their backgrounds, as well as any traction or milestones achieved to date.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back regarding their proposals. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can enhance the likelihood of a favorable review.
Sukna Ventures runs the Sukna Venture Studio (SVS), which is recognized as Saudi Arabia's first venture studio. This program focuses on building and investing in innovative businesses that target the transformation of how people live, work, and play in the Kingdom. The studio provides resources and support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the early stages of their startup journeys.
Eligibility for participation in the Sukna Venture Studio typically includes having a viable business idea that aligns with the firm's investment focus. Interested founders can apply through the firm's website or by contacting them directly.
As of March 2026, Sukna Ventures continues to operate as a prominent player in the early-stage investment landscape in the MENA region. The firm has been actively involved in supporting its portfolio companies, including Classera, Paradigm, and Betterment, as they scale their operations.
Additionally, Sukna Ventures has maintained its commitment to digital transformation, leveraging its venture studio model to build new startups that align with its investment thesis. The firm remains focused on creating meaningful impact in the MENA region while expanding its global reach.
What are Sukna Ventures' investment criteria?
Sukna Ventures invests in early-stage startups, specifically targeting pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. The firm focuses on sectors such as fintech, gaming, edtech, and healthcare, seeking strong founders who are building innovative digital ventures.
How can I apply or pitch to Sukna Ventures?
Founders can submit their proposals through the online form available at this link. Additionally, inquiries can be directed to their email at careers@suknaventures.com.
What makes Sukna Ventures different from other investors?
Sukna Ventures combines venture capital with a venture studio model, allowing them to not only invest in startups but also actively build and support them. This dual approach enhances their ability to drive digital transformation in the MENA region.
What is the geographic scope of Sukna Ventures?
The firm primarily focuses on the MENA region, including countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain, while also maintaining a global outreach.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, Sukna Ventures targets early-stage investments, which typically range from pre-seed to Series A funding rounds.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Sukna Ventures provides value beyond capital through access to a global network of corporate leaders and decision-makers, helping portfolio companies navigate growth and scale effectively.
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