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Vision Ventures (VV) is a venture capital firm located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, founded in 2016 by Kais Al-Essa and Haitham Bu-Aisha. Initially established as a corporate venture capital arm of Sahara Net, the firm transitioned to an independent structure in 2018. Vision Ventures focuses on early-stage investments, primarily in the Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages, with a strong emphasis on technology-driven startups.
As of now, Vision Ventures manages a total of $90 million in assets under management (AUM) and has invested in 44 companies across various sectors. The firm has established a notable presence in the MENA region, with offices in Dammam, Riyadh, Cairo, and Amsterdam. Vision Ventures has garnered support from significant limited partners, including the Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) and JADA, which enhances its credibility and operational capacity.
Since its inception, Vision Ventures has achieved several milestones, including notable exits such as MENABytes, POSRocket, and MUNCH:ON. The firm is committed to fostering innovation and growth in the region by providing not only capital but also mentorship and access to a robust network through its Mazaya Vision Program.
Vision Ventures invests in early-stage startups at the Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages, with a sector-agnostic approach. The firm has engaged with clients across more than 100 subsectors, including healthcare, fintech, SaaS, AI, cybersecurity, and commerce. They employ industry-standard VC terms for investments, which can be made through direct equity or convertible notes.
The firm seeks opportunities that create meaningful synergies within its portfolio, focusing on tech startups that demonstrate strong growth potential. Vision Ventures emphasizes the importance of deep market knowledge and a strong network to support founders in their entrepreneurial journeys. They look for founders who are not only innovative but also possess a clear vision and the ability to execute their ideas effectively.
Vision Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 44 companies, showcasing its commitment to various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Additionally, the firm has seen successful exits with companies like MENABytes, POSRocket, and MUNCH:ON, highlighting its effective investment strategy and market insight.
Kais Al-Essa: Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer. He has a strong entrepreneurial background and emphasizes the importance of MENA-specific knowledge in investment decisions.
Haitham Bu-Aisha: Founding Partner and Investment Manager. He plays a crucial role in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities.
Mohamed Al-Amad: Managing Partner and Chief Financial Officer, responsible for overseeing financial operations and fund management.
El Ghali Cherrat: Investment Manager, focusing on deal sourcing and portfolio management.
Ahmed Osman: Entrepreneur in Residence, providing insights and support to portfolio companies.
Basma Altwejri: Community & Marketing Specialist, enhancing the firm's outreach and engagement with the startup community.
Fahad Al-Rasheed: Investment Analyst, assisting in due diligence and market research.
Abdullah Al-Essa: Investment Analyst, contributing to investment evaluations and portfolio analysis.
Ali Al-Sakkaf: Support Team member, providing operational assistance to the investment team.
To pitch Vision Ventures, founders should use the application portal available at this link. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market analysis, financial projections, and the team’s background. Vision Ventures values concise and informative presentations that highlight the startup's potential for growth.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred, as they can enhance the chances of securing a meeting with the investment team.
Vision Ventures offers the Mazaya Vision Program, which provides exclusive access to resources and tools for portfolio companies. This program is designed to enhance growth potential and operational efficiency, equipping startups with the necessary support to scale effectively.
Eligibility for the Mazaya Vision Program typically includes being a portfolio company of Vision Ventures. Interested startups can apply for funding and program participation through the firm's application portal.
As of late 2024, Vision Ventures has raised its second fund, Saqr Fund II, targeting $90 million. This fund focuses on early-stage investments from Pre-Seed to pre-Series B stages across the MENA region.
In recent months, Vision Ventures has actively deployed capital, with over half of its portfolio invested in the past 24 months. The firm has completed a total of 86+ deals, including follow-on rounds, demonstrating a strong investment pace.
Notable exits include MENABytes, POSRocket, and MUNCH:ON, showcasing the firm's successful investment strategy and market insight.
What are Vision Ventures' investment criteria?
Vision Ventures focuses on early-stage startups in the Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages across various sectors, including healthcare, fintech, and SaaS. They seek innovative founders with a clear vision and the ability to execute their ideas.
How can I apply or pitch to Vision Ventures?
Founders can apply for funding through Vision Ventures' application portal at this link. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Vision Ventures different from other VC firms?
Vision Ventures combines capital investment with mentorship and access to a robust network, providing operational support to enhance the growth potential of its portfolio companies.
What is the geographic scope of Vision Ventures?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region, leveraging its deep market knowledge to support local entrepreneurs.
What is the fund size and check size range?
Vision Ventures manages a total of $90 million in assets under management. While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, they typically invest in early-stage rounds.
What is Vision Ventures' post-investment involvement?
Vision Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies through mentorship, operational support, and access to resources via the Mazaya Vision Program, which enhances their growth potential.
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