Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Wyld VC is a venture capital firm founded in 2025, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with additional offices in San Francisco and Abu Dhabi. The firm launched MENA's first AI-native VC fund, targeting $50 million to invest in category-defining AI companies from early stage to pre-IPO. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and Silicon Valley, facilitating cross-border investments and partnerships.
The firm is led by Tala Hasan Al-Jabri, a notable figure in the venture capital landscape, recognized as the first woman to serve as a partner at a VC firm in Saudi Arabia. Wyld VC's establishment coincided with significant geopolitical events, including a state visit by former President Trump to Saudi Arabia, which garnered media attention and positioned the firm as a key player in the region's investment scene.
As of now, Wyld VC has a focused approach on artificial intelligence, aiming to support innovative startups that are poised to disrupt existing markets. The firm is backed by prominent limited partners, including the Lawrence E. Golub Family Office, marking a significant investment in the MENA region.
Wyld VC specializes in investments in artificial intelligence (AI) companies, with a clear focus on sectors within the AI landscape. The firm targets early-stage startups, providing strategic capital, access to go-to-market opportunities, and unlocking compute capacity to help these companies scale effectively. The investment strategy encompasses a wide range of stages, from pre-seed to pre-IPO, allowing for flexibility in funding as companies grow.
The firm particularly emphasizes AI middleware and application layers, identifying these sectors as ripe for disruption. Wyld VC seeks to connect founders from the Gulf region with Silicon Valley talent, facilitating partnerships that can enhance the growth potential of their portfolio companies. This dual-market strategy not only benefits Gulf founders but also helps Bay Area innovations find strategic partners in the GCC, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two regions.
Wyld VC's portfolio includes several notable companies that exemplify its focus on AI innovation:
Notable exits from the firm include Tabby, a leading buy-now-pay-later platform in the MENA region that achieved unicorn status, and Starcloud, which has seen significant growth in the US market.
Tala Hasan Al-Jabri: Founder & Managing Partner. Al-Jabri is the first woman to serve as a partner at a VC firm in Saudi Arabia and was named Arabian Business Woman of the Year in 2022. She has a strong background in venture capital, having previously worked at HOF Capital and the SoftBank Vision Fund, and has been involved in notable deals such as Tabby and Starcloud.
Arturo Chavez-Gehrig: Senior Associate. Chavez-Gehrig brings experience in venture capital and a focus on AI investments, contributing to the firm's strategic decision-making processes.
Lord Aamer Sarfraz: Senior Advisor. Sarfraz provides insights and guidance based on his extensive experience in the investment landscape, particularly in the MENA region.
Hiba Awad: AI Scholar-In-Residence. Awad's expertise in artificial intelligence enhances the firm's understanding of emerging trends and technologies in the sector.
Risha Baid: Summer Analyst. Baid supports the team with research and analysis, contributing to the firm's investment evaluations.
Yazan Alflayyeh: Stanford Campus Ambassador. Alflayyeh helps connect the firm with the Stanford community, facilitating access to innovative startups and talent.
E-Young Xu: NYU Campus Ambassador. Xu plays a similar role at NYU, helping Wyld VC identify promising startups and fostering relationships within the academic community.
To pitch Wyld VC, founders should visit the firm's website at wyldvc.com. The firm prefers detailed pitch decks that include information on the startup's market opportunity, competitive advantages, and financial projections. While there is no formal application portal, a well-structured email introduction or a warm introduction from a mutual connection is encouraged.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. The firm values thoroughness in pitches and appreciates when founders are clear about their needs and expectations.
In April 2026, Wyld VC announced its official launch, coinciding with significant media coverage from various outlets, including Arab News and Wamda. The firm unveiled its inaugural $50 million AI-native fund, marking a pivotal moment for venture capital in the MENA region.
Notable mentions include the firm's focus on bridging the gap between the GCC and Silicon Valley, which has attracted attention from investors and entrepreneurs alike. The fund's launch was strategically timed with a state visit by former President Trump to Saudi Arabia, further elevating its profile in the investment community.
What are Wyld VC's investment criteria?
Wyld VC focuses on early-stage AI companies that are category-defining and have the potential to disrupt existing markets. The firm invests across various stages, from pre-seed to pre-IPO, with a particular emphasis on AI middleware and application layers.
How can I pitch to Wyld VC?
Founders can pitch their startups by visiting Wyld VC's website at wyldvc.com. The firm encourages detailed presentations that highlight the unique value proposition of the startup and its potential market impact.
What makes Wyld VC different from other investors?
Wyld VC is distinct in its dual-market strategy, connecting Gulf founders with Silicon Valley talent and resources. This approach not only enhances the growth potential of portfolio companies but also fosters cross-border partnerships that can lead to significant market advantages.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Wyld VC's fund size is $50 million, indicating a capacity for substantial investments across its portfolio companies.
What geographic areas does Wyld VC focus on?
The firm has a global investment strategy, with a primary focus on the MENA region and the San Francisco Bay Area, allowing it to tap into diverse markets and talent pools.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Wyld VC provides its portfolio companies with access to strategic capital, go-to-market opportunities, and resources to unlock compute capacity, enabling them to scale effectively in the competitive AI landscape.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.