COTU Ventures, a Dubai-based early-stage venture capital firm, proudly announces the successful closure of its inaugural fund, raising an impressive $54 million. The firm, dedicated to supporting startups in the Middle East and North Africa from pre-seed to seed stages, finalized its fund last year and has already made significant strides in fostering innovation across the region.
With a commitment to identifying and backing founders from inception to post-product launch, COTU Ventures has positioned itself as a key player in the startup ecosystem. The firm specializes in investments ranging from $500,000 to $2 million, while also reserving capital for follow-on investments to ensure continued support for the growth of its portfolio companies.
Over the past two and a half years, COTU Ventures has actively deployed capital into startups across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with a particular focus on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan. The firm has already backed over 20 early-stage startups across various sectors, signaling its dedication to fostering diverse and impactful innovations.
In a recent interview with TechCrunch, Amir Farha, Founder and General Partner of COTU Ventures, revealed the firm’s inclination toward fintech and B2B software. However, he emphasized the firm’s openness to opportunities across other sectors. Notable investments by COTU Ventures include backing UAE mortgage platform Huspy, supported by Peak XV and Founders Fund, and Egyptian fintech startup MoneyHash.
Farha commented on the vast potential in supporting businesses, stating, “Today, businesses are lagging a bit behind, so there’s a huge opportunity to build software to help solve many of their problems. We are also interested in high-margin industries where technology can play a massive role and capitalize on margin efficiencies.”
COTU Ventures’ portfolio boasts diverse investments, reflecting its commitment to contributing to the growth of various sectors. The firm’s involvement in early-stage funding aligns with the evolving landscape of venture capital investments in the GCC region.
Founder and General Partner, Amir Farha, reflected on the changing dynamics of the investment landscape. Having been actively involved in seed rounds and later-stage investments, he recognized a market gap that propelled him to launch COTU Ventures. Farha emphasized the need for support beyond funding at the earliest stages of startup development, identifying a crucial gap in the market.
COTU Ventures takes a unique approach in evaluating potential investments, delving deep into a founder’s personal and professional journey. By fostering open and candid conversations, the firm aims to establish trust and strong connections with founders, enabling more informed investment decisions.
Farha highlighted the strategic guidance provided by COTU Ventures, not only in fundraising but also in organizational development and go-to-market strategy. The firm also facilitates introductions to key stakeholders such as customers, hires, and potential follow-on investors, offering comprehensive support to its portfolio companies as they navigate Series A rounds and beyond.
COTU Ventures’ success is further underscored by its impressive list of limited partners, including Lunate, Mubadala, Dubai Future District Fund, Arab Bank, Bupa KSA, and GPs from renowned venture capital firms such as Foundry Group, Tribe Capital, Stride, and several family offices.
“We’re proud to have backed a fund that’s distinguished not only by its impressive portfolio but by the exceptional leadership and track record of its founding partner, Amir,” said Sharif El-Badawi, CEO of Dubai Future District Fund. “Our confidence in Amir stems from his deep passion for supporting founders and his proven ability to find remarkable investment opportunities before anyone else.”
COTU Ventures’ success and strategic approach position it as a crucial player in the development of the Middle East’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, promising continued support and growth for innovative ventures in the region.