• 100Unicorns launches a USD 200M Fund 2 to support MENA startups.
• The fund targets early-stage companies in fintech, AI, healthtech, and more.
• This move signals growing global investor interest in the region’s innovation potential.

100Unicorns: Betting USD 200M on MENA’s Startup Stars

India’s largest early-stage accelerator, 100Unicorns, is making waves in the Middle East. The company has announced the launch of its USD 200 million Fund 2, aimed at fueling the growth of MENA’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.

“ADGM’s proactive support and world-class regulatory framework have been instrumental in facilitating 100Unicorns’ launch in the UAE, providing the guidance and resources necessary to integrate seamlessly into the region’s financial and business ecosystem.”

Manoj Aheeray, Global Partner & SEO with 100Unicorns

100Unicorns specializes in scouting and accelerating startups with high growth potential, particularly in emerging markets. With Fund 2, they plan to invest in early-stage companies across sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, healthtech, and renewable energy.

Why This Move Matters: MENA’s Moment in the Spotlight

The MENA region has seen exponential growth in its startup scene, attracting USD 3.94 billion in venture funding in 2022 alone. Markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are leading the charge, fueled by government initiatives, digital adoption, and a young, tech-savvy population.

100Unicorns’ expansion into MENA aligns with this upward trend, signaling international confidence in the region’s entrepreneurial potential. Their previous fund supported over 200 startups, with a portfolio valued at USD 3.2 billion, underscoring their knack for spotting game-changers.

The Indian fund will face tough competition in a MENA region already populated by a large number of local and foreign venture capital firms. The UAE is the region’s leading destination for venture capital with 62 funds at the end of 2023.

Shaping the Future: Startups with Global Impact

100Unicorns aims to invest in transformative ideas that could redefine industries. With Fund 2, MENA startups gain access to capital, mentorship, and global networks, accelerating their journey from local disruptors to international players.

The focus on sectors like AI and renewable energy reflects the fund’s commitment to tech-driven, sustainable growth. This is not about economic returns; it’s about nurturing solutions to global challenges, from climate change to healthcare access.