Partnering with Shorooq, the UAE telecom operator is expanding its role in the startup ecosystem.

UAE telecom operator du is putting capital behind its digital ambitions.

The company launched du Ventures, a USD 50 million corporate venture capital fund. The fund will invest in startups developing technologies across artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud services, gaming, loyalty platforms, enterprise software, and customer experience solutions.

The fund’s management will be overseen by UAE-based investment firm Shorooq. This marks du’s latest move beyond its traditional telecom business as it seeks to position itself as a broader digital ecosystem player.

Why You Should Care

Corporate venture capital has become an increasingly important source of funding for startups looking to scale in the Gulf. Unlike traditional VC firms, corporate funds offer founders access not only to capital but also to customers, infrastructure, and distribution channels.

For du, the fund provides an avenue for early access to emerging technologies. These technologies could strengthen its own products and services while supporting the UAE’s push to build a globally competitive digital economy.

The launch also adds another institutional investor to the region’s venture landscape. This comes at a time when founders are seeking strategic investors capable of helping startups move from pilot projects to commercial deployment.

du Ventures plans to back founders developing technologies that align with the company’s long-term strategic priorities. It will leverage its infrastructure, enterprise customer base, and market reach to help portfolio companies accelerate commercialization.

A significant portion of the fund will be allocated to UAE-based startups. This aims to reinforce the country’s efforts to deepen its innovation ecosystem and retain high-growth technology companies.

“Through this platform, we are investing in technologies and founders that align closely with our strategic priorities. Leveraging du’s scale, infrastructure, and enterprise reach with startup innovation, we aim to accelerate the commercialization of emerging technologies and create long term value for our customers, shareholders, and the wider economy,”

Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du

The fund will be overseen by Shorooq, one of the region’s most active investment firms. Founded in 2017, the investment firm invests across venture capital, private equity, credit, and real assets. Its portfolio spans fintech, software, AI, industrial technology, and infrastructure.

The Ripple 

The launch reflects a broader trend of large Gulf corporates becoming more active participants in venture investing. As digital transformation accelerates across sectors, established companies are increasingly using venture funds to secure exposure to emerging technologies.

What to Watch

The most important signal is not the size of the fund but how actively du integrates portfolio companies into its business.

If du Ventures can provide startups with access to enterprise customers, telecom infrastructure, and commercial partnerships, it could become a significant platform for scaling UAE-based technology companies. 

The first investments will offer an early indication of which sectors du sees as most critical to the next phase of the region’s digital economy.