In a landmark move that promises to reshape the startup ecosystem across the Middle East and Africa, Acasia Group, a prominent player in the region’s entrepreneurial landscape, has been acquired by U.S.-based venture firm Sultan Ventures. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for both companies as they aim to expand their influence and impact on emerging markets.

A New Chapter for Acasia

Founded in 2011 as Cairo Angels, Acasia began as a grassroots angel syndicate and evolved into a multi-faceted organization driving innovation through diverse startup programs, incubators, and high-profile competitions. Collaborating with partners like EG Bank, the World Bank, and DAR, Acasia has solidified its role as a key driver of entrepreneurship in the Middle East and Africa.

“This acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for Acasia,” said Hossam Allam, Chairman of Acasia Group. “What began fourteen years ago as a grassroots initiative under Cairo Angels has grown into a regional leader, operating across every aspect of the venture continuum in the Middle East and Africa. The acquisition by Sultan Ventures enables Acasia to scale faster and tackle the region’s biggest challenges, amplifying impact and scaling early-stage ventures and deep-tech commercialization.”

Sultan Ventures: Expanding Global Reach

Sultan Ventures, known for its award-winning XLR8® initiatives and expertise in venture building, brings over 15 years of experience fostering innovation and supporting startup ecosystems. The firm’s accelerators have propelled hundreds of U.S.-based startups into successful businesses, earning a reputation for turning innovative ideas into scalable ventures.

With the acquisition of Acasia, Sultan Ventures aims to extend its proven approach to the Middle East and Africa, establishing a new U.S.-MENA bridge that promises to empower thousands of founders looking to bring their ideas to market.

“Sultan Ventures’ proven track record in venture acceleration combined with Acasia’s local experience creates a winning partnership,” said Omar Sultan, Managing Partner of Sultan Ventures. “Acasia has built an enviable reputation for empowering startups and cultivating ecosystems in emerging markets. This acquisition creates a new U.S.-MENA bridge, and opens a door for thousands of founders seeking to bring ideas to market.”

A Strategic Alignment for Regional Impact

This acquisition aligns with the broader trend of international venture firms seeking opportunities in the rapidly growing MENA region, where a burgeoning startup ecosystem is fueled by ambitious economic transformations, such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The partnership between Acasia and Sultan Ventures will provide startups with the resources, mentorship, and network needed to scale and compete globally.

The combined strengths of Acasia’s regional expertise and Sultan Ventures’ global approach to venture acceleration create a powerful synergy aimed at driving transformative change in the Middle East and Africa’s startup ecosystems. As these two forces come together, the acquisition not only represents growth for the companies involved but also signals a new era of opportunity for startups in the region.