Golden Gate Ventures Launches $100M MENA Fund with $20M Backing from Qatar’s Prominent Families

Golden Gate Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Singapore, has announced the first close of its US$100 million Middle East and North Africa (MENA) fund. The initial commitment of US$20 million comes from some of Qatar’s most prominent families, including anchor investor Al Khor Holding, Al Attiya Group, and Sheikh Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani. This fund will tap into the vibrant startup space of Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The Golden Gate Ventures MENA Fund, domiciled in Qatar, is a crucial initiative in the region’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. By strategically investing in local startups, the fund promises to bring new opportunities for innovators and disruptors. 

The announcement of the first close of $100 million MENA Fund I is backed by Qatar’s private business pillars to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the MENA region. The fund combines the regional influence of its investors with Golden Gate Ventures’ extensive startup ecosystem development experience from Silicon Valley and Asia, making it the first international venture capital fund established and managed within Qatar.

Vinnie Lauria, founding partner of Golden Gate Ventures, highlighted Qatar’s appeal, noting the supportive government, progressive economic policies, emphasis on diversification and innovation, and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. These factors and a well-educated and diverse population make Qatar a great place for growth in the startup ecosystem. 

Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures, has moved to Qatar to establish the firm’s presence in the MENA region, further emphasizing the transformative potential that lies within Qatar’s dynamic and skilled workforce.

“We are extremely honored to partner with Al Khor Holding, Al Attiya Group, and Sheikh Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani on our inaugural fund in MENA,” said Vinnie Lauria, Founding Partner at Golden Gate Ventures. 

These investments leverage Qatar’s strong infrastructure and resources to catalyze achievements that complement the country’s strengths and support global innovation.

MENA Fund I was announced during the Qatar Economic Forum, where thousands of global business leaders converged to discuss the Gulf nation’s path on the global stage. A few months ago, the Web Summit in Qatar drew the largest startup meet in the Middle East to show support to the startups in the region.

While Qatar’s success in the gas and power sectors is well known, Golden Gate Ventures’ MENA Fund I aims to diversify the country’s economic landscape by targeting various sectors. MENA Fund, I will support startups in sectors such as alternative energy, green tech, B2B artificial intelligence, health tech, financial tech, and education. By investing in these areas, Golden Gate Ventures aims to empower entrepreneurs who are redefining how we learn, transact, and maintain our wealth, ultimately driving positive change globally. 

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