VentureSouq is a GCC-based venture capital firm that has become one of the most active early-stage investors in the MENA region. Since its inception, it has played a key role in building the ecosystem by combining capital with regulatory insights and hands-on operational support. In 2024, Forbes named VentureSouq one of the Top Venture Capital Firms in the Middle East, reflecting growing institutional confidence in its platform.
The firm focuses primarily on FinTech and adjacent SaaS, with specific interests in payments, alternative credit, digital banking, PropTech, InsurTech, and personal financial management.
VentureSouq also invests selectively in climate tech and AI-driven technologies. Its strategy emphasizes navigating complex regulatory environments and enabling cross-border scaling across the MENA region.
In September 2025, VentureSouq closed its second vertical fund, FinTech Fund II, backed by leading institutional investors including Jada Fund of Funds (a PIF-owned entity), Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), Mubadala Investment Company, Takamol Holding, Krafton, and Jordan’s ISSF.
This fund builds on the success of FinTech Fund I (launched in 2021), which was the first vertical FinTech-focused fund in MENA and backed more than 40 early-stage startups.
Leadership
General Partners Suneel Gokhale and Maan Eshgi lead the firm. Their combined expertise includes deep knowledge of emerging markets, regulatory frameworks, and a network of institutional LPs that actively support portfolio companies as they scale across the region.
Investment Strategy
VentureSouq focuses on early-stage (pre-seed and seed) investments in FinTech as the main entry point for AI adoption in MENA. Beyond capital, the firm provides regulatory guidance, operational resources, and strategic partnerships. Its model connects public and private capital to accelerate innovation at scale.
Notable Investments
The firm’s portfolio includes:
These companies reflect VentureSouq’s ability to back high-growth startups that scale regionally and attract global capital.
Notable Exits
VentureSouq has reported successful exits in the past, though none were publicly disclosed in its most recent announcements. Many portfolio companies have raised follow-on rounds from global investors.
Other
VentureSouq differentiates itself with a founder-first approach and by aligning its LP base with regional market dynamics. FinTech Fund II strengthens its position as a cornerstone investor in MENA, where the FinTech sector is projected to grow revenues by 35% annually through 2028, more than double the global average.
