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Saudi Venture Capital Co. Commits $1bn to Boost Kingdom's VC Ecosystem
The Saudi Venture Capital Co. strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading venture capital hub, committing $1 billion in investments and supporting over 800 startups.
Saudi Venture Capital Co. (SVC) has announced investments totaling $1 billion, with total assets— including contributions from its partners— reaching around $4.8 billion, according to the company’s latest 'Impact Report.' The report highlights SVC’s central role in expanding Saudi Arabia’s private capital ecosystem, with notable contributions to the growth of venture capital, private equity, venture debt, and private credit markets since its founding in 2018.
SVC has supported 54 funds to date, which have invested in over 800 startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in key sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, healthcare, edtech, transport, and logistics.
According to MAGNiTT, Saudi Arabia remains the leading destination for venture capital investments in the MENA region for the second consecutive year, securing $750 million in 2024. This accounted for 40% of the region’s total venture capital, with a 16% increase in deal flow, closing 178 deals— the most of any MENA country.
The UAE followed with $613 million in investments, leading in deal volume with 188 deals and 12 exits.
Nabeel Koshak, CEO and board member of SVC, emphasized the company’s commitment to further stimulating the private capital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
He noted that SVC plans to launch additional investment programs and developmental initiatives based on an analysis of the ecosystem’s needs.
The report underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing dominance in the MENA venture capital landscape and its growing position as the region’s primary venture capital hub.
This is in line with the broader economic diversification goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom’s financial sector and overall economy.
SVC’s strategic initiatives have played a key role in increasing investor participation in Saudi startups and SMEs, fostering the establishment of VC and PE funds by financial institutions, and attracting both regional and international investors to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In addition to its investment activities, SVC has launched several developmental programs aimed at strengthening the private capital ecosystem.
These programs include educational collaborations with local and global partners to enhance the skills of fund managers and investors, along with market insight reports to support data-driven decision-making.
SVC was established in 2018 as a subsidiary of the SME Bank, which is part of the National Development Fund.
The company is focused on stimulating and sustaining financing for startups and SMEs in Saudi Arabia.
SVC has supported 54 funds to date, which have invested in over 800 startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in key sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, healthcare, edtech, transport, and logistics.
According to MAGNiTT, Saudi Arabia remains the leading destination for venture capital investments in the MENA region for the second consecutive year, securing $750 million in 2024. This accounted for 40% of the region’s total venture capital, with a 16% increase in deal flow, closing 178 deals— the most of any MENA country.
The UAE followed with $613 million in investments, leading in deal volume with 188 deals and 12 exits.
Nabeel Koshak, CEO and board member of SVC, emphasized the company’s commitment to further stimulating the private capital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
He noted that SVC plans to launch additional investment programs and developmental initiatives based on an analysis of the ecosystem’s needs.
The report underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing dominance in the MENA venture capital landscape and its growing position as the region’s primary venture capital hub.
This is in line with the broader economic diversification goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom’s financial sector and overall economy.
SVC’s strategic initiatives have played a key role in increasing investor participation in Saudi startups and SMEs, fostering the establishment of VC and PE funds by financial institutions, and attracting both regional and international investors to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In addition to its investment activities, SVC has launched several developmental programs aimed at strengthening the private capital ecosystem.
These programs include educational collaborations with local and global partners to enhance the skills of fund managers and investors, along with market insight reports to support data-driven decision-making.
SVC was established in 2018 as a subsidiary of the SME Bank, which is part of the National Development Fund.
The company is focused on stimulating and sustaining financing for startups and SMEs in Saudi Arabia.
