Modus Capital launches SAR 75 million fund for Saudi startups

Modus Capital, a New York-based hybrid venture capital firm, launched a $75 million fund targeting early and growth stage companies across the Middle East and North Africa.

The fund focuses on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) where technology can enable them to grow rapidly.

Modus Capital Founder and Managing Partner, Kareem Elsirafy, told Argaam the value of funds designated to the Saudi market accounts for over $20 million (SAR 75 million) with additional reserve for follow-on funding.

Elsirafy further explained that the capital is primarily targeting companies focusing on solving problems and driving positive impact such as employment, healthcare, education and lifestyle enhancements, as well as women empowerment and financial inclusion.

He added Modus Capital is currently working with three Saudi startups and ‘aggressively’ seeking additional opportunities in the upcoming months. 

On the Saudi Vision 2030, Elsirafy highlighted that the Kingdom targets establishing independent and new private markets that are fully self-sustainable.

“This is done through investment in startups and SMEs, the backbone of every economy,” he stated.

Elsirafy concluded that Modus Capital is teaching entrepreneurs how to be successful while supporting their immediate endeavors that will drive sustainable markets. 

The first investment of Modus Capital in the region was made in Q4 2018, complemented with the launch an office in Egypt.

Write to Christine El Cheikh at christine.elcheikh@argaamplus.com