• UAE-based telecom operator du has launched du Ventures, a $50 million corporate venture capital fund, in partnership with investment firm Shorooq, to support startups developing emerging technologies across the UAE and the wider region.
• The fund will invest in startups operating across fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, loyalty solutions, gaming, enterprise software, and customer experience technologies.
• Managed by Shorooq, the fund will prioritise investments that align with du's strategic objectives, with a significant portion of capital earmarked for UAE-based ventures.
• Beyond capital, portfolio companies are expected to benefit from du's infrastructure, enterprise customer base, and market reach to accelerate commercialisation and scale.

Press release:

du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, today announced the launch of du Ventures, a $50 million corporate venture fund developed in partnership with Shorooq and designed to accelerate the next wave of digital innovations across the UAE and the broader region. The initiative marks a significant milestone in du's evolution beyond traditional telecom services into a comprehensive digital ecosystem player.

du Ventures will partner with promising startups and founders who are transforming emerging technologies into real-world solutions, focusing on companies across fintech, AI, cybersecurity, cloud, loyalty, gaming, enterprise solutions, and customer experience technologies. 

Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du, said: "du Ventures represents our commitment to driving meaningful digital transformation while contributing to the UAE's ambitions to build a globally competitive digital economy. " Through this platform, we are investing in technologies and founders that align closely with our strategic priorities. Leveraging du’s scale, infrastructure, and enterprise reach with startup innovation, we aim to accelerate the commercialisation of emerging technologies and create long-term value for our customers, shareholders, and the wider economy." 

The fund will be managed by Shorooq, a leading multi-strategy investment firm that will prioritise investments that fit du’s corporate strategy, with a significant share of investments dedicated specifically to UAE-based ventures.

Mahmoud Adi, founding partner at Shorooq, said: "Partnering with du on this initiative is a natural fit for Shorooq. We share a common belief that the region's most promising startups deserve access to both capital and the strategic infrastructure that du can offer. du Ventures will enable us to bridge the gap between innovation and scale, empowering founders to bring transformative solutions to market faster."