Oraseya Capital Emerges As Leader In UAE And MENA Investments For 2024, New Report Highlights

The investment landscape in the UAE has seen a significant boost, with Oraseya Capital emerging as a key player. The investment arm of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has been acknowledged for its active involvement and support towards startups, from the initial pre-seed stage all the way to Series B investments.

This extensive engagement has led to Oraseya Capital being named the foremost investor in terms of deal numbers within the UAE for 2024, as reported by the UAE Venture Investment Report from MAGNiTT, a venture capital data platform.

Engaging deeply in sectors like AI, Proptech, Fintech, and Cleantech, Oraseya Capital has not only demonstrated its commitment to fostering high-potential startups but also placed a significant emphasis on innovative technologies. This approach has secured its position as the second most active investor in Series-A deals across the MENA region, further establishing its prominence and growing influence in the investment sphere.

In the year 2024, Oraseya Capital celebrated a remarkable year of investments, with a total of 24 successful deals. Highlighting its dedication to nurturing early-stage technology startups, 16 of these investments were conducted through its Sandbox programme, while the remaining 8 were direct investments in companies showing high potential for growth.

Among these, notable investments included a lead role in a $5.4M Series-A round for Podeo, propelling the company to become the largest podcast distribution platform globally. Investments in Camb.ai and Growdash also stood out, showcasing Oraseya Capital's keen interest in AI and solutions that support digital growth strategies for businesses.

Oraseya Capital's investment portfolio in 2024 reveals a significant focus on the AI and machine learning sector, accounting for 21% of its total investments. This focus on advanced technologies was closely followed by investments in Proptech, Fintech, and Cleantech sectors, each representing 13% of the portfolio. These strategic choices underscore Oraseya Capital's vision for the future of innovation and technology.

The UAE is solidifying its standing as a prime destination for investments, witnessing a 9% increase in deal numbers from 2023 to 2024. This growth is complemented by a 23% rise in international investors choosing the UAE, pointing to a robust confidence in Dubai and the larger UAE market for project financing. Currently, the UAE accounts for 33% of the MENA region's total project financing, highlighting its appeal as a leading hub for advanced-stage financing.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, stated, "We are pleased to see Oraseya Capital recognized as the most active investor in the UAE and 2nd most active Series A investor in the MENA region. This acknowledgement underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and startups that are shaping the future of the digital economy and driving innovation in Dubai and the UAE."

Al Zarooni further emphasized the importance of this recognition in promoting Dubai's global investment status and DIEZ's efforts to advance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in alignment with Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda.

In addition to its remarkable investment record in 2024, Oraseya Capital achieved two successful exits from its legacy portfolio, generating substantial returns for its stakeholders. The effectiveness of its Sandbox programme is evident in its support for 16 startups, including Lisan.ai and HeroGo, which focus on AI for languages and food sustainability, respectively. Other key investments spanned a diverse range of sectors, further illustrating Oraseya Capital's strategic approach to fostering innovation and sustainable development.

As Oraseya Capital continues to drive forward with its mission to invest in startups that offer innovative solutions, its impact on the digital transformation and sustainable development sectors is increasingly recognized. This commitment to innovation and growth not only strengthens Dubai's position as a global investment hub but also contributes significantly to the advancement of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UAE and beyond.