Since 2012, 500 Global has been actively investing in the MENA startup ecosystem, with over 270 companies in its portfolio and several funds launched, including 500 Falcons, L.P.

The management of the fund will be based in Riyadh and is backed by two units of the Public Investment Fund and Saudi Venture Capital.

Amjad Ahmad, a seasoned investor with over 20 years of experience in emerging markets, will lead the fund, with support from Courtney Powell, COO of 500 Global.

The fund is backed by prominent Saudi institutional investors, including Jada Fund of Funds and Saudi Venture Capital (SVC), reflecting a growing interest in the region's startup ecosystem.

Startup funding in the MENA region has surged from $990 million in 2019 to over $2.6 billion in 2023, showcasing a vibrant entrepreneurial environment, although Series B funding remains critically low, accounting for only 2% of deals.

500 MENA plans to invest up to $10 million per deal, with a focus on sectors such as software-as-a-service, fintech, and artificial intelligence.

Recognized as a leading investor in MENA, 500 Global had the highest number of exits in 2022 and is considered the most influential foreign investor in Riyadh's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As of late September 2024, 500 Global manages $2.3 billion in assets and has invested in over 5,000 founders and 2,800 companies across more than 80 countries.

In addition to its investment activities, 500 Global has trained over 400 venture capitalists, playing a crucial role in the development of the MENA entrepreneurial ecosystem.

500 Global has launched a new fund named 500 MENA, L.P., targeting high-growth technology startups in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

This fund aims to fill the funding gap for expansion-stage companies, primarily supporting startups with proven product-market fit and significant growth potential.