KAUST Innovation Ventures

Overview

KAUST Innovation Ventures is the venture investment arm of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), established to support the commercialization of technology and foster entrepreneurship within the university's ecosystem. The fund primarily invests in early-stage deep tech startups, including pre-seed, seed, and Series A rounds, with a focus on sectors aligned with KAUST's research strengths and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification goals. These sectors encompass technology, healthcare, energy, environment, and the digital domain. The fund's strategy involves providing seed to early-stage investments, aiming to grow an innovation and technology investment community and attract international investors and venture capitalists to the emerging Saudi technology ecosystem. By becoming a long-term strategic partner to these ventures, KAUST Innovation Ventures seeks to advance technology commercialization and contribute to the kingdom's economic transformation. Since its inception, KAUST Innovation Ventures has achieved significant milestones, including its startup portfolio surpassing $1 billion in investments and creating over 6,600 jobs. In 2024 alone, KAUST startups raised $150 million, reflecting growing investor confidence in the Saudi innovation ecosystem and enhancing these companies' ability to expand regionally and internationally.

Investment Focus

• Alignment with KAUST's research strengths
• Focus on deep tech sectors
• Contribution to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals

Portfolio Companies