UAE telecom operator du has launched a $50 million venture capital fund to invest in early-stage startups, marking a strategic shift from connectivity services into tech investment and ecosystem building.
- UAE telecom operator du has launched a $50 million venture capital fund to invest in early-stage startups, marking a strategic...
- On Wednesday, du announced “du Ventures,” a $50 million corporate venture fund created in partnership with Shorooq to support emerging...
- Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du, said: “du Ventures represents our commitment to driving meaningful digital transformation while contributing to...
- Mahmoud Adi, founding partner at Shorooq, said: “Partnering with du on this initiative is a natural fit for Shorooq.
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On Wednesday, du announced “du Ventures,” a $50 million corporate venture fund created in partnership with Shorooq to support emerging startups across the UAE and wider region.
The fund will target companies in fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, loyalty solutions, gaming, enterprise software, and customer experience technologies, signalling du’s expansion beyond its traditional telecom business.
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.”
du Ventures Targets AI, Fintech & Cybersecurity Startups
Managed by Shorooq, the fund will prioritise investments aligned with du’s strategic goals, with a significant portion of capital allocated to UAE-based startups.
“Through du Ventures, we are investing in technologies and founders that align closely with our strategic priorities,” du CEO Fahad Al Hassawi said in a statement published on the Dubai Financial Market.
Shorooq Partnership to Support Startup Scaling
The collaboration extends beyond funding, with Shorooq providing venture expertise while du offers infrastructure, enterprise access, and market distribution.
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.”
Startups in the portfolio are expected to benefit from du’s telecom infrastructure, enterprise client base, and regional reach, giving them an advantage in scaling commercial operations.
UAE VC Activity Rises Despite Deal Slowdown
The launch comes as venture capital activity in the UAE continues to evolve, with more corporates creating investment arms to tap early-stage innovation and diversify revenue streams.
UAE deal activity fell 45% year-on-year in Q1 2026, marking a three-year low for Q1 periods, while total funding reached a record $419 million, up 47% year-on-year.
Al Hassawi said the initiative aligns with du’s broader strategy to drive digital transformation and support the UAE’s ambition to build a globally competitive digital economy.
“The du Ventures fund is a natural extension of our commitment to driving digital transformation,” he said.