In a matter of a few years, the world has witnessed the rise of startups across various industries, spanning tech, hospitality, healthcare, and sports. Countries worldwide are strategically endeavouring to attract innovative minds and investment opportunities, recognising their pivotal role in national growth.
Recently, sports investments have emerged as a robust landscape, appealing to both investors and startups. The UAE has positioned itself at the forefront, offering an ideal environment for startups to flourish, backed by numerous governmental and private funding opportunities. This article explores three such companies that provide funding to potential sports startups and SMEs.
FasterCapital
Amidst the landscape of companies fostering the growth of sports startups, FasterCapital emerges as a notable figure. Founded and led by Hesham Zreik, FasterCapital operates as an online incubator/accelerator on a global scale, distinguishing itself through a multifaceted approach to supporting startups.
FasterCapital’s significant contributions lie in its extensive track record. Having facilitated more than 473 startups in raising over $1.6 billion and investing approximately $495 million in 190 startups, their global reach and financial impact are undeniable. The company prides itself on a vast network encompassing a staggering 155,000 angel investors and over 50,000 funding institutions, predominantly comprising venture capitalists.
The company’s core mission revolves around aiding startups in their quest for funding. Leveraging its robust network, FasterCapital facilitates connections between startups and potential investors, boasting an impressive 92% success rate in securing funding for these ventures. While their primary focus remains on funding, FasterCapital extends its support beyond financial backing.
Their distinctive approach includes providing a suite of services tailored to various stages of a startup’s journey. For startups requiring software development or the creation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), FasterCapital offers a unique work-per-equity model. By investing half of the costs in exchange for equity, they provide a full technical team capable of software development, and Android and iOS app development, alongside comprehensive business packages for market analysis and product conceptualization.
Additionally, FasterCapital caters to startups seeking sales, marketing, expansion, and growth opportunities. Through services like Sales as a Service, Business Marketing Strategy, SEO Service, Business Development, and Business Growth, they assist startups in scaling their operations effectively.
Moreover, the company extends its support to first-time entrepreneurs, guiding them through idea validation, proof of concept development, business feasibility studies, and market research.
Global Ventures
Established in 2018, Global Ventures stands as a prominent venture capital investment firm headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Under the leadership of Noor Sweid, the Managing Partner and founder, the firm specialises in empowering growth-stage companies across emerging markets.
With a strong focus on technology-driven transformation, Global Ventures boasts a diverse team of professionals with extensive experience in scaling and building companies.
Distinguished by their strategic investments, Global Ventures operates across various sectors, including fintech, digital health, tech, food tech, insurtech, cybersecurity, web3, mobility & logistics, infotech, future of work, eCommerce, and agritech.
Although not explicitly focused on sports, their investment philosophy of backing technology-driven companies positioned for global growth aligns with the core ethos of innovative sports startups.
Their geographical footprint spans several countries, encompassing the UAE, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, the United States, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Turkey, Rwanda, Jordan, and Pakistan.
The investment stages embraced by Global Ventures encompass early-stage funding, growth capital infusion, and exit strategies. Their investment strategy revolves around identifying globally scalable enterprise technology companies in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, capitalising on markets with lower valuations.
Recent investments in Arrow Labs and CDP highlight their commitment to companies swiftly expanding globally post-investment.
The firm’s investment strategy revolves around identifying and nurturing high-potential, globally scalable companies, leveraging the region’s access to talent, a youthful demographic, and favourable valuation multiples. Global Ventures’ approach, rooted in strategic investments positions it as a key player in propelling the growth of technology-driven enterprises.
Wamda Capital
Wamda Capital, spearheaded by Fadi Ghandour, stands as a pivotal force in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape of the MENA region. Founded in 2010 by Ghandour after his successful venture with Aramex, Wamda Capital directs its focus towards bolstering the growth of technology-driven startups in the Middle East and North Africa.
Operating as a leading venture capital firm based in Dubai, UAE, their investment strategy revolves around nurturing seed and early-stage technology companies. Through their investment vehicles, ‘Wamda Capital – Fund I’ and ‘Wamda Capital – Evergreen’, the firm prioritises long-term sustainable growth over short-term gains, backing a diverse array of innovative companies that drive positive change in their respective industries.
A standout feature of Wamda Capital lies in its holistic approach towards fostering entrepreneurship ecosystems. Besides financial investments, their commitment extends to the development and support of high-growth technology and tech-enabled startups.
With a knowledge platform that offers impactful thought leadership, research, community development, and advisory services, Wamda Capital emerges as a catalyst in empowering stakeholders across the startup ecosystem in the MENA region.
While Wamda Capital’s primary focus lies in nurturing technology-driven startups, its commitment to sector-agnostic investments and support for companies driving positive change in diverse industries presents an intriguing prospect for sports startups seeking funding in the MENA region
Ghandour’s entrepreneurial journey as the Founder of Aramex grants Wamda Capital a distinctive perspective in evaluating startups. This firsthand understanding of the challenges in building a company from inception to IPO shapes their approach, enabling them to assess startups from the lens of a fellow founder.
With an impressive track record spanning over a decade and investments in over 100 companies, including notable successes like Souq, Careem, and Mumzworld, Wamda Capital leverages this experience and vast network to guide founders towards exceptional outcomes.
