du Launches $50 Million Venture Fund for UAE Tech Startups

du Launches $50 Million Venture Fund for UAE Tech Startups

UAE telecom operator du has launched a venture capital fund to back startups aligned with its digital growth strategy.

du, a UAE telecommunications operator, has launched du Ventures, a $50 million corporate venture capital fund focused on investing in technology startups across sectors including artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, cloud services and enterprise software.

The fund will be managed by UAE-based investment firm Shorooq and represents the company's latest move beyond its core telecom operations into the wider technology ecosystem.

According to du, the fund will target startups developing technologies aligned with its long-term strategic priorities, including AI, gaming, loyalty platforms, customer experience solutions and cloud-based services.

A significant portion of the capital will be allocated to UAE-based startups, with investments intended to support companies at various stages of growth and commercialisation.

The initiative will also provide portfolio companies with access to du's infrastructure, enterprise customer network and market reach, offering support beyond financial investment alone.

The launch comes amid growing participation by Gulf corporations in venture capital activity, as large regional companies increasingly establish investment vehicles to gain exposure to emerging technologies and innovation.

Corporate venture capital has become an increasingly important source of funding for startups in the region, often providing access to customers, distribution channels and industry expertise alongside investment capital.

For du, the fund offers a mechanism to identify and support technologies that could contribute to future products and services while strengthening its position within the UAE's evolving digital economy.