Fund launch by Stride Ventures in ADGM area, boosting venture debt dominance within Gulf Cooperation Council region
In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Stride Ventures, a world-class platform connecting startups, fund managers, and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, has announced the first close of its flagship Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Fund V.
The announcement marks a significant step towards Stride Ventures' goal of tripling its assets under management in the GCC to over $500 million by 2026. This ambitious scaling of capital deployment capacity is expected to support high-growth companies in the region, particularly in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, logistics, and climate tech.
One of the key areas of focus for Stride Ventures is Saudi Arabia, where the firm has established a presence in the Riyadh Digital Innovation District (RDID). The RDID, an enabling environment for global investors and ecosystem partners, is aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 economic diversification and innovation goals.
Stride Ventures' commitment to the region extends beyond capital deployment. The firm is partnering with top banks in the region to enhance access to venture debt for new-age businesses. This partnership is designed to provide non-dilutive and Shariah-compliant financing solutions, enabling founders to access flexible funding without giving up equity.
Fariha Ansari, Partner at Stride Ventures, expressed enthusiasm about the potential for innovative financing solutions in Saudi Arabia. Ansari emphasized that the firm is not just offering capital but also leveraging global underwriting expertise, deep sector insights, and a founder-first approach to empower entrepreneurs and support startups that will shape the future of the GCC market.
Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder and Managing Partner of Stride Ventures, stated that the region is at the center of a dynamic growth story. Gandhi highlighted that the firm is committed to being a long-term partner in the region's journey towards economic diversification and global competitiveness.
To date, Stride Ventures has already executed several significant transactions in the region, with average ticket sizes of $10 to $15 million. The firm has successfully deployed over $1.2 billion across more than 170 high-growth companies worldwide.
The overall momentum and commitment to transformation make Saudi Arabia a key partner in shaping the future of financing across the Middle East. With its strategic expansion plan, Stride Ventures aims to become the largest provider of shariah-compliant, non-dilutive, and flexible capital to high-growth startups in the GCC region, contributing to the goals of Vision 2030.
- Stride Ventures aims to triple its assets under management in the GCC to over $500 million by 2026, focusing on sectors like fintech, healthtech, logistics, and climate tech.
- In Saudi Arabia, Stride Ventures has established a presence in the Riyadh Digital Innovation District, an environment aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 economic diversification and innovation goals.
- Stride Ventures is partnering with top banks in the region to enhance access to venture debt for new-age businesses, providing non-dilutive and Shariah-compliant financing solutions.
- Fariha Ansari, Partner at Stride Ventures, emphasized that the firm is not just offering capital but also leveraging global underwriting expertise, deep sector insights, and a founder-first approach to empower entrepreneurs.
- Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder and Managing Partner of Stride Ventures, stated that the region is at the center of a dynamic growth story, positioning the firm as a long-term partner in the region's journey towards economic diversification and global competitiveness.
