# Top 25 Local Startup Investors in Middle East in October 2023

## Aleph
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Software, SaaS, Analytics

Aleph is an early stage venture capital fund focused on partnering with great Israeli entrepreneurs to build large, meaningful companies and impactful global brands. Founded in 2013, Aleph is a partnership of Michael Eisenberg, Eden Shochat, Yael Elad and Tomer Diari with $850M under management. Aleph has invested in over 50 companies (not allannounced) including Lemonade, Melio, Healthy.io, SparkBeyond, JoyTunes, Fabric, Freightos and Bringg. Aleph is redefining the kind of support entrepreneurs and the local high tech community can expect from a venture capital firm. We aim to service the hell out of our entrepreneurs with high-touch, partner-level service. We built a startup within our firm - Ampliphy, the Aleph Value Generation Platform - to meet the greatest startup challenges like talent recruitment, business development and follow-on funding - at scale. Ampliphy leverages our people, network, software and resources to help companies succeed on the global stage.The team at Aleph are committed to supporting startups and the entire Israeli tech ecosystem as they harness the power of new technologies to develop and grow transformational companies.

## Spark Capital
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: San Francisco, California, United States
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Series A, Series B, Series C
- Focus: Software, FinTech, Financial Services

Spark Capital invests in products we love by creators we admire across all sectors and stages.

## Digital Currency Group
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Stamford, Connecticut, United States
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, FinTech

We are the capital engine supporting emerging talent & crypto technology. On its mission to accelerate the development of a better financial system.

## Launch Africa
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Ebène, Plaines Wilhems, Mauritius
- Relevant deals: 2
- Stages: Seed, Pre-Seed
- Focus: Financial Services, FinTech, Information Technology

Launch Africa is a leading Pan-African VC fund solving the significant funding gap in the Seed and pre-Series A investment landscape in Africa.

## Mohammed Shafik
- Type: Angel
- Location: Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Angel
- Focus: Local, Travel, Leisure

Co-founder & CFO of Go.dayuse.

## Michael Granoff
- Type: Angel
- Location: Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Transportation, Automotive, Autonomous Vehicles

Michael Granoff is founder and Managing Partner of Maniv Mobility, a venture capital fund based in Tel Aviv which invests exclusively in the new mobility future. Founded in 2015, Maniv has a portfolio of over 25 mobility startups, in Israel, the US and beyond. They include companies developing sensors, software, simulation, localization, datamonetization, autonomous systems, over-the-air updates, automotive cyber-security, micromobility, new mobility business models and more. Aside from several startup boards, Mr. Granoff serves on the board of Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE), a Washington, DC-based policy and advocacy organization he helped establish in 2004. Past board roles included that of electric car network developer Better Place. He has been involved in three US Presidential campaigns and in 2010 received Brandeis University’s Asper Award for Global Entrepreneurship. Mr. Granoff holds a B.A. from Tufts University, an MBA and JD from Kellogg, Northwestern University. He is a veteran marathon runner and lives just outside of Tel Aviv with his wife and four children.

## Net Jacobsson
- Type: Angel
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Angel
- Focus: Local, Internet, Software

Net Jacobsson is a former early Facebook Executive, Co-founder of Sparklabs Global Ventures, entrepreneur, angel investor & passionate mountain biker.

## Istanbul Startup Angels
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Angel, Seed
- Focus: SaaS, Mobile Apps, Digital Entertainment

Istanbul Startup Angels is Turkey’s most active angel investment network with a focus on innovative and fast growing technology startups. Currently in the process of building a micro VC and starting Turkey’s first crowdfunding platform, ISA also partners with corporations to find the most promising and suitable startups for them, by running sectorfocused accelerator programs.

## Isaac Applbaum
- Type: Angel
- Location: San Francisco, California, United States
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Pre-Seed, Series B
- Focus: Artificial Intelligence, Mobile, E-Commerce

Isaac Applbaum joined MizMaa Ventures Limited as Founder and Partner in 2016.Isaac Applbaum is a founding General Partner of Opus Capital, a billion dollar early stage venture fund, .focusing his efforts on finding Israeli-based investments for the firm. Previously, Isaac was a Partner and Managing Director for Israel at Lightspeed Venture Partnersan early stage venture capital firm with over two billion dollars under management.Prior to joining Lightspeed, Mr. Applbaum was the founder and CEO of Concorde Solutions Inc. (CSI). In 1998 Mr. Applbaum sold CSI to Bank of America becoming a Senior Vice President at the bank with responsibility for running the bank’s E-ventures group and an advisor to the strategic investments group.Before founding Concorde Solutions, Mr. Applbaum was responsible for running US operations for Advanced Technology International, a large Israeli software development company.Mr. Applbaum currently serves as a Senior Advisor for Philanthropy to the Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat. Mr. Applbaum is President of the Board of the California Israel Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of The Western Wall Heritage Foundation, is on the board of directors of: The Koret Israel Economic Development Funds, the Shalem Institute, the Modern Bank and is on the National Council of AIPAC. Mr. Applbaum is a member of the Young Presidents Organization.

## Hanjoo Lee
- Type: Angel
- Location: Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, South Korea
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Angel
- Focus: Local, Internet, Social Media

John Lee is Co-founder & Partner at SparkLabs Global Ventures. He is also a co-founder & Partner at SparkLabs, a startup accelerator in Korea. John is a co- founder & EVP of Corporate Development and Strategy of Hostway. He serves additional responsibilities as CEO of Hostway India. John and his fellow co- founders bootstrapped Hostwayinto a top 5 web hosting company in the world with over 700 employees.Hostway is a multinational web hosting company headquartered in Chicago, and serves more than 600,000 customers worldwide. He is currently responsible for overall corporate strategy, strategic alliances, and mergers and acquisitions. Previously, he has held positions in every department of the company, including leading global marketing and sales and overall P&L for North America.Mr. Lee was born and raised in Korea and immigrated to the United States at age 13. He holds a BA in Biology from the University of Chicago.

## BoxGroup
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: New York, New York, United States
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Software, Health Care, Internet

BoxGroup is an early stage investment fund focused on technology companies. Contact Us: hello@boxgroup.com

## Nexus Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Angel, Series A
- Focus: Software, Internet, SaaS

Nexus Ventures is an investment firm that invests in transformational businesses and creates meaningful partnerships with entrepreneurs. They support these ventures through its mentorship, business and technical know-how, vast network, and capital. The firm was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Ankara, Turkey.

## Namik Kural
- Type: Angel
- Location: Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Angel
- Focus: Apps, Local, Security

Namik Kural is a Board Member at Visionteractive.

## Erdem Gülen
- Type: Angel
- Location: Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Local, Mobile, Medical

I am who I am.

## Adam Goldstein
- Type: Angel
- Location: San Francisco, California, United States
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A, Convertible Note
- Focus: Software, Internet, Enterprise Software

Adam Goldstein is a Visiting Scientist at Levin Lab. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2006 to 2010.

## Atanova Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Izmir, Izmir, Turkey
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed
- Focus: Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Content

Atanova is an early stage investment company that discovers enterprises which will make high impact with their bright ideas while in their incubation phases.

## Reflect Ventures
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Menlo Park, California, United States
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A, Pre-Seed
- Focus: Information Technology, Logistics, E-Commerce

Reflect Ventures makes venture capital investments in high-potential startups at the seed and series A/B+ stages. We identify extraordinary founders, companies and opportunities around the world, including in emerging and frontier markets. Our LPs comprise family offices, institutional investors and HNWIs on six continents, along withrecognized sector experts who are instrumental to our portfolio companies' future growth.

## Gigi Levy Weiss
- Type: Angel
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A, Series B
- Focus: Software, Artificial Intelligence, SaaS

Gigi Levy Weiss is the General Partner at NFX. He attended Tel Aviv University and the Finance Department - Kellogg School of Management.

## NUS Enterprise
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Singapore, Central Region, Singapore
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Pre-Seed, Convertible Note
- Focus: Local, Sensor, Hardware

NUS Enterprise provides an entrepreneurial and innovative dimension to the National University of Singapore’s core research and educational activities.By encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit, partnering for success, and nurturing future entrepreneurial leaders, NUS Enterprise aims to make a positive impact on Singapore’s economy and beyond.This is done through three key thrusts: entrepreneurship support, industry engagement and partnerships, and experiential education.NUS Enterprise was founded in 2001 and is based in Singapore.

## Integrated Networks
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A
- Focus: FinTech, Mobile, Internet

INTEGRATED NETWORKS CO. LTD. “INET” is a private organization founded in 2001 by a group of prominent Saudi investors, with an aim to provide unique blend of system integration using top-of-the-line products, revolutionary technology and proven expertise & experience.Authorized service provider licensed by Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency forproviding Payment Solutions, including; Point-of-Sales connectivity & management, ecommerce and Loyalty Solutions.Authorized Service Provider licensed by Communication and Information Technology Commission for providing Internet Services as well as network operation services.

## Mehmet Sacit Sungu
- Type: Angel
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Angel
- Focus: Information Technology, Apps, Local

Mehmet Sacit Sungu

## Singtel Innov8
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Singapore, Central Region, Singapore
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Series C, Series B
- Focus: Software, Mobile, Analytics

Singtel Innov8, the venture capital arm of the Singtel Group, invests in and partners with innovative tech start-ups worldwide. It has a fund size of US$250 million and its own set of decision making, approval and funding processes. Beyond funding, Singtel Innov8 is a gateway for start-ups to tap on the resources and expertise of the Singtel Group,while enabling the Group to gain access to emerging technologies. Singtel Innov8 focuses its investments on technologies and solutions that can lead to quantum changes in network capabilities, next generation devices, digital services and enablers to enhance customer experience. Headquartered in Singapore, Singtel Innov8 also has offices in San Francisco and Tel Aviv.

## Hi2 Global Venture Fund
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: New York, New York, United States
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Series A
- Focus: Financial Services, E-Commerce, FinTech

Haitou Global is a global asset allocation platform providing asset management, investment banking, digital technology product, and services. Haitou Global manages a Registered Investment Advisor and a Broker-dealer in the U.S., with headquarters in New York and Beijing and operations in San Francisco, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Jakarta.

## Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP)
- Type: VC Fund
- Location: Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Series A, Seed, Series B
- Focus: E-Commerce, Software, SaaS

MEVP is a Middle East-focused venture capital firm that invests in the early and growth stages of innovative tech companies run by talented entrepreneurs in the Middle East with a focus on the GCC and Levant countries. With a team of 20 VC professionals across offices in Dubai, Beirut, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, MEVP manages 5 regional funds with more than USD 260 million in Assets Under Management. MEVP is the largest and most established VC firm in the region, with clear cross border investment appetite.

## Ryan Rzepecki
- Type: Angel
- Location: New York, New York, United States
- Relevant deals: 1
- Stages: Seed, Angel, Series A
- Focus: B2C, E-Commerce, Augmented Reality

Ryan Rzepecki was the founder and CEO of NYC-based JUMP Bikes (acquired by Uber in 2018), focused on developing innovative solutions for urban transportation.
Early in his career, Rzepecki worked as a planner in the bikes division of New York City’s Department of Transportation. During that time, he worked extensively to bring bike facilities tomore New Yorkers. It was this experience that led him to design a high-tech bike share model that he entered in the Copenhagen Design Competition.
By 2010, he founded the company under its original name Social Bicycles, and set out to realize his vision of using bicycles as a smarter, cleaner, and more fun mode of urban transportation. His company pioneered "smart bike" technology, allowing bike share to go dockless and become more accessible and convenient for riders.In 2013, Rzepecki was named one of the 100 Coolest People in Tech by Business Insider and one of the Top 100 City Innovators Worldwide by UBM’s Future Cities.
He received his master’s degree in urban planning from Hunter College of the City University of New York and his bachelor’s degree in marketing and international business from Pennsylvania State University.

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