du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, has officially launched du Ventures, a $50 million corporate venture fund. Developed in partnership with tech-focused investment firm Shorooq, who will act as the fund manager, this initiative marks du’s strategic evolution beyond traditional telecom services into a comprehensive digital ecosystem player.
Core Investment Focus
The fund is designed to accelerate the next wave of digital innovations across the UAE and the broader region. du Ventures will partner with promising startups and founders to transform emerging technologies into market-ready solutions, specifically targeting:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Cloud Computing
- Fintech & Cybersecurity
- Enterprise Solutions & Customer Experience Technologies
- Loyalty & Gaming
Strategic Economic Impact
A significant share of the capital will be dedicated specifically to UAE-based ventures. The fund gives du access to companies and emerging technologies to enhance its core services and benefit its wider digital ecosystem.
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. Through this platform, we are investing in technologies and founders that align closely with our strategic priorities. Leveraging duโs scale, infrastructure, and enterprise reach with startup innovation, we aim to accelerate the commercialization of emerging technologies and create long term value for our customers, shareholders, and the wider economy.”
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.”
