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§ Venture Capital · San Francisco, CA, USA
Venture fund investing in early-stage technology startups across the MENA region, providing capital and mentorship.
Key people at 500 Falcons.
500 Falcons is a California-based venture capital fund that provides pre-seed and seed-stage investments to technology startups operating in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Operating as a regional vehicle for parent company 500 Global, the firm closed its first oversubscribed MENA-focused fund at $33 million. The fund has deployed capital into more than 170 early-stage companies across 16 countries, maintaining a 24 percent female founder ratio within its portfolio. 500 Falcons has backed notable regional startups including PayTabs, Souqalmal, and Jamalon. The firm also collaborates with regional entities like Misk Innovation and Sanabil Investments to operate dedicated accelerator programs. 500 Falcons was established in 2015 under the leadership of managing partners Hasan Haider and Sharif El-Badawi, alongside 500 Global founders Dave McClure and Christine Tsai.
500 Falcons is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)-focused venture capital fund under the global 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups) network. Its mission is to uplift people and economies through entrepreneurship by investing in founders building fast-growing technology startups across the region. The fund specializes in seed, early-stage, and startup investments, supporting companies with proven potential and helping them scale. 500 Falcons brings Silicon Valley expertise and global networks to the MENA ecosystem, fostering innovation and job creation while advancing the region’s economic diversification agenda.
The fund invests across a broad range of technology sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, logistics, healthtech, and SaaS. Its impact is evident in the hundreds of startups it has backed, the accelerator programs it has run, and the mentorship it has provided to founders. By bridging knowledge gaps and connecting local entrepreneurs with global resources, 500 Falcons has played a pivotal role in shaping the MENA startup ecosystem.
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500 Falcons was launched in 2017 as one of the first MENA-dedicated funds by a U.S.-based venture capital firm, following 500 Global’s initial investments in the region starting in 2012. The fund was created to address the lack of early-stage capital and mentorship available to founders in the Middle East and North Africa. Led by key partners such as Amjad Ahmad, who now leads the new 500 MENA, L.P. fund, the team has evolved from a micro-fund into a cornerstone of the regional venture ecosystem.
Over the years, 500 Falcons has expanded its reach, deploying capital across more than 175 startups and running accelerator programs that have trained nearly 100 founders. The fund’s evolution reflects a growing recognition of the region’s entrepreneurial potential and the need for tailored support for startups at the earliest stages.
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500 Falcons is riding the wave of rapid digital transformation and economic diversification sweeping the MENA region. As governments push for innovation-driven growth and young populations embrace technology, the demand for venture capital and startup support has surged. The fund’s timing is critical—by investing early and often, it helps startups navigate the challenges of scaling in emerging markets.
Market forces such as increased internet penetration, rising consumer spending, and supportive government policies are working in its favor. 500 Falcons not only fuels individual company growth but also strengthens the entire ecosystem by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, encouraging cross-border collaboration, and setting benchmarks for early-stage investing in the region.
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Looking ahead, 500 Falcons is poised to play an even greater role as the MENA tech ecosystem matures. With the launch of new funds like 500 MENA, L.P., the firm is expanding its ability to support startups beyond the seed stage, addressing the region’s growing need for expansion and growth capital. Trends such as increased cross-border investment, the rise of deep tech, and the push for regional unicorns will shape its journey.
As the ecosystem evolves, 500 Falcons’ influence will likely grow, not just as a capital provider but as a catalyst for innovation, mentorship, and ecosystem development. Its legacy of uplifting founders and economies through entrepreneurship will continue to resonate, making it a cornerstone of the MENA startup story.
Key people at 500 Falcons.
500 Falcons has more than 26 tracked investments across 24 companies. The latest tracked deal is $1.0M Seed in Sadq in September 2025.
