Plus Venture Capital

Plus Venture Capital operates as an early-stage firm, investing in seed to Series A technology startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and its diaspora. The firm provides strategic capital and expertise, aiming to foster the growth and development of innovative tech ventures throughout the region. It supports companies that are building solutions for various market needs.

Hasan Haider and Sharif El-Badawi founded Plus Venture Capital in 2020. Their decision to establish the firm stemmed from extensive experience as former managing partners of 500 Startups' MENA fund, 500 Falcons. This background provided deep insight into the regional startup ecosystem and its unique opportunities, which they now leverage to identify and support emerging talent.

The firm’s customers are ambitious technology founders and their startups across sectors such as information technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer products. Plus Venture Capital envisions empowering these regional startups, facilitating their sustainable growth and contributing to a vibrant, innovative tech landscape across MENA. The firm is dedicated to building the next generation of successful regional companies.

High-Level Overview

Plus Venture Capital (Plus VC) is a leading venture capital firm focused on empowering technology-driven startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and its global diaspora. The firm’s mission is to foster innovation and sustainable growth by providing early-stage founders with not just capital, but strategic guidance and equitable investment terms. Plus VC specializes in seed to Series A investments, targeting sectors such as technology, fintech, healthcare, and consumer services. By combining deep regional expertise with a global perspective, Plus VC plays a pivotal role in building a robust startup ecosystem, helping founders scale and navigate complex markets.

Origin Story

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Plus VC was established by a team of seasoned investors and entrepreneurs with extensive experience in venture capital and startup operations. Key partners include Hasan Haider, Ibrahim Alhejailan, and Zainab Al Sharif, all of whom bring a wealth of knowledge from both regional and international markets. The firm’s roots trace back to over a decade of investing in the MENA region, with the team having collectively executed more than 200 transactions. Their evolution reflects a shift from generalist investing to a focused, founder-centric approach, emphasizing empathy, operational support, and long-term value creation.

Core Differentiators

• Founder-First Philosophy: Plus VC positions itself as a partner that works for founders, not the other way around, offering hands-on support and flexible terms.
• Regional Expertise with Global Reach: The firm leverages deep local market insights while maintaining a global network, enabling startups to access both regional opportunities and international expansion.
• Thematic Investment Strategy: Plus VC employs a data-driven, thematic approach, aligning investments with emerging trends in technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors.
• Operational Support: With a background in building and scaling companies, the team provides portfolio companies with practical, operational guidance beyond capital.
• Track Record: The management team has a proven history of successful exits and value creation, having invested in over 200 deals across multiple sectors.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Plus VC is riding the wave of rapid digital transformation and entrepreneurial growth in the MENA region, a market increasingly recognized for its innovation potential and untapped talent. The timing is critical, as governments and private sectors alike are investing heavily in tech infrastructure and startup ecosystems. Plus VC’s focus on early-stage companies positions it at the forefront of this movement, helping to bridge the gap between local innovation and global markets. By nurturing a new generation of tech leaders, Plus VC is shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region and influencing how startups scale in emerging economies.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Plus VC is poised to deepen its impact as the MENA tech ecosystem matures and attracts more global attention. The firm’s founder-centric model and operational expertise will likely become even more valuable as startups face increasing competition and complexity. Trends such as digital health, fintech innovation, and the rise of remote work will continue to shape Plus VC’s investment thesis. As the region’s startup scene evolves, Plus VC’s influence is expected to grow, not just as a capital provider but as a strategic partner in building transformative companies that can compete on a global stage.