The $50 million fund is the first AI-native venture capital fund to come out of the MENA region, according to Wyld VC, a new early-stage venture capital firm started by Saudi investor Tala Hasan Al-Jabri.
The launch was timed to coincide with US President Donald Trump’s high-profile trip to Riyadh from May 13–16, which aimed to deepen bilateral ties in important areas like artificial intelligence, technology, and defense.
“The GCC is leading the charge in catalysing an AI revolution—through massive infrastructure investments, advanced research and model deployment, and transparent, innovation-forward regulation,” said Al-Jabri, founder and managing partner of Wyld VC. “However, the region’s greatest gap is AI talent. Wyld VC is here to fill that gap.”
Lawrence E. Golub’s family office supports the firm, which is the office’s first investment in the area.
“Tala is a highly accomplished, talented investor, with a track record of success investing in innovative, early-stage technology companies,” said Golub. “Her considerable investment acumen, combined with her unparalleled and comprehensive ties and network in the Gulf and the US, offer a unique investment opportunity. I am excited to be supporting Tala and Wyld on this compelling new venture, and I look forward to working with her and her team.”
Founders pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and influencing the next phase of human experience are the “Wyld minds” that Wyld VC seeks to support. The fund will concentrate on AI applications and middleware, which are thought to have the greatest potential to revolutionize various industries.
In the Gulf, artificial intelligence has emerged as a top strategic priority, and institutions and governments are making significant investments in infrastructure, research, and innovative regulations. In light of this, Wyld VC aims to close a crucial gap by developing the area’s next generation of AI talent.
One of the first and most reputable tech investors in MENA, Al-Jabri has a portfolio that includes both international endeavours like the rapidly expanding U.S. startup Starcloud and regional successes like Tabby.
Along with being a trailblazer for women in Saudi Arabia, she was named Arabian Business’s Woman of the Year 2022 in Finance for being the first female partner at a venture capital firm in the Kingdom.
“Founders in AI need a partner that caters to their unique needs. That’s what Wyld VC is here to provide and we have the best partners to carry forward this mission,” said Al-Jabri.
Wyld VC joins the market at a time when there is increased interest in AI globally and regional momentum for tech-led transformation, thanks to its strong connections in MENA and the US.
