EXCLUSIVE: Dubai-based Yango Group launches $20mn fund to back regional tech startups

Arabian Business

18-03-2025

Yango Group, the Dubai-headquartered global technology company, has established a $20 million corporate venture fund targeting early-stage startups across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP), Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, Arabian Business can exclusively reveal.
The new fund, Yango Ventures, will focus on seed to Series B investments primarily in online-to-offline (O2O), B2B software-as-a-service, and financial technology sectors, with plans to scale its capital base as entrepreneurial ecosystems expand in these high-growth markets.
'We're more than a tech company; we are an ecosystem committed to empowering entrepreneurs worldwide,' said Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group. 'Through Yango Ventures, we're sharing our expertise and network to help startups scale, thrive, and drive meaningful change in their communities.'
The fund's creation represents a significant expansion of the Group's operations beyond its core business of adapting global technology solutions for local markets. The company, which operates separately from Yandex and is managed from its Dubai headquarters, has built a diverse portfolio including ride-hailing service Yango Ride, entertainment platform Yango Play, payment solution Yango Pay, and navigation service Yango Maps across more than 30 markets globally.
Fund targets 20x returns on Series A deals
Yango Ventures aims to leverage this extensive operational experience to provide more than just capital to portfolio companies. The fund will draw on expertise from a board comprising professionals who have developed and scaled platforms across mobility, entertainment, fintech, AI, and other sectors.
'Our mission is simple: let people grow with us,' Shuleyko said. 'By supporting local talent with the right tools and resources, we aim to foster sustainable business growth and contribute to resilient and inclusive economies across the globe.'
For Series A startups, which the fund identifies as its 'sweet spot,' Yango Ventures is targeting returns of 10-20x over an unspecified timeframe, according to documents reviewed by Arabian Business. The fund's approach emphasises identifying ventures with strong market fit and scalable business models where Yango's expertise can provide additional value.
Dubai HQ positions fund to tap 'high growth' markets
The fund's geographic focus aligns with the Group's existing market presence, targeting regions the company believes offer substantial entrepreneurial potential amid rapidly increasing digitalisation.
Speaking exclusively to Arabian Business, a Yango Ventures spokesperson explained the rationale.
'These dynamic, high-growth markets offer substantial opportunities, and we leverage our global expertise to help startups scale and succeed, driving digitalisation and sustainable impact in the regions we serve.'
While the fund has yet to announce any investments, it is 'actively engaging in discussions with several promising startups that align with our investment focus and entrepreneurial mission,' the spokesperson confirmed.
Yango pledges autonomy for founders
Unlike some corporate venture funds, Yango Ventures does not plan to exert significant control over its portfolio companies or seek board seats as a standard practice.
'We don't plan to be involved in daily operations. Instead, we provide support to entrepreneurs when they request it, offering guidance and connections to help them as needed,' the spokesperson said.
This hands-off philosophy extends to the fund's merger and acquisition strategy. While not ruling out future M&A activity, the fund emphasised that such transactions are 'not one of our primary objectives at this time.'
The fund also plans to collaborate with other venture capital firms and partners to enhance its investment activities, sharing insights and providing comprehensive support to entrepreneurial ecosystems across its target regions.
Capital boost planned as initial investments prove out
Beyond direct investments, Yango Ventures forms part of the Group 's wider strategy to drive digital transformation and entrepreneurial growth.
The company organises networking events for professionals and partners with educational institutions to develop practical skills for future innovators.
The fund's launch comes amid growing interest in venture capital opportunities across emerging markets, with a particular focus on fintech, mobility, and software services that can serve rapidly digitalising economies.
While starting with $20 million in committed capital, Yango Ventures has indicated it may expand the fund's size pending the performance of initial investments.