Latest news with #KhaledZaatarah
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Investment Giant IFC (World Bank) Invests in VUZ $12M Pre-Series C, the World's Leading Immersive Media Company
IFC investment supports VUZ's international expansion, following precedent in scaling telecom and media ventures across the world. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VUZ, the world's leading immersive media company, has secured the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to invest in its $12M Pre-Series C funding round. This strategic investment positions VUZ for accelerated global growth in immersive live streaming and content, AI-driven streaming technologies, and live spatial experiences, building on the next generation of media, the creator economy, sports, and entertainment. The IFC and the World Bank Group collectively manage over $1 trillion in global assets and investment commitments, operating in more than 100 countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record of over $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions to drive sustainable development through the private sector. This round also includes participation from Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success fund (a pre-IPO venture capital fund), multiple existing investors, and several high-profile Saudi family offices, bolstering VUZ's presence in key markets across the world. IFC's Strategic Role in Telecom and Media Expansion The investment marks a pivotal collaboration between VUZ and IFC, which is known for its selective backing of global winners, including (acquired by Amazon). With over 100 investments in telecom and communications companies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, IFC brings unmatched expertise in market entry and infrastructure scaling across frontier economies. Through this partnership, VUZ will scale further in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and accelerate expansion, particularly in Africa, the USA, and Asia, where demand for immersive experiences and next-generation media is rising rapidly. The move aligns with IFC's mission to advance digital inclusion and economic growth through media innovation and connectivity. A Profitable, Scalable Media Powerhouse In 2024, VUZ achieved EBITDA profitability, with 80% year-over-year gross profit growth, a significant milestone for a tech streaming scale-up. The company's platform — home to 30,000+ hours of premium immersive exclusive content — blends XR, VR, AR, and AI-powered media across sports, entertainment, and creator ecosystems. VUZ has a pipeline of partnerships with some of the largest football clubs, giga projects, and global athletes, as well as A-list artists, creators, and ambassadors. "We are honored to welcome IFC as a strategic investor, said Khaled Zaatarah, Founder of VUZ. With IFC and the World Bank Group's track record in scaling telecom and digital media companies globally, and over $1 trillion in assets under management, this partnership sets the stage for massive global scale. Together, we'll bring immersive media to the world's fastest-growing markets." Key highlights: 3 billion+ screen views to date; targeting over 5 billion by 2026 Exclusive immersive content partnerships with LaLiga, Serie A, PFL, and more The largest exclusively owned immersive premium content library of over 30,000 hours Over 40 global telecom integrations, with 20+ in progress Strategic launches across TV Devices, Apple Vision Pro, Oculus, and VUZGo, a new web-embedded immersive tech layer 4 global patents powering proprietary streaming technologies "This investment reflects IFC's commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. VUZ's tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators", said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds. A Magnet for Global Creators and Partners VUZ empowers a creator network with a combined global reach exceeding 100 million, offering monetization tools, immersive production capabilities, and a deeply engaging fan experience. Its technology now sits at the center of conversations with device manufacturers, sports federations, and media conglomerates seeking to deliver content that transcends physical limitations. "This is the scale-up stage we've been building toward for years," Zaatarah added. "With a solid foundation, patented tech, and profitability achieved, we are ready to scale globally and define the future of media." World-Class Investor Backing In addition to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and other recent strategic investors, VUZ is backed by a distinguished and globally diverse group of institutional partners. These include e& capital, KBW Ventures, Al Jazira Capital, DFDF, SRMG Ventures, Caruso Ventures, Shorooq Partners, Plug and Play Ventures, Hala Ventures, Vision Fund, Knollwood Investment Advisory, Panthera Capital, Faith Capital, WIN, Elbert Capital, Yasta Partners, AlTouq Group, Impact46, Media Visions, 500 Startups, DAI, Al Falaj, and DTEC Ventures (Oraseya Capital), along with notable tech leaders including Magnus Olsson, Samih Toukan, and Jonathan Labin — reflecting strong international conviction in VUZ's vision, performance, and global growth potential. View original content: SOURCE VUZ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Broadcast Pro
19-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Vuz secures IFC investment in $12m pre-series C round
IFC investment supports VUZ's international expansion, following precedent in scaling telecom and media ventures across the world. Vuz, the immersive media platform, has announced a strategic investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, as part of its $12m Pre-Series C funding round. This marks a significant milestone for Vuz as it accelerates its global push in immersive live streaming, AI-powered content delivery, and spatial media experiences spanning sports, entertainment, and the creator economy. With more than $1tn in global assets and commitments, the IFC joins a lineup of key investors including Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success Fund, several existing backers, and major Saudi family offices. This round strengthens Vuz's global footprint and positions the company to scale in fast-growing markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Africa, Asia, and the United States. The partnership with IFC—known for backing transformative companies like deep market expertise and a global track record in telecom and digital media, particularly across emerging economies. It aligns with IFC's goal of advancing digital inclusion and supporting creative industries that drive sustainable economic development. Vuz, which achieved EBITDA profitability in 2024 and recorded 80% year-over-year gross profit growth, now hosts over 30,000 hours of immersive content that blends extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and AI-powered streaming. The platform features exclusive experiences with top-tier football clubs, sports leagues, global athletes, artists, and creators. It boasts more than 3bn screen views to date, with a target of surpassing 5bn by 2026. With 40 telecom integrations globally and 20 more underway, VUZ continues to expand its tech ecosystem through platforms like Apple Vision Pro, Oculus, TV devices, and its proprietary web-based immersive layer, VuzGo. Its innovations are protected by four global patents. Khaled Zaatarah, Founder of Vuz, added: 'We are honored to welcome IFC as a strategic investor. With IFC and the World Bank Group's track record in scaling telecom and digital media companies globally, and over $1tn in assets under management, this partnership sets the stage for massive global scale. Together, we'll bring immersive media to the world's fastest-growing markets.' 'This investment reflects IFC's commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. Vuz's tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators', added Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds. Vuz's creator network spans over 100 m people worldwide, with tools that support monetization, immersive storytelling, and fan engagement. With a strong investor base that includes e& capital, KBW Ventures, SRMG Ventures, Vision Fund, and other global institutional backers, Vuz is now pset to shape the future of immersive media at a global scale. 'This is the scale-up stage we've been building toward for years,' Zaatarah added. 'With a solid foundation, patented tech, and profitability achieved, we are ready to scale globally and define the future of media.' In addition to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and other recent strategic investors, Vuz is backed by a distinguished and globally diverse group of institutional partners. These include e& capital, KBW Ventures, Al Jazira Capital, DFDF, SRMG Ventures, Caruso Ventures, Shorooq Partners, Plug and Play Ventures, Hala Ventures, Vision Fund, Knollwood Investment Advisory, Panthera Capital, Faith Capital, WIN, Elbert Capital, Yasta Partners, AlTouq Group, Impact46, Media Visions, 500 Startups, DAI, Al Falaj, and DTEC Ventures (Oraseya Capital), along with notable tech leaders including Magnus Olsson, Samih Toukan, and Jonathan Labin — reflecting strong international conviction in VUZ's vision, performance, and global growth potential.
Wamda
19-05-2025
- Business
- Wamda
VUZ secures $12 million from IFC to fuel global immersive media expansion
UAE-based immersive media platform VUZ has secured $12 million in a pre-Series C funding round, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, joining as a strategic investor. The round also saw participation from Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success Fund, existing investors, and several prominent Saudi family offices, bringing VUZ's total capital raised to over $35 million. Founded in 2017 by Khaled Zaatarah, VUZ is a next-generation media platform offering immersive live content across XR, VR, AR, and AI-powered streaming. The funding will accelerate VUZ's global expansion across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Africa, Asia, and the US, and further develop its AI-driven streaming technologies and live spatial experiences. In October 2022, VUZ closed its Series B round at $20 million from Caruso Ventures, Vision VC Fund, e& Capital, and others. Press release: VUZ, the world's leading immersive media company, has secured the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to invest in its $12M Pre-Series C funding round. This strategic investment positions VUZ for accelerated global growth in immersive live streaming and content, AI-driven streaming technologies, and live spatial experiences, building on the next generation of media, the creator economy, sports, and entertainment. The IFC and the World Bank Group collectively manage over $1 trillion in global assets and investment commitments, operating in more than 100 countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record of over $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions to drive sustainable development through the private sector. This round also includes participation from Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success fund (a pre-IPO venture capital fund), multiple existing investors, and several high-profile Saudi family offices, bolstering VUZ's presence in key markets across the world. IFC's Strategic Role in Telecom and Media Expansion The investment marks a pivotal collaboration between VUZ and IFC, which is known for its selective backing of global winners, including (acquired by Amazon). With over 100 investments in telecom and communications companies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, IFC brings unmatched expertise in market entry and infrastructure scaling across frontier economies. Through this partnership, VUZ will scale further in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and accelerate expansion, particularly in Africa, the USA, and Asia, where demand for immersive experiences and next-generation media is rising rapidly. The move aligns with IFC's mission to advance digital inclusion and economic growth through media innovation and connectivity. A Profitable, Scalable Media Powerhouse In 2024, VUZ achieved EBITDA profitability, with 80% year-over-year gross profit growth, a significant milestone for a tech streaming scale-up. The company's platform — home to 30,000+ hours of premium immersive exclusive content — blends XR, VR, AR, and AI-powered media across sports, entertainment, and creator ecosystems. VUZ has a pipeline of partnerships with some of the largest football clubs, giga projects, and global athletes, as well as A-list artists, creators, and ambassadors. 'We are honoured to welcome IFC as a strategic investor,' said Khaled Zaatarah, founder of VUZ. With IFC and the World Bank Group's track record in scaling telecom and digital media companies globally and over $1 trillion in assets under management, this partnership sets the stage for massive global scale. Together, we'll bring immersive media to the world's fastest-growing markets.' Key highlights: 3 billion+ screen views to date; targeting over 5 billion by 2026 Exclusive immersive content partnerships with LaLiga, Serie A, PFL, and more The largest exclusively owned immersive premium content library of over 30,000 hours Over 40 global telecom integrations, with 20+ in progress Strategic launches across TV Devices, Apple Vision Pro, Oculus, and VUZGo, a new web-embedded immersive tech layer 4 global patents powering proprietary streaming technologies 'This investment reflects IFC's commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. VUZ's tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators', said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds. A Magnet for Global Creators and Partners VUZ empowers a creator network with a combined global reach exceeding 100 million, offering monetisation tools, immersive production capabilities, and a deeply engaging fan experience. Its technology now sits at the centre of conversations with device manufacturers, sports federations, and media conglomerates seeking to deliver content that transcends physical limitations. 'This is the scale-up stage we've been building toward for years,' Zaatarah added. 'With a solid foundation, patented tech, and profitability achieved, we are ready to scale globally and define the future of media.' World-Class Investor Backing In addition to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and other recent strategic investors, VUZ is backed by a distinguished and globally diverse group of institutional partners. These include e& capital, KBW Ventures, Al Jazira Capital, DFDF, SRMG Ventures, Caruso Ventures, Shorooq Partners, Plug and Play Ventures, Hala Ventures, Vision Fund, Knollwood Investment Advisory, Panthera Capital, Faith Capital, WIN, Elbert Capital, Yasta Partners, AlTouq Group, Impact46, Media Visions, 500 Startups, DAI, Al Falaj, and DTEC Ventures (Oraseya Capital), along with notable tech leaders including Magnus Olsson, Samih Toukan, and Jonathan Labin — reflecting strong international conviction in VUZ's vision, performance, and global growth potential.
TechCrunch
19-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
VUZ gets $12M to scale immersive video experiences across emerging markets and the U.S.
VUZ, a startup known for offering immersive video experiences from red carpets and football stadiums, has raised $12 million as it doubles down on its presence in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as accelerates expansion into Africa, Asia, and the United States. The pre-Series C funding round, led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), also drew participation from Al Jazira Capital, CrossWork VC's Success Fund, multiple existing investors, and several high-profile Saudi family offices, the company said. IFC's investment is particularly notable. The World Bank Group member, known more for investing in financial infrastructure and logistics across emerging markets, is making a rare bet on consumer tech and specifically, the so-called 'immersive internet.' 'They are focused on emerging markets and saw us as a company that's focusing on scaling globally and also into those markets. Our work in the creators and the content space got them very excited and based on our progress and growth, there's so much potential to build upon that,' founder and CEO Khaled Zaatarah said in an interview with TechCrunch. VUZ, formerly 360VUZ, isn't just competing locally; it's up against global giants like YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram, platforms that already dominate with massive user bases and strong creator loyalty. But VUZ believes it has a differentiated offering: immersive, 360-degree content that puts users 'inside the experience,' whether that's the Grammys in L.A., a La Liga match in Spain, or a fashion show in Dubai. Users can consume content through mobile apps, the web, VR headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Oculus, as well as smart TVs. The company has signed exclusive immersive streaming deals with La Liga and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and is working with over 100 content creators whose combined audience reach tops 100 million. Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW Streaming goes local, but still global VUZ's expansion push comes at a time when global streaming growth is plateauing in mature markets. YouTube and TikTok dominate mobile-first video consumption in the U.S., while Netflix and Disney+ are fighting churn and focusing on profitability. However, in emerging markets like Egypt, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Kenya, user growth is still accelerating, particularly among younger, mobile-savvy audiences with an appetite for video and live content. Zaatarah says VUZ is ready to meet that demand. The platform has crossed 15 million users globally, up from 10 million in 2022, and now logs nearly 3 billion screen views, up from 1 billion at the time (when we last covered the startup). Its user base spans the Middle East, the U.S., Asia, and Africa. To accelerate its U.S. push, the company is shifting from organic growth to paid marketing, aiming to convert viewers of events like the Oscars and music premieres into long-term users. Meanwhile, in Africa and Asia, VUZ is investing in local partnerships, particularly with telecom operators, to expand its distribution. It has over 40 such partnerships globally. VUZ's monetization model has evolved since its earlier days, when the platform offered about 70% of its content for free and generated revenue through ads. Now, that ratio has shifted to 60% free and 40% premium content, accessible via an annual subscription or bundled telecom offers. The company says it has doubled revenue over the past two years and posted an 80% increase in gross profit last year. While it declined to share exact numbers, Zaatarah says the company reached profitability in 2023. That's partly thanks to an Uber-like content model: instead of deploying large production crews, VUZ trains and equips freelance reporters and creators, often with proprietary cameras, to shoot and upload content. Creators often have the cost of equipment deducted from their future earnings. 🎥✨ بفخر واعتزاز، قدمنا بالتعاون مع وزارة الرياضة في المملكة العربية السعودية تجربة 360° مميزة لمباراة كأس السوبر الإيطالي بين إيه سي ميلان وإنتر ميلان! 🏆⚽ أقيمت المباراة يوم الاثنين، 6 يناير، وشهدت لحظات لا تُنسى، من بينها لقطة فريدة من أرض الملعب مع اللاعب سيلفانو فوس وهو… — VUZ (@360VUZ) January 7, 2025 In addition, the startup supports creators via its 'VUZ Studio,' an internal team that helps edit and package immersive content quickly. According to Zaatarah, this saves creators hours of editing time. It also offers creators live commerce features, allowing influencers, especially female creators, to sell beauty products or fashion items directly during live streams. To succeed, VUZ must convince users that immersive content isn't just a gimmick and convince creators that monetizing on VUZ is better than TikTok or YouTube. In the Middle East and parts of Africa, where the creator economy is still early and distribution partners matter, that may be achievable. But in the U.S. and other developed markets, competition is tougher. Still, Zaatarah believes VUZ, which is targeting over 5 billion by 2026, can carve a niche by going where others don't. 'YouTube and Netflix are great, but they're not building for creators in Nairobi or Riyadh,' he said. 'We're building a product, network, and monetization model that's hyper-local—with the infrastructure to scale globally.' That scale is coming into focus: the company now has offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and the U.S. It's actively building out teams in India and Indonesia. In Africa, VUZ is already live in Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria, and says it will launch in South Africa later this year. 'VUZ's tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators,' said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds.
