KAUST Innovation Ventures

KAUST Innovation Ventures is the venture capital arm of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, funding early-stage deep tech startups that address major scientific and technological challenges. The firm provides seed to early-stage investments, typically ranging from under $200,000 to $2 million, often co-investing with local and international VCs. Its portfolio of KAUST spinouts and international spin-ins has collectively raised over $1 billion in total investments, generated $925 million in revenue, and created 6,661 jobs, with a combined valuation exceeding $2 billion as of 2024. Notable portfolio companies include Red Sea Farms, Sadeem, Rimrubber, and iStoria; the fund has made 102 total investments, including 40 companies by 2022. KAUST Innovation Ventures was established in 2010.