The MENA Private Equity Association has today launched a free directory aimed at entrepreneurs and businesses looking for venture capital funding. Over 50 VC firms, angel investors, business incubators and technology parks are represented in the online directory, which will be continuously updated as the venture capital ecosystem expands.
MENA’s young VC industry has grown substantially in recent years. Deal volume tripled in 2009 and 2010 from the previous two years, while fundraising in 2010 hit a record USD300m. However, the asset class remains relatively underdeveloped, and until now it was difficult for entrepreneurs to find reliable, consolidated information and guidance on funding opportunities. Funds have also struggled to source relevant deals.
With this new online resource, the MENA Private Equity Association hopes to address these gaps and continue to promote the benefits of bringing entrepreneurs and funds together. Venture capital has great potential to drive economic growth and stability in MENA countries. Early-stage funding and incubation services can catalyse SME growth and the job creation necessary to support burgeoning youth populations.
The directory is free to access and includes data on investment sizes, region and sector focus, and investment strategies, as a starting point to help entrepreneurs pursue the right firms for funding. Additional information on the venture capital industry and funding process is available along with the directory at www.menapea.com/vcecosystem.
More to come in 2011: The Association is working with its partners and various stakeholders to develop a VC Vision 2017, a blueprint for future industry success and steps to be taken along the way.
