VUZ Secures $12M Investment from IFC to Accelerate Global Expansion
Deal News | May 19, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision VUZ
VUZ, recognized as the world's leading immersive media company, has successfully secured a $12 million Pre-Series C investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a branch of the World Bank Group. This significant investment aligns with the company's expansion goals in the realms of immersive streaming, AI-driven technologies, and spatial experiences. Founded by Khaled Zaatarah, VUZ has previously achieved EBITDA profitability and plans to utilize the IFC's expertise in telecommunications and media to further its market reach across regions like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Africa, USA, and Asia. The backing from IFC, known for select investments in standout companies like Souq.com, is emblematic of VUZ's potential to expand their service offering to emerging digital markets. The support includes contributions from other investors like Al Jazira Capital and Crosswork VC Success Fund, demonstrating robust confidence in VUZ's vision to revolutionize next-gen media.
Sectors
- Immersive Media
- Investment
- Telecommunications
Geography
- United States – VUZ is mentioned to accelerate expansion into the USA as part of its global growth strategy.
- Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia is a key market in VUZ's expansion plan, with funding aligned to enhance presence in this region.
- United Arab Emirates – UAE is another focal area for VUZ's scaling initiatives.
- Africa – The article remarks on Africa as a target region for VUZ's expansion in immersive media, supported by IFC's strategic investment.
- Asia – Asia is highlighted as a target region for VUZ's expansion ambitions, supported by IFC.
Industry
- Immersive Media – The article focuses on VUZ, an immersive media company, highlighting its role and future plans in immersive live streaming and content, driving innovation in this sector.
- Investment – The article discusses a financial investment by the International Finance Corporation in VUZ's Pre-Series C funding round, relevant to the investment sector.
- Telecommunications – IFC's history and strategic role in telecom expansion are pivotal as they invest in VUZ, emphasizing the telecommunications industry's relevance.
Financials
- $12M – Pre-Series C funding amount secured by VUZ from IFC.
- $1 trillion – Assets and investment commitments managed collectively by the IFC and World Bank Group.
- $56 billion – IFC's record fiscal commitment to private companies in 2024.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| VUZ | Target company | Company | VUZ is a leading immersive media company, securing investment for its global expansion. |
| International Finance Corporation (IFC) | Investor | Company | IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is investing $12 million in VUZ, supporting its global expansion. |
| World Bank Group | Investor | Government | The World Bank Group, of which IFC is a part, is collectively engaged in this investment into VUZ. |
| Al Jazira Capital | Co-investor | Company | Al Jazira Capital is participating in the funding round to support VUZ's expansion. |
| Crosswork VC Success Fund | Co-investor | Company | Crosswork VC Success Fund, a pre-IPO venture capital fund, is part of the investment supporters. |
| Khaled Zaatarah | Founder | Person | Founder of VUZ, leading its expansion and investment efforts. |
| Farid Fezoua | Spokesperson | Person | IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds, commenting on the investment. |