Yango Group, based in Dubai, has announced the launch of a USD 20 million corporate venture fund aimed at supporting early-stage startups across the MENA region, Pakistan, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. The newly established fund, named Yango Ventures, seeks to invest in seed to Series B startups primarily within the online-to-offline (O2O), business-to-business software-as-a-service (B2B SaaS), and fintech sectors. The fund also plans to scale its capital base to align with the expansion of entrepreneurial ecosystems in these high-growth markets.
"Through Yango Ventures, we're sharing our expertise and network to help startups scale, thrive, and drive meaningful change in their communities," said Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group.
Beyond Funding
Yango Ventures aims to offer more than just financial support to the startups in its portfolio. By leveraging a board of professionals with deep expertise in mobility, fintech, AI, and other sectors, the fund intends to provide valuable resources and insights that will contribute to sustainable startup growth.
"Our mission is simple: let people grow with us," Shuleyko emphasized. "By supporting local talent with the right tools and resources, we aspire to foster sustainable business growth and contribute to resilient and inclusive economies across the globe."
Importantly, Yango Ventures plans to adopt a supportive and flexible approach, opting not to exert excessive control over portfolio companies or seek board seats unless specifically requested. This strategy is designed to empower entrepreneurs to take charge of their ventures while ensuring assistance is readily available.
Investment Strategy and Target Returns
Yango Ventures views Series A startups as key opportunities for potential returns. The fund aims to achieve returns of 10-20x over an unspecified timeframe, targeting enterprises with scalable business models where Yango's expertise can add significant value.
Yango Group is a versatile company that operates across various sectors, including technology, mobility, and finance. The organization is recognized for its ability to scale businesses and drive digital transformation through its extensive network, expertise, and capital resources.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Yango Ventures intends to collaborate with other venture capital firms to enhance its investment activities and provide comprehensive support to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in its target regions. The fund aims to facilitate digital transformation and entrepreneurial growth through networking events and partnerships with educational institutions designed to develop skills for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Additionally, Yango Ventures has not ruled out the possibility of expanding its initial fund size beyond USD 20 million, reflecting the growing interest in venture capital opportunities across emerging markets. This development comes at a time when there is an increasing focus on sectors such as fintech, mobility, and software services.
The establishment of Yango Ventures signifies a concerted effort to boost startup innovation and entrepreneurial success in emerging markets, aligning with the global shift towards supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
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