UAE-based venture builder Disrupt.com pledged USD 100 mn to build and invest in AI-first technology startups worldwide, according to a press release. The funding targets pre-seed to Series A startups in AI, cybersecurity, Web 3.0, automotive technology, and retail innovation.

What’s a venture builder? Venture builders help build startups from scratch and position themselves as going beyond the provision of finance. Their role usually lies in staffing a startup, testing its product, and preparing it before launching it into the market. Venture builders usually focus on a small handful of early-stage startups, rather than building large portfolios. Disrupt.com provides engineering, market strategy, and operational support to help early-stage companies scale.

Background: The move follows the founders’ landmark USD 350 mn exit from cloud hosting platform Cloudways to US-listed DigitalOcean in 2022—the largest tech acquisition in Pakistan’s history.

Driving the investment: Despite Mena VC funding dropping 29% to USD 2 bn in 2024, Disrupt.com sees potential in doubling down on AI-driven innovation. “With Web 3.0 in its infancy and AI storming into our lives, the opportunity to problem solve and create businesses that will fit the needs of how people live and work is up for the taking,” founding partner Aaqib Gadit said.

The firm has already deployed USD 40 mn across 11 companies, including ZigChain, a Web 3.0 platform with over 500k users; Agentnoon, an AI-powered organizational transformation tool; Ahya, a climate action scaling platform; PureSquare, a cybersecurity startup; and Squatwolf, a UAE-based fitness apparel brand.

About Disrupt.com: Founded by Aaqib Gadit (LinkedIn), Uzair Gadit (LinkedIn), and Umair Gadit (LinkedIn), Disrupt.com operates with a three-pronged venture-building model: launching startups, co-building ventures with founders, and investing in early-stage companies and VC funds. Its team includes over 650 professionals.

Tags: