Nama Ventures Secures CMA Approval as First Foreign VC in Saudi Arabia

Malaz Madani

Last updated 5-05-2025

2 min

Nama Ventures is the first foreign venture capital fund approved by Saudi Arabia’s CMA.

The firm highlights a commitment to Saudi's innovation ecosystem and Vision 2030.

This approval signifies alignment with Saudi Arabia’s economic and regulatory evolution.

Nama Ventures will focus on Sharia-compliant and high-growth startup investments.

Strengthened cooperation with investors aims to enhance Saudi's startup landscape.

In a landmark move, Nama Ventures has officially become the first foreign venture capital fund approved by Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority (CMA). With this approval, the firm is now fully regulated to manage investments right inside the Kingdom.

Nama Ventures' license marks a real milestone, highlighting their long-standing commitment to the Saudi innovation ecosystem. Not too long ago, the firm moved its regulatory base to Saudi Arabia, echoing the advances Saudi investment frameworks have steadily been making.

It's this kind of transformation that reflects the bigger economic shifts underway in the Kingdom. His Royal Highness Prince Fahad bin Sultan bin Fahad Al Saud, Nama Ventures' Chairman and General Partner, described the licence as a clear reflection of Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive economic and regulatory evolution. He elaborated further, "Vision 2030 continues transforming the Kingdom into a thriving global centre for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship—and this achievement positions Nama Ventures right into the heart of that rapid momentum."

Company co-founder and Managing Partner, Mohammed Al-Zu'bi, sees this approval as much more than just ticking regulatory boxes. To him, it's a genuine affirmation of Nama Ventures’ deep alignment with Saudi's ambitious vision.

"We remain committed to offering principal funds along with Sharia-compliant investment vehicles that target high-growth startups across Saudi Arabia, the broader Middle East and North Africa region, and selected international markets," Al-Zu'bi added.

Having a Saudi base is expected to strengthen cooperaton with institutional and sovereign investors, assisting Nama Ventures in delivering real value to founders seeking reliable financial backing.

It's all looking very promising indeed, and as readers on Arageek may appreciate—it’s certainly another solid step towards an even more vibrant startup landscape in the region.

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