Riyadh Valley Backs Abies Fund to Boost Deep Tech Ecosystem

Riyadh Valley Company, the investment arm of King Saud University, has put money into Abies Ventures Fund II, a Japanese fund that specialises in deep technology. Abies Ventures, which first took root in Tokyo back in 2017, has carved out a space by backing founders and startups tinkering in advanced science and engineering fields – think robotics, next‑gen processing, communications networks and even clever new materials. It’s not exactly light work, but it’s the sort of high‑stakes, high‑reward area that can produce breakthroughs with global impact.

Speaking about the deal, Dr Khalid Al‑Saleh, CEO of Riyadh Valley Company, explained that the move fits within the firm’s long‑term investment strategy and helps bolster the Kingdom’s knowledge economy. He pointed out that the earlier cycle of the Abies fund already turned in strong results and that Japan itself remains one of the top three global markets when it comes to venture capital activity. With the Japanese government and private investors throwing their weight behind these deals, the market has entered what many view as a particularly dynamic phase.

Now, I reckon that’s a smart way to hedge bets – Japan’s distinctive ecosystem in deep tech often flies under the radar in the MENA region, yet it’s consistently produced solid innovation pipelines. That said, investing abroad always comes with its share of uncertainty; cultural differences and regulatory quirks can sometimes be a bit of a faff to navigate. On the flip side, tapping into Japan’s ecosystem could also open the door for knowledge transfer back to Saudi Arabia, which ties neatly to King Saud University’s mission.

For me, having seen how young founders across MENA dream of scaling globally, it’s spot on to see an institution like Riyadh Valley Company moving in that direction. It sends a subtle signal: we’re not afraid to play on the world stage. And believe it or not, such investments aren’t just about balance sheets – they can ripple outward, inspiring other universities and funds in the region to follow suit.

The broader goal, of course, is to build a diversified, future‑proof portfolio aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which puts heavy emphasis on a knowledge‑driven economy rather than just oil. As one Arageek reader once told me during a startup gathering, “it’s not only about the money, it’s about the mindset.” And, well… I mean, they were definately onto something.

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