Top Startup Investors in Sharjah

Sharjah has quietly transformed into one of the UAE’s most intriguing startup playgrounds. It might not have Dubai or Abu Dhabi’s blinding gloss, but founders here will know – access to VC funding, strong accelerators, and the right angel investors are the difference between a bold idea and an actual business. With seed funding getting snapped up faster than ever, knowing who’s active can save you a world of hassle with your next pitch deck or funding round.

Here’s Arageek’s breakdown of the main venture capital firms powering early-stage startups in Sharjah, presented in alphabetical order so no-one can moan about favouritism.

Arzan Venture Capital has rolled up its sleeves since 2013, investing in tech-driven startups across Sharjah and the wider MENA region. They're not interested in copy-paste trends—this team looks for scalable SaaS, e-commerce, and IT models, often backing founders before many others notice. With a string of success stories like Careem and Swvl under their belt, Arzan have become a go-to for those seeking to nail their term sheet and get their cap table sorted before things get too messy. Their portfolio now stretches over 10 countries – if your startup feels regionally relevant and can show growth, they could well be worth a look.

BECO Capital punches well above its weight across the region, backing gutsy tech companies at seed and Series A. With more than 36 early bets already made—Sharjah startups included—they’re keen on any tech with a shot at regional scale. BECO’s known for supporting founders in the trenches, not just the boardroom, and their cheque can be the vote of confidence that helps you clear that next funding round. They aren’t flashy about their portfolio, but their presence in the Sharjah startup ecosystem is felt in all the right ways.

MEVP has been around long enough to be classed as a pioneer in the MENA VC world. They cast a wide net across the region, including plenty of action in Sharjah, investing in innovative tech startups wherever they see the next big jump. Known for their longstanding belief in founders and tech that’s a bit different, MEVP doesn’t publish all their figures but have shaped more than a few journeys from clever pitch deck to serious growth.

Sheraa is more than just a VC – it's the heartbeat of Sharjah’s startup ecosystem. Part government, part force of nature, Sheraa has been behind over 180 early-stage ventures and created almost 2,000 jobs, giving founders the skills, funding, and community connections that properly move the needle. With new industry-focussed Centres of Excellence and a fresh investment fund in the works, this is the team you want onside if you’re building in EdTech, clean technology, or anything creative. Their accelerator and annual SEF festival have put plenty of early-stage startups on the map—even those without a clue about cap tables at the beginning.

Shorooq Partners have carved a reputation for going in early, backing startups right from pre-seed through to Series A. What sets them apart? It’s the scale-up support, not just cash. With a chunky portfolio (45+ investments, including companies like Nuqtah and Breadfast), Shorooq has played a major part in putting Sharjah’s tech scene on the radar for international VC funding. If you’re prepping a pitch for an ambitious funding round, these are the folks who’ll expect your vision to go beyond just the UAE.

Don’t mistake VentureSouq for a passive cheque. These folks run a platform designed to plug startups into more than just capital—they’ll link you with institutions, family offices, and impact investors. Now focusing on FinTech and ClimateTech, VSQ’s partnership with Sheraa and other accelerators sees them right at the centre of Sharjah’s founder community. With over 140 investments, including heavy-hitters like Volopay and Zenda, they’ll back anyone creating long-term value—and they launched the region’s first proper impact investing programme. Expect a friendly but thorough look under your cap table before term sheet time.

Wamda Capital doesn't just dip in and out—they're a multi-stage VC that sticks with high-growth tech companies right from early spark to Series A+. With 44 investments regionally, including a solid footprint in Sharjah, they favour ambitious founders with a bit of battle-hardening. If your sector is tech-driven and you’ve got numbers to make a dent, Wamda’s open to listening—and they know their way around a term sheet or five.

Womena is more than just a fund – it’s an active movement supporting female-led innovation across Sharjah and the wider UAE. With a laser focus on gender diversity, this team backs early-stage startups helmed by women, particularly in tech. You’ll find strong community backing and a network tailored for female founders, whether you’re after your very first angel investors or jumping into a major funding round. Their work has shifted the tone across the Sharjah startup ecosystem and opened doors for founders often ignored by traditional VCs.