Plus VC to Fund 40 Startups in 2026 with Expanded Focus on Saudi Arabia
Early-stage venture capital firm Plus VC is preparing for a significant expansion strategy as it aims to fund around 40 startups in 2026, with a focused emphasis on Saudi Arabia, which continues to strengthen its position as a regional venture capital hub.
According to Hasan Haider, Founder and Managing Partner, the firm expects to increase capital deployment to approximately $10 million, up from $4.5 million this year, indicating growing investment momentum across the region.
Plus VC will direct its investments toward sectors such as construction technology, food technology, and fintech, while also preparing to raise additional capital from external investors for its upcoming 2026 fund.
The firm has backed more than 250 startups across 15 countries, including Saudi-based companies like Calo, which is exploring a potential local listing by 2027. Plus VC also recently joined a funding round for cooling solutions provider Strataphy.
In his interview, Hasan Haider stated:
"A lot more deals are taking place in the Saudi market and actually, in terms of amounts of funding, Saudi is now taking over the most out of anywhere else in the region."
This acceleration comes as startups in the Middle East raised a record $1.2 billion last quarter, driven by ongoing sovereign support and growing international investor interest. Saudi Arabia also led the region in deal count over the past nine months.
Looking ahead, Plus VC expects the kingdom to benefit significantly as more capital becomes available for later-stage growth companies, increasing the likelihood of future exits and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position in the regional investment landscape.
