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Yango Group, a global technology company based in Dubai, has launched a $20 million corporate venture fund aimed at early-stage startups in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP), Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America, Arabian Business can exclusively reveal.
The newly established fund, named Yango Ventures, will focus on seed to Series B investments, primarily in the online-to-offline (O2O), B2B software-as-a-service, and financial technology sectors. The company also plans to expand its capital base as entrepreneurial ecosystems grow in these high-potential markets.
“We are not just a tech company; we are an ecosystem dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs around the world,” stated Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group. “With Yango Ventures, we are leveraging our expertise and network to support startups in scaling, thriving, and creating meaningful impact in their communities.”
The establishment of the fund marks a major growth in the Group’s operations, extending beyond its primary focus of adapting global technology solutions for local markets. The company has developed a broad portfolio, which includes the ride-hailing service Yango Ride, the entertainment platform Yango Play, the payment solution Yango Pay, and the navigation service Yango Maps, all of which are available in over 30 markets worldwide.
Yango Ventures is targeting 20x returns on its Series A investments, leveraging its extensive operational experience to offer more than just capital to portfolio companies. The fund plans to draw on the expertise of a board made up of professionals who have developed and scaled platforms across various sectors, including mobility, entertainment, fintech, AI, and more.
“Our mission is straightforward: let people grow with us,” said Shuleyko. “By providing local talent with the right tools and resources, we aim to foster sustainable business growth and help build resilient, inclusive economies worldwide.”
For Series A startups, which the fund considers its “sweet spot,” Yango Ventures is targeting returns of 10-20x, though the exact timeframe remains unspecified, according to documents reviewed by Arabian Business. The fund’s strategy focuses on identifying ventures with strong market fit and scalable business models, where Yango’s expertise can add significant value.
Dubai-based headquarters has launched a fund aimed at tapping into high-growth markets. The fund’s geographic focus aligns with the Group’s current market presence, targeting regions that the company believes offer significant entrepreneurial potential amidst rapid digitalisation.
In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, a spokesperson for Yango Ventures shared insights into the fund’s strategy.
“These dynamic, high-growth markets present immense opportunities, and we leverage our global expertise to assist startups in scaling and succeeding, fostering digitalisation and creating a sustainable impact in the regions we serve.”
Although the fund has not yet made any investments, it is “actively engaging in discussions with several promising startups that match our investment focus and entrepreneurial mission,” the spokesperson added.
Unlike some corporate venture funds, Yango Ventures does not intend to exert substantial control over its portfolio companies or routinely seek board seats.
“We don’t plan to be involved in daily operations. Instead, we offer support to entrepreneurs when they request it, providing guidance and connections as needed,” the spokesperson explained.
The fund also aims to collaborate with other venture capital firms and partners to amplify its investment activities, sharing insights and helping to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems across its target regions.
This hands-off approach extends to the fund’s merger and acquisition strategy. While not ruling out future M&A activity, the fund stressed that such transactions are “not one of our primary objectives at this time.”
The fund further intends to work with other venture capital firms and partners to boost its investment efforts, exchanging knowledge and offering comprehensive support to entrepreneurial ecosystems within its target regions.
Dubai-based Yango Ventures has launched a fund aimed at capitalising on high-growth markets. In addition to making direct investments, the fund is a key part of the Group’s broader strategy to foster digital transformation and promote entrepreneurial growth. The company hosts networking events for professionals and collaborates with educational institutions to help develop practical skills for future innovators. The fund’s introduction comes at a time when there is increasing interest in venture capital opportunities across emerging markets, with a specific focus on fintech, mobility, and software services that can support rapidly digitising economies. Initially, the fund has committed $20 million in capital, with plans to potentially increase the fund size depending on the performance of its early investments.
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