In a big win for early-stage startups across the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan region, Jordan’s Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF) has officially invested $3 million into the Antler MENAP Fund LP. This move signals a major commitment to nurturing innovation, empowering local entrepreneurs, and attracting world-class venture capital into the region.
What’s the Deal with ISSF?
- ✅ $3 million invested by ISSF
- ✅ Into Antler MENAP Fund LP, a $60 million early-stage VC fund
- ✅ Fund focuses on pre-seed to Series A investments
- ✅ Operates with a sector-agnostic approach
- ✅ Covers the MENA and Pakistan region
The partnership is part of ISSF’s strategy to support Jordanian startups by linking them with international capital and mentorship networks. By joining forces with Antler, ISSF is betting on a firm that’s globally known for “Day Zero” investing — backing founders from the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
Who is Antler?
Founded in Singapore in 2018, Antler is a global powerhouse in the early-stage VC world:
- Present in 27 cities across major startup hubs
- Operates 15+ pre-seed funds
- Made over 1,500 investments
- Works closely with founders from idea to execution
Antler brings its global reach, hands-on support, and access to capital — and now it’s shining a spotlight on Jordan’s emerging startup scene.
What They’re Saying
Mohammed Al Muhtaseb, CEO of ISSF, shared:
“This partnership with Antler reflects our commitment to Jordan’s talent and innovation. It equips local founders with capital, structure, and a global network to turn ideas into impactful ventures.”
He emphasized that the collaboration is part of ISSF’s broader mission to build a robust pipeline of high-potential startups that can scale both regionally and internationally.
Magnus Grimeland, Antler’s Founder & CEO, added:
“This partnership is a powerful endorsement of Jordan’s entrepreneurial talent. Jordanian founders are creative, resilient, and globally minded — and we’re here to help turn their bold ideas into real impact.”
Why ISSF-Antler investment Matters
This investment isn’t just about money — it’s about empowering the next generation of innovators in Jordan and the broader MENAP region. With ISSF’s backing and Antler’s know-how, local founders gain:
- ✅ Access to international expertise
- ✅ Support from startup veterans
- ✅ A bridge to global markets
- ✅ Opportunities for long-term success
The Bigger Picture
Jordan has been quietly rising as a regional innovation hub, and partnerships like this only add fuel to the fire. With the startup scene in MENA heating up, this strategic alliance between ISSF and Antler could lead to the next wave of tech unicorns — built in Jordan, scaled globally.