Endeavor Catalyst, the co-investment arm of global entrepreneurship network Endeavor, is raising a new $300 million fund, its largest to date. The goal? To back high-growth startups across MENA, Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, regions often overlooked by traditional venture capital.
This will be the firm’s fifth fund, doubling down on its mission to support bold founders building globally scalable companies in emerging markets.
Why Emerging Markets, and Why Now?
Venture capital in emerging markets has taken a hit in recent years due to:
- âś… Slower exit opportunities
- âś… Fewer follow-on investment rounds
- âś… A tightening global capital environment
Despite these headwinds, Endeavor Catalyst sees opportunity. The firm believes that strong startups continue to emerge from these regions, and that a well-timed injection of capital and support can help them thrive even in uncertain times.
How Endeavor Catalyst Works
Unlike traditional VCs, Endeavor Catalyst follows a rules-based, co-investment model. It only invests in startups led by Endeavor Entrepreneurs, founders who’ve been selected through the organization’s rigorous global selection process.
Once a founder joins the Endeavor network, they gain access to:
- âś… Global mentorship
- âś… Strategic market access
- âś… A powerful peer community
- âś… Non-dilutive support resources
When it’s time to raise capital, Endeavor Catalyst joins the round, without leading or setting terms, providing fast, founder-friendly capital to help scale their businesses.
The $300M Fund: What We Know
The fund is still in its early fundraising phase, with discussions ongoing with:
- âś… Family offices
- âś… Development finance institutions (DFIs)
- ✅ Tech founders and entrepreneurs from Endeavor’s global network
This expansion builds on the success of previous funds, which have backed startups like Careem (UAE), Globant (Argentina), Flutterwave (Nigeria), and Bukalapak (Indonesia), all of which have become regional unicorns or achieved major exits.
Why it Matters
The $300M fund sends a strong message: global investors still believe in the potential of emerging markets. While others retreat due to macroeconomic uncertainty, Endeavor Catalyst is stepping in, with capital, global networks, and belief in the founders’ potential.
By focusing on these regions, Endeavor Catalyst is:
- âś… Bridging the funding gap
- âś… Supporting the next wave of global tech leaders
- âś… Empowering local ecosystems to scale globally
Bottom Line
In a world where venture funding is slowing, Endeavor Catalyst is taking a bold stand. Its fifth and largest fund reflects growing confidence in entrepreneurship beyond Silicon Valley. With $300 million targeted, the firm is betting that emerging market founders, given the right support, can not only survive the slowdown but lead the next wave of global innovation.