Saudi Arabia continues to deepen its defense and industrial capabilities. Masna Ventures has launched a $100 million venture capital fund dedicated to the Kingdom’s defense sector. The fund aims to accelerate local manufacturing, scale proven technologies, and support long term industrial resilience in line with national priorities.
The new fund reflects growing investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s defense ecosystem and its ability to absorb advanced systems at scale.
A Fund Designed for Defense Localization
Masna Ventures introduced Masna Ventures Fund I with a clear mandate. The fund focuses on strengthening domestic defense production and speeding up deployment inside the Kingdom.
The strategy prioritizes:
- Saudi private companies formed by the local private sector
- Firms adapting proven technologies from the United States
- Local manufacturing with rapid scale potential
The fund seeks to move in demand systems from early deployment to full scale production faster. This approach reduces reliance on imports and strengthens national capabilities.
Targeting High Impact Defense Opportunities
Masna Ventures plans to invest across a wide range of defense related segments. The goal is to support the full value chain, not just single technologies.
Key focus areas include:
- Defense and aerospace manufacturing
- Maintenance, repair, and overhaul services
- Supply chain, procurement, and logistics
- Artificial intelligence applications for defense
- Industrial manufacturing platforms
By backing companies across these segments, the fund aims to build a connected and resilient defense ecosystem.
Leadership and Investment Philosophy
The firm was co founded by Lucien Zeigler and Nehal Farooqui. Both bring deep experience in defense, technology, and cross border operations. Their strategy centers on execution speed and real world demand.
Masna Ventures focuses on systems that already work. It avoids experimental concepts with unclear paths to adoption. This approach reduces risk and improves time to revenue.
The firm also emphasizes partnerships. It works closely with founders, manufacturers, and government stakeholders to ensure alignment from day one.
Supporting Vision 2030 Goals
The fund directly supports Saudi Arabia’s national development agenda. Vision 2030 targets 50 percent localization of defense spending. Masna Ventures Fund I acts as a catalyst toward that goal.
The fund supports Vision 2030 by:
- Enabling local production of advanced systems
- Building skilled industrial talent
- Strengthening private sector participation
- Creating sustainable defense supply chains
These efforts help anchor long term economic diversification and industrial growth.
Building a Long Term Defense Ecosystem
Masna Ventures positions itself as a long term partner, not a short term investor. The firm seeks durable companies that can serve both local and regional markets.
Saudi Arabia offers strong demand, supportive policy, and growing industrial capacity. Masna Ventures Fund I aims to convert those advantages into lasting defense capabilities.
The launch of this fund signals a maturing defense venture landscape. It also highlights the Kingdom’s readiness to host advanced manufacturing at scale.