Stride Ventures, the world’s largest venture debt platform, has announced the first close of its flagship ADGM Fund V, marking a significant leap in its expansion across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This milestone reflects Stride’s strategic intent to offer Shariah-compliant, non-dilutive capital to the region’s most promising high-growth startups.
A Global Leader with Local Ambitions
With a proven track record of deploying $1.2 billion across more than 170 startups globally, Stride Ventures is now solidifying its presence in the Middle East. The firm is actively backing innovative companies in the GCC with:
- Deal sizes ranging from $10 to $15 million
- A strong pipeline of $110 million in key sectors
- Focus areas including fintech, healthtech, climate tech, and logistics
Stride’s approach brings a much-needed financing model to the region, venture debt. This allows startups to scale without giving up equity.
Tripling AUM in the GCC by 2026
With the ADGM Fund V, Stride Ventures plans to triple its assets under management (AUM) in the GCC to over $500 million by 2026. This long-term goal aligns with the region’s broader economic transformation, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where Stride is ramping up its presence.
The fund’s establishment within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) further demonstrates the growing appeal of the UAE and Saudi Arabia as fintech hubs for alternative financing solutions.
Backing Vision 2030’s Ambitions
Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder and Managing Partner at Stride Ventures, emphasized the region’s unique position in today’s global innovation economy:
“The region is at the center of one of the most dynamic growth stories of our time. It is driven by a clear vision for economic diversification and global competitiveness.”
Stride aims to become a long-term partner for regional founders, offering not just capital, but also strategic support and operational expertise to build the next generation of industry-defining startups.
Building Regional Foundations
Stride’s expansion in the GCC is supported by forward-looking initiatives like:
- âś… Riyadh Digital Innovation District (RDID)
- ✅ The Garage – a startup hub under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City
These platforms have enabled Stride to connect with regional investors, fund managers, and founders eager for alternative funding mechanisms.
Fariha Ansari, Partner at Stride Ventures, added:
“Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a magnet for innovative financing solutions, especially in venture debt. Vision 2030’s regulatory support is opening doors for scalable, capital-efficient growth.”
Collaborating with Regional Banks
Stride is also working closely with top regional banks to craft tailored venture debt offerings for fast-growing startups. With a disciplined investment approach, the firm has consistently delivered strong results, fully returning Fund I and actively distributing from Fund II.
Final Thought
The first close of ADGM Fund V solidifies Stride Ventures’ role as a cornerstone in the region’s financial transformation. By delivering smart capital to innovative founders, Stride is shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the Middle East.