STV, the region’s top tech investor, has officially launched its first non-dilutive capital platform — the STV NICE Fund I — with a total commitment of $100 million. This innovative fund is backed by SAB Invest through its CMA-licensed Alternative Financing Fund, several major family offices, and supported strategically by the National Technology Development Program (NTDP) of Saudi Arabia.
What Makes This Fund Different?
STV NICE Fund I introduces a game-changing financing solution using the NICE (Non-Dilutive Investment in Callable Equity) instrument. Unlike traditional venture capital, this model:
- âś… Helps startups grow without giving up equity
- âś… Offers steady, Sharia-compliant returns to investors
- âś… Supports scale-up stage tech companies in Saudi Arabia
This structure is a first of its kind in the MENA region, creating new opportunities for founders who want to grow without sacrificing ownership.
Backed by Industry Powerhouses
The official launch took place on April 30th, 2025, and brought together leaders from across the ecosystem:
- ✅ Lubna Alolayan – Chairperson, SAB
- ✅ Abdulrahman Tarabzouni – Founder, STV
- ✅ Ibrahim Neyaz – CEO, NTDP
- ✅ Ali Almansour – MD & CEO, SAB Invest
Along with them were key stakeholders from the banking, investment, and tech communities.
Fueling the Future of Tech
The fund has already backed exciting regional startups including:
- âś… Morni
- âś… RedBox
- âś… Invygo
These early investments show how the fund aims to support companies with real traction and big ambitions.
The NICE Fund aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Financial Sector Development Program and CMA’s vision to bring innovative financing to life through public-private partnerships.
“This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of tech investment in the Kingdom,” said Ihsan Jawad, General Partner at STV.
“We’re excited to roll out a founder-first model that fits the region’s needs.”
A Vision for Scalable, Sustainable Growth
STV is the largest independent tech investment firm in MENA, supporting disruptive startups across the region. With solutions like the NICE instrument, STV helps founders scale without losing control. Ibrahim Neyaz, CEO of NTDP, highlighted the fund’s bigger mission:
“Non-dilutive initiatives like this will meet the rising capital demands of tech startups and accelerate innovation.”
Osama Alowedi, Chief Investment Officer at SAB Invest, added:
“This is more than just capital. It’s a Sharia-compliant, income-generating tool for investors — and a growth engine for Saudi’s tech sector.”