Middle East / North Africa

We are proud to present Venture Capital Journal’s seventh annual list of 40 Rising Stars under the age of 40.

The Menlo Park-based firm raised capital across six vehicles, underscoring its customized fund architecture and deep AI investment track record.

As managing partner, Gil Shai will help gauge founders' ability to learn quickly about go-to-market strategy, and help them assess product-market fit and build their initial sales team.

The New York-based firm matches technology start-ups with its network of conglomerates to drive innovation in industrial sectors.

Limited partners in the Tel Aviv firm’s previous growth funds include Altschuler Shaham, Clal Insurance Enterprise Holdings, pension fund New Mivtachim, and fund of funds Cendana Capital.

VCs worldwide raised a combined $16.8bn, the lowest quarterly figure since Q4 2015, according to Venture Capital Journal research.

The Dubai-based firm will continue its early-stage strategy and begin backing later-stage start-ups with its debut growth fund.

C4 Ventures has already raised €40m out of a targeted €100m for Fund III and plans to bet big on European AI companies.

The firm’s Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures cohort is expanding its focus this year for the first time to include four non-profits in Nigeria, South Africa and the US.

Rolling investors into the new fund include Partners Group, HighVista Strategies, Committed Advisors and Hollyport Capital, according to a statement.