Saudi Arabia-based venture capital firm Wyld VC has announced the launch of a $50 million fund, positioning itself as the first AI-native VC firm in the MENA region. The firm was founded by prominent Saudi investor Tala Hasan Al-Jabri, marking a significant move in the region’s fast-evolving tech investment landscape.
The fund’s launch coincided with US President Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh from 13–16 May, where key discussions around defence, technology, and artificial intelligence took centre stage. The timing highlights the growing importance of cross-border collaboration in the AI space.
“The GCC is leading the charge in catalyzing an AI revolution-through massive infrastructure investments, advanced research and model deployment, and transparent, innovation-forward regulation. However, the region’s greatest gap is AI talent. Wyld VC is here to fill that gap,” said Al-Jabri, Wyld VC’s founder and managing partner.
Backing the fund is the family office of Lawrence E. Golub, marking its first entry into the MENA region. Golub praised Al-Jabri’s credentials and the firm’s strategic positioning. “Tala is a highly accomplished, talented investor, with a track record of success investing in innovative, early-stage technology companies. Her considerable investment acumen, combined with her unparalleled and comprehensive ties and network in the Gulf and the US, offer a unique investment opportunity. I am excited to be supporting Tala and Wyld on this compelling new venture, and I look forward to working with her and her team,” he said.
Wyld VC’s mission is to support what it calls “Wyld minds”, pioneering founders working at the cutting edge of AI. The fund will concentrate its investments in AI middleware and application layers, sectors it views as having transformative potential across multiple industries.
Al-Jabri, already recognised as one of the region’s leading tech investors, has backed high-profile ventures such as Tabby in the Middle East, and Starcloud in the United States. She made history as the first woman to become a partner at a VC firm in Saudi Arabia.
“Founders in AI need a partner that caters to their unique needs. That’s what Wyld VC is here to provide and we have the best partners to carry forward this mission,” she added.
With strong networks across the Gulf and the United States, Wyld VC has entered the market during a period of intense interest in AI and rapid regional investment in technology-led innovation.
