Silicon Valley veteran aims to launch 100 VC firms in Middle East
What's the deal? Adeo RessiDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, CEO of Decile Group and inventor of the SAFE Note, plans to launch at least 100 new VC firms across the Middle East by 2028. The Silicon Valley veteran is visiting Dubai and Riyadh this month to meet entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials.
Ressi's organisation, VC LabDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, has already launched a dozen VC firms in the region and nearly 1,000 globally. His Founder InstituteDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →has accelerated close to 100 Middle Eastern startups. The next VC Lab cohort will target another dozen regional fund managers.
Why now? Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are racing to become the region's dominant venture hub — and Ressi believes 2026 will be decisive.
"There's not a dominant regional leader yet, although Dubai is in pole position," he said.
Only about 20 cities worldwide have developed true venture ecosystems. Dubai and Riyadh both have a shot at joining that list, but the window is closing.
The Middle East VC market is forecast to grow from $3.69 billion in 2025 to $6.09 billion by 2031, according to Mordor Intelligence. The UAE held 43% of the market in 2025, while Saudi Arabia is growing fastest at a 10% CAGR.
What could go wrong? Ressi identifies a "capital ceiling" as the region's biggest challenge. Too much local money flows to Silicon Valley funds instead of staying in domestic ecosystems.
"Entrepreneurs build incredible companies that start to take off, then hit a concrete ceiling because there's no capital to keep up with their growth," he said. "In Silicon Valley, they'd be unicorns."
Limited exit options compound the problem. Africa recorded just 26 venture-backed exits in 2024, returning $0.13 per invested dollar. Fewer than 7.5% of MENA startups that raised since 2021 have achieved exits.
The signal: The race reflects a broader shift in global venture capital. Regions without local fund managers risk losing both capital and talent to established hubs.
"You don't need to replicate Silicon Valley," Ressi said. "You need Silicon Valley's infrastructure and know-how, built for local strengths. We've done this in Singapore, Chile, and other markets."
Venture ecosystems compound over time. Cities that move first will attract more talent, create more companies, and generate more exits — pulling further ahead each year.
Sources:
Zawya
VC Lab
Founder Institute
Mordor Intelligence
Chambers Global Practice
Adeo Ressi
B.S.
