UAE-based early-stage VC firm COTU Ventures has launched a $54 million inaugural fund intended to support startups in the Middle East from pre-seed to seed stages.

The fund is aimed to back startups from inception to post-production launch with up to $2 million in investment, while reserving capital for follow-on investments.

Founder and general partner Amir Farha told TechCrunch that COTU Ventures is inclined slightly toward fintech and B2B software. However, the firm is open to opportunities across other sectors. Noteworthy investments by COTU Ventures include Huspy, a UAE mortgage platform backed by Peak XV and Founders Fund, and Egyptian fintech startup MoneyHash.

With a final close achieved last year, COTU Ventures, which identifies and backs founders from inception to post-product launch, invests between $500,000 and $2 million while reserving capital for follow-on investments.

Over the past two and a half years, COTU Ventures has actively deployed capital into startups across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), focusing primarily on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan.

COTU Ventures’ limited partners include Lunate, Mubadala, Dubai Future District Fund, Arab Bank, Bupa KSA, and GPs from VCs, including Foundry Group, Tribe Capital, Stride, and several family offices.Since its launch, the firm has already backed over 20 early-stage startups across various sectors.

“We’re proud to have backed a fund that’s distinguished not only by its impressive portfolio but also by the exceptional leadership and track record of its founding partner, Amir,” said Sharif El-Badawi, CEO of Dubai Future District Fund, in a statement. “Our confidence in Amir stems from his deep passion for supporting founders and his proven ability to find remarkable investment opportunities before anyone else.”