Immersive video platform VUZ has raised $12 million in pre-Series C funding to accelerate its global expansion, with a strategic focus on emerging markets across Africa, Asia, and the United States.
The round was led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a rare consumer tech investment for the World Bank Group affiliate, alongside participation from Al Jazira Capital, CrossWork VC’s Success Fund, top Saudi family offices, and other legacy investors.
VUZ, known for its “inside-the-moment” experiences that allow users to virtually attend events like the Grammys, La Liga matches, and global fashion shows, is deepening its presence beyond the Gulf. The company is already operational in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and expanding into South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, India, and Indonesia.
From smartphones to VR headsets, VUZ offers multi-format immersive content aimed at rivaling platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, by focusing on creator-centric, hyper-local content models.
Founder and CEO Khaled Zaatarah said IFC’s investment stemmed from its interest in underserved digital markets. “They saw our traction in emerging regions and the creator economy as a compelling growth story,” he noted.
Key highlights of VUZ’s growth strategy and performance include:
User base surged from 10M in 2022 to 15M globally
Screen views jumped from 1B to 3B
Revenue doubled over two years, with 80% rise in gross profit
Achieved EBITDA profitability in 2024
Monetization model now includes 40% paywalled content, with telco partnerships enabling access
Over 40 distribution partnerships secured worldwide
Expansion of operations into South Africa planned for 2025
VUZ uses a lean, scalable model by working with trained freelancers who produce content using company-owned cameras, repaid through future earnings. An in-house VUZ Studio team accelerates production turnaround.
The platform is also betting on live commerce and influencer monetization, especially in beauty and fashion, to help female creators earn during real-time broadcasts.
Despite competition from global incumbents, Zaatarah believes VUZ’s hyper-local approach sets it apart. “YouTube and Netflix are great, but they’re not building for creators in Nairobi or Riyadh,” he said.
As it scales across Africa and Asia, IFC’s Farid Fezoua affirmed support: “VUZ’s tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators.”
