VUZ, a startup that is well-known for providing immersive video experiences from red carpets and football stadiums, has recently secured $12 million in funding. This investment comes as the company intensifies its presence in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while also focusing on expanding into Africa, Asia, and the United States.
The funding round, which is a pre-Series C round, was led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and saw participation from Al Jazira Capital, CrossWork VCās Success Fund, existing investors, and several prominent Saudi family offices. The involvement of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is particularly noteworthy as the organization typically invests in financial infrastructure and logistics in emerging markets. This investment marks a rare foray into consumer tech, specifically the realm of immersive internet.
Founder and CEO Khaled Zaatarah highlighted that IFC was drawn to VUZ’s global scaling focus and its work within the creators and content space. The company sets itself apart from competitors like YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram by offering immersive, 360-degree content that immerses users in experiences such as the Grammys, La Liga matches, and fashion shows in Dubai. Users can access this content through mobile apps, the web, VR headsets, and smart TVs.
VUZ, previously known as 360VUZ, has secured exclusive immersive streaming deals with La Liga and the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The platform collaborates with over 100 content creators, collectively reaching an audience of over 100 million. As the global streaming landscape evolves, with growth plateauing in mature markets, VUZ is strategically targeting emerging markets like Egypt, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Kenya where user growth is still on the rise.
With a user base exceeding 15 million globally and nearly 3 billion screen views, VUZ is well-positioned to cater to the demand for video and live content among mobile-savvy audiences in these regions. The company is focusing on paid marketing in the U.S. to convert event viewers into long-term users, while also investing in local partnerships in Africa and Asia, particularly with telecom operators.
VUZ’s monetization strategy has evolved to include a mix of free and premium content, with an increasing emphasis on premium offerings accessible through subscriptions or bundled telecom packages. The company has seen revenue double over the past two years and achieved EBITDA profitability in 2024. By leveraging a decentralized content model that empowers freelance creators and providing editing support through VUZ Studio, the platform aims to ensure a seamless experience for both creators and users.
Looking ahead, VUZ is focused on expanding its global footprint, with plans to launch in South Africa later this year. The company’s emphasis on hyper-local content creation and a robust infrastructure for global scaling aligns with its goal of reaching over 5 billion users by 2026. As VUZ continues to build out its teams in key markets and strengthen its technological edge, it seeks to empower creators and provide unique immersive experiences for users worldwide.
