Stride Ventures Closes Landmark ADGM Fund - Boosting GCC Venture Debt Innovation

tride Ventures has achieved a breakthrough with the first close of its flagship ADGM Fund V, headquartered at the Abu Dhabi Global Market. This milestone not only signals the firm's entry into a key financial hub but also marks a decisive step in its strategic expansion across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). With this move, Stride Ventures strengthens its position as a global pioneer in venture debt, especially in offering Shariah-compliant, non-dilutive capital to high-growth startups in the region.

Empowering Startups with Flexible, Shariah-Compliant Capital

The newly launched ADGM Fund V is designed to empower entrepreneurs by providing access to flexible financing without equity dilution, an offering that aligns closely with the region’s financing needs. With a focus on founder-centric capital solutions, Stride is helping startups scale through transformative funding that is both compliant with Islamic finance principles and tailored to fuel innovation.

A Global Track Record with Local Impact

With over $1.2 billion deployed globally across more than 170 high-growth companies, Stride Ventures brings an unmatched global pedigree to the GCC. The firm has already begun to make significant inroads in the region, executing deals with average ticket sizes ranging between $10 million and $15 million. A robust pipeline worth $110 million is currently underway, targeting fast-growing sectors such as fintech, healthtech, logistics, and climate tech.

Strategic Value Beyond Capital

What sets Stride apart is not just its financial capital but the intellectual and strategic value it brings to the table. The firm combines global underwriting capabilities with deep sectoral knowledge, offering startups more than just funding. Its sector-agnostic yet founder-focused approach ensures that businesses across diverse industries receive support tailored to their unique needs and ambitions.

A Growing Portfolio of Regional Innovators

Stride Ventures is already backing some of the most promising startups in the GCC. Among them is Merit Incentives, a market leader in employee and customer engagement solutions. These partnerships reflect the firm’s commitment to nurturing a portfolio that is both impactful and future-forward, representing the next generation of innovation in the region.

Ambitious Growth Targets for the Region

With the launch of ADGM Fund V, Stride Ventures aims to triple its assets under management in the GCC, targeting over $500 million by 2026. This ambitious growth plan underscores the firm’s dedication to long-term participation in the region’s innovation economy. A key focus area is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the firm has expanded its footprint significantly to tap into one of the GCC’s most dynamic entrepreneurial markets.

Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Stride’s growing presence in Saudi Arabia aligns closely with the goals of Vision 2030—an agenda focused on diversifying the economy, supporting innovation, and driving employment. The firm’s experienced leadership and regional expansion strategy position it well to meet rising demand for venture debt, while also playing a constructive role in the country’s broader socio-economic transformation.

Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder and Managing Partner, Stride Ventures, said - “The region is at the centre of one of the most dynamic growth stories of our time - driven by a clear vision for economic diversification and global competitiveness. At Stride Ventures, we are here to be a long-term partner in that journey. Through the ADGM Fund, we are committed to providing the capital, expertise, and partnership that ambitious founders and innovators need to build businesses that will define the region’s future.”

Ecosystem Support Driving Expansion

Key initiatives in the region continue to fuel the ecosystem’s development and support Stride’s mission. The Riyadh Digital Innovation District (RDID), a project by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, has created a fertile environment for global investors. Stride Ventures has also benefited from The Garage, a startup platform that has enabled it to connect directly with founders, fund managers, and other critical ecosystem partners, accelerating its integration and growth in the Kingdom.

Bringing Global Standards to Regional Innovation

Stride’s presence in ADGM reflects its intent to import world-class practices into the region’s venture ecosystem. As a global financial centre, ADGM offers the firm a robust platform to operate with institutional discipline, backed by an international network. This strategic location allows Stride to facilitate regional innovation with the same rigor and consistency that have defined its success in global markets.

Strong Partnerships and Proven Performance

To further enhance access to venture debt in the GCC, Stride Ventures is also partnering with leading regional banks. These collaborations are expected to broaden the availability of customized financing options for high-growth companies, aligning banking infrastructure with startup needs. Backed by a disciplined investment philosophy and a founder-first mindset, Stride has a proven track record, evidenced by the full return of Fund I and continued distributions from Fund II.

Fariha Ansari, Partner at Stride Ventures, shared, “Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as a dynamic and promising destination for innovative financing solutions, particularly in growth debt. Driven by Vision 2030’s ambitious goals to diversify the economy and foster innovation, the Kingdom’s forward-looking regulatory environment is creating exciting opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs alike. The overall momentum and commitment to transformation make Saudi Arabia a key partner in shaping the future of financing across the Middle East. At Stride Ventures, we are energized by the potential here and proud to be part of this transformative journey.”