Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Early-stage investor Plus VC is preparing for a major expansion in 2026, with plans to fund around 40 startups and significantly increase its activity in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom strengthens its role as the region’s leading venture capital hub.

As reported by Bloomberg, Hasan Haider, the company’s founder and managing partner, said the firm aims to nearly double its capital deployment next year to about $10 million, up from $4.5 million in 2025.

Plus VC, which has invested in over 250 startups across 15 countries, will focus on construction technology, food-waste innovations, and deeper engagements in fintech. Haider added that the firm will also begin raising capital from external investors for its next fund in 2026.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has become the region’s most active market in terms of total funding, with a rising number of deals and a strong pipeline of emerging companies. Startups across the Middle East raised a record $1.2 billion last quarter, driven by sovereign support and growing interest from global investors, with Saudi Arabia leading in deal count over the past nine months.

Plus VC’s Saudi portfolio includes foodtech player Calo, which is targeting a local listing by 2027, and cooling solutions startup Strataphy. The firm expects the Kingdom to see increasing availability of later-stage capital in the coming years, improving prospects for growth and eventual exits.