Endeavor Catalyst, the co-investment arm of global entrepreneurial network Endeavor Global, is raising a $300 million fund—its largest to date—with a sharp focus on high-growth startups across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This marks the firm’s fifth fund and underscores its commitment to fueling innovation in regions often overlooked by traditional venture capital.
The fund, still in early fundraising stages, is targeting contributions from family offices, development finance institutions, and prominent tech founders. If successful, it will push Endeavor Catalyst’s total assets under management beyond $800 million.
Unlike conventional VCs, Endeavor Catalyst operates a rules-based model, investing only in entrepreneurs selected by Endeavor Global’s network. These “high-impact” founders receive mentorship and global market access before the fund steps in to co-invest—typically in Series A to C rounds of $5 million or more. The fund does not lead rounds or take board seats, allowing it to remain founder-friendly and agile.
The timing is notable. Venture capital in emerging markets has faced headwinds, with limited exits and shrinking follow-on funding. Yet Endeavor Catalyst remains bullish, betting on its global network and strategic support to help startups scale despite the downturn.
The fund’s regional focus includes the Middle East and Africa, where promising startups often struggle to secure growth-stage capital. Endeavor Catalyst’s portfolio already includes regional standouts such as the UAE’s Tabby, Turkey’s Insider, and Nigeria’s Flutterwave.
With this new fund, Endeavor Catalyst aims to double down on its mission: backing breakout founders in underserved markets and helping them build globally competitive companies. In a climate of cautious capital, it’s a bold move—and one that could reshape the startup landscape across three continents.
