VUZ Raises $12 Million in Pre-Series C from IFC to Accelerate Global Immersive Media Expansion 

UAE-based immersive media platform VUZ has secured $12 million in a Pre-Series C funding round, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC)—a member of the World Bank Group—joining as a strategic investor. This latest round brings VUZ’s total capital raised to over $35 million, as it sets its sights on global expansion and continued innovation in AI-powered, immersive streaming technologies.

The round also included participation from Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success Fund, existing investors, and several prominent Saudi family offices.

Redefining the Future of Media

Founded in 2017 by Khaled Zaatarah, VUZ has rapidly emerged as a global leader in immersive media, offering unique experiences across Extended Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and AI-powered live streaming. The platform hosts over 30,000 hours of premium immersive content spanning sports, entertainment, and creator-led experiences.

This new capital injection will enable VUZ to scale across priority markets—including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Africa, Asia, and the United States—while further enhancing its proprietary streaming technologies and real-time spatial content capabilities.

IFC’s Strategic Investment

The IFC’s backing is a significant endorsement of VUZ’s long-term vision. Known for supporting high-impact ventures in emerging markets, IFC has previously invested in regional success stories like Souq.com (acquired by Amazon). The organisation’s experience across 100+ global telecom and communications investments offers VUZ a unique springboard for infrastructure and market expansion. “We are honoured to welcome IFC as a strategic investor,” said Khaled Zaatarah, founder of VUZ. “With IFC’s global scale and expertise, we’re positioned to bring immersive media to billions, unlocking new opportunities for creators and audiences alike.”

Performance & Profitability

In 2024, VUZ reached EBITDA profitability, achieving 80% year-over-year gross profit growth, positioning the company as a rare profitable scale-up in the global media tech space. Other key milestones include:

• 3+ billion screen views, targeting 5 billion by 2026

• Immersive content partnerships with LaLiga, Serie A, PFL, and more

• 40+ telecom integrations, with 20+ in progress

• 4 global patents powering exclusive streaming technologies

• Strategic rollout on Apple Vision Pro, Oculus, TV devices, and VUZGo, its web-based immersive layer

Creator-Centric and Globally Ambitious

With a global creator network reaching over 100 million followers, VUZ is building an ecosystem that empowers content creators with advanced monetization tools, immersive storytelling capabilities, and unparalleled reach. “This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to creative industries as drivers of economic growth,” said Farid Fezoua, IFC’s Global Director for Disruptive Technologies. “VUZ’s technology, profitability, and scalability align with our mission to empower digital platforms in emerging markets.”

Backed by Leading Global Investors

VUZ’s investor base includes some of the region’s and world’s most influential funds and leaders, such as e& capital, KBW Ventures, SRMG Ventures, DFDF, Plug and Play, Shorooq Partners, Faith Capital, and notable tech leaders like Magnus Olsson, Samih Toukan, and Jonathan Labin.

With solid financial footing, a profitable core, and unmatched immersive content capabilities, VUZ is now poised to define the next frontier in media—where AI, spatial computing, and creator-led content converge to shape how the world connects and experiences entertainment.