KRYSTAL VENTURES STUDIO envisions an eco-system to facilitate startup growth and development and find investors to partner with & move their business from good to great.
KVS UAE is a platform connecting startup needs and investor interests. We curate risk- mitigated startups, creating thematic portfolios for the MENA region with UAE as the focal point.
To transform MENA startups into an asset class and offer investors a ring-side view of the startup world. We envision to drive economic growth in the UAE and GCC ecosystem, fostering collaboration with peers in the Global South (KVS-IND, KVS- UAE, and KVS-SGP).
We bring qualitative and quantitative parameters in our approach for investor and startup-friendly outcomes in terms of exits, returns, and scalability of business models.
UAE is transforming from a regional heavyweight to global startup hotspot.
In 2020, there were 35K active tech startups, with 80% concentrated in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The region saw 149 startup deals securing a disclosed funding of $1.08 billion, representing 26% of all startup deals in the MENA region.
Startups founded in 2020 increased by 38% compared to 2019, with a 32% rise in tech startups.
Tech startups raised $703 million in funding in 2020, reflecting a significant 33% increase.
MENA region attracted a $3.2 billion funding boost, marking an 8% growth from the previous year
Mega deals (over $5 million) increased by 133%, reaching a total of 7 deals, while exits saw a notable 71% annual increase
Over 450 million individuals seeking innovative products and services.
With over 80% smartphone penetration, tech-savvy consumers are fueling the growth of unique direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands.
eCommerce startups accounted for 14% of the deals in 2020.
The top 10 MENA Unicorns have a combined valuation exceeding $66 billion.
Government initiatives provide funding, mentorship, and regulatory support for entrepreneurship.
Strong VC ecosystem with reliable incubators and accelerators.
Attractive visa and business policies to attract global talent.
The F&B sector dominated MENA funding in Q1 ’21.
53% of F&B funding went to UAE-based ventures.
The average ticket size for MENA F&B was $5.5M in Q1 ’21.
Q1 2021 had 13 transactions, indicating a healthy pipeline of F&B startups.
We focus on disruptive themes like Food and Beverage Brands, Food and Agri tech, Fintech and Health tech, and Climate and ESG tech, providing attractive opportunities and returns for Middle Eastern investors.
Through our research analysis and our experience in creating thematic portfolios we will identify risk-mitigated opportunities to build Startup as an Asset Class for our stakeholders.
Ashok Subramanian is Managing Partner in Krystal Ventures Studio. He is a Serial Entrepreneur, Technology Evangelist and Business Strategist. He has experience in Private Equity, Mergers & Acquisitions and Structured Finance. He has more than 28 years of experience in management, go-to-marketing, and business operations (managing P&Ls) in Wipro and Reuters. He is an Alumnus of IIM Calcutta and Madurai Kamaraj University.
Rattandeep is Director in Krystal Ventures Studio. He has rich experience in Financial Services Advisory Business ranging from Direct equity to Third- party structured products. He has worked in investment management, finance, sales and Brand strategy at reputed cos. like Motilal Oswal, Karvy and IL& FS Investsmart. By education, He has an MBA from T A Pai Management Institute and a graduate degree in Economics from Delhi University.
Jasmine Bharucha is a dynamic professional with a rich and diverse career spanning over 15 years in IT outsourcing, Jasmine's journey through corporate giants like KPMG and Capgemini has been nothing short of extraordinary. What sets Jasmine apart? Her entrepreneurial spirit! In 2019, she founded Katharos Foods, showcasing not just business prowess but also a commitment to sustainable and healthier plant based food choices by introducing the World’s first plant based cheese made from Watermelon seeds!
Shrihari A, Director, Krystal Ventures Studio, is an Investment Banking Specialist. Shrihari leads venture capital fund and startup initiatives and leads the Strategic Holdings. He has more than 28 years of work experience in managing HNI funds, raising capital resources through Private Equity, Venture Capital, ECB and financial institutions. He is an Alumnus of IISc, Bangalore, Mangalore University and IGNOU.
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