Saudi Arabia-based immersive media platform Vuz has raised $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, it announced today.

The round also saw participation from Al Jazira Capital, Crosswork VC Success Fund, existing investors, and several prominent Saudi family offices, bringing Vuz’s total funding to over $35 million.

Founded in the UAE in 2017 by Khaled Zaatarah, Vuz operates a next-generation media platform offering immersive live content across XR, VR, AR, and AI-powered streaming. The platform hosts over 30,000 hours of premium immersive content and has achieved over 3 billion screen views to date.

The funding will accelerate Vuz’s global expansion across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Africa, Asia, and the US, while further developing its AI-driven streaming technologies and live spatial experiences. The company previously raised a $20 million Series B round in October 2022 from Caruso Ventures, Vision Ventures, e& Capital, and others.

Vuz achieved EBITDA profitability in 2024, with 80% year-over-year gross profit growth, it claimed in a statement. The platform has secured exclusive content partnerships with major sports organizations including LaLiga, Serie A, and PFL, and maintains over 40 global telecom integrations with 20+ more in progress.

“We are honored to welcome IFC as a strategic investor,” said Khaled Zaatarah, founder of Vuz. “With IFC and the World Bank Group’s track record in scaling telecom and digital media companies globally and over $1 trillion in assets under management, this partnership sets the stage for massive global scale.”

“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. Vuz’s tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators,” said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds.

Vuz’s platform empowers a creator network with a combined global reach exceeding 100 million, offering monetization tools, immersive production capabilities, and engaging fan experiences. The company has launched across multiple platforms including TV devices, Apple Vision Pro, Oculus, and its new web-embedded immersive tech layer, VuzGo.

The startup is targeting over 5 billion screen views by 2026 and continues to expand its partnerships with football clubs, global athletes, and A-list artists. Vuz holds four global patents powering its proprietary streaming technologies, positioning it at the center of discussions with device manufacturers, sports federations, and media conglomerates seeking next-generation content delivery.

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