VUZ Raises $12M to Expand Immersive Video in Emerging Markets & US
▼ Summary
– VUZ raised $12 million in a pre-Series C round led by IFC to expand in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Africa, Asia, and the U.S., focusing on immersive video experiences.
– The startup differentiates itself with 360-degree content, competing against global platforms like YouTube and TikTok by offering unique experiences like live sports and events.
– VUZ has 15 million users globally, up from 10 million in 2022, and nearly 3 billion lifetime screen views, with growth driven by emerging markets like Egypt and Nigeria.
– The company shifted its monetization model to 60% free and 40% premium content, achieving EBITDA profitability in 2024 through subscriptions and telecom partnerships.
– VUZ supports creators with tools like “VUZ Studio” and live commerce features, aiming to build a hyper-local yet globally scalable platform for markets like Nairobi and Riyadh.
VUZ, the immersive video platform bringing users front-row experiences at major global events, has secured $12 million in pre-Series C funding to fuel its expansion across emerging markets and the U.S. The investment, spearheaded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), signals growing confidence in the platform’s ability to redefine digital content consumption through 360-degree video technology.
The funding round included contributions from Al Jazira Capital, CrossWork VC’s Success Fund, and several Saudi family offices. IFC’s involvement marks a strategic shift for the organization, which traditionally backs infrastructure projects but now sees potential in VUZ’s creator-driven immersive content. CEO Khaled Zaatarah emphasized the alignment with IFC’s focus on scalable, market-disrupting platforms, particularly in regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Competing against giants like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, VUZ differentiates itself by offering VR-enabled experiences—from La Liga matches to Dubai fashion shows—accessible via smartphones, VR headsets, and smart TVs. Since its $20 million Series B round in 2022, the platform has inked exclusive deals with La Liga and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), while its network of 100+ creators collectively reaches over 100 million viewers.
Global Growth Amid Streaming Shifts While mature markets face streaming saturation, emerging economies like Nigeria, Indonesia, and Kenya show surging demand for mobile-first video. VUZ’s user base has grown to 15 million, up from 10 million in 2022, with 3 billion lifetime views. To capitalize on this, the company is leveraging paid marketing in the U.S.—targeting event-driven audiences—while forging 40+ telecom partnerships in Africa and Asia to boost accessibility.
Monetization has evolved, with 40% of content now premium, available through subscriptions or bundled telecom plans. This shift, alongside an Uber-like creator model (where freelancers use VUZ-provided equipment), helped the company achieve EBITDA profitability in 2024. The platform also supports creators via VUZ Studio, streamlining editing and enabling live commerce integrations for influencers.
Challenges remain in convincing users that immersive content is more than a novelty, especially in crowded markets like the U.S. Yet, Zaatarah believes VUZ’s hyper-local approach—with offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and the U.S., plus planned launches in South Africa and India—gives it an edge.
“YouTube and Netflix aren’t building for creators in Nairobi or Riyadh,” he noted. “We’re bridging that gap with infrastructure designed for global scale.”
With IFC’s backing and ambitions to surpass 5 billion views by 2026, VUZ is betting that immersive storytelling will be the next frontier in digital engagement.
(Source: TechCrunch)
