Vuz, a startup known for providing immersive video experiences from red carpets and football stadiums, has raised $12 million to double its presence in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and accelerate its expansion into Africa, Asia and the United States.
The Pre-Series C funding round, led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), also elicited participation from Al Jazilla Capital, the Crosswork VC Success Fund, multiple existing investors, and several well-known Saudi family offices.
IFC’s investments are particularly noteworthy. Members of the World Bank Group, known for their investment in financial infrastructure and logistics across emerging markets, have made unusual bets on consumer technology, particularly the so-called “immersive internet.”
“They focus on emerging markets and saw us as companies that are focused on those markets. Our work in the creators and content space makes them very excited and there’s a very high chance of building on and building on our progress and growth.
Previously at 360vuz, Vuz isn’t just competing locally. They’re playing against global giants like YouTube, Tiktok, Twitch and Instagram. These platforms already dominate with a large user base and powerful creator loyalty.
But Vuz is immersive, 360-degree content that will “in the experience” whether it’s in LA Grammy Awards, Spain’s LA La Liga matches or Dubai’s fashion show. Users can consume content via mobile apps, the web, VR headsets such as Apple Vision Pro and Oculus, and smart TVs.
The company, which raised a $20 million Series B in 2022, has signed an exclusive immersive streaming deal with La Liga and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), working with over 100 content creators to reach an audience of 100 million.
Streaming is local, but still global
The Vuz expansion push comes at a time when global streaming growth is growing in mature markets. YouTube and Tiktok dominate mobile-first video consumption in the US, while Netflix and Disney+ focus on churn and profitability.
However, in emerging markets such as Egypt, Nigeria, Indonesia and Kenya, user growth remains accelerated, especially among young mobile-savvy audiences with appetites for video and live content.
Zaatarah says Vuz is ready to meet that demand. The platform has surpassed 15 million users worldwide from 10 million in 2022, and now logs 3 billion screen views, up from 1 billion at that point (when it last covered the startup). Its user base spans the Middle East, the US, Asia and Africa.
To accelerate the US push, the company is moving from organic growth to paid marketing with the aim of converting viewers at events like Oscars and music into long-term users. Meanwhile, in Africa and Asia, Vuz is investing in local partnerships, particularly with telecom operators, to expand its distribution. There are over 40 such partnerships all over the world.
Vuz’s monetization model has evolved even before the platform provided about 70% of its content for free and generated revenue through advertising. Currently, that ratio is shifted to 60% free and 40% premium content, accessible via annual subscriptions or bundled telecom offers.
The company says its revenue doubled over the past two years, with 80% increase in gross profit last year. Zaatarah refused to share accurate numbers, but the company says it reached EBITDA profitability in 2024.
This is thanks to content models like Uber. Instead of deploying large production crews, Vuz Trains and Dipips Freelance Reporters and Creators, often with their own cameras, filming and uploading content. Creators often have equipment costs deducted from future revenue.
Additionally, the startup supports creators through Vuz Studio, an internal team that helps you quickly edit and package immersive content. According to Zaatarah, this saves creators editing time. It also offers live commerce capabilities to creators, allowing influencers, particularly female creators, to sell beauty products and fashion items directly during their livestream.
To be successful, Vuz must convince users that immersive content is more than just a gimmick, and convince creators that monetization on Vuz is better than Tiktok and YouTube. This is achievable in parts of the Middle East and Africa where the creator economy is still early and distribution partners are important.
However, competition is even tougher in the US and other developed markets.
Still, Zaatarah believes that Vuz, which has targeted more than 5 billion people by 2026, can carve the niche by going to places where there are no others.
“YouTube and Netflix are great, but we don’t build for creators in Nairobi or Riyadh,” he said. “We are building products, networks and monetization models that are hyperlocal using globally scaling infrastructure.”
Its scale is focused. Currently, he has offices in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan and the United States, and actively builds teams in India and Indonesia. In Africa, Vuz already lives in Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria and says it will be released in South Africa later this year.
“Vuz’s Tech Edge and Global Reach are in good agreement with their mission to support a scalable platform that empowers creators,” said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Incruptive Technologies, Services and Fund.