Hasnae Taleb and Jeff Ransdell to Drive Innovation in UAE with $45 Million Fund to Support Startups
In a major move to support high-growth startups in the GCC region, Jeff Ransdell, Managing Director and Founding Partner of Fuel Venture Capital, and Hasnae Taleb, Managing Partner of Mintiply Capital, have introduced a $300 million vintage fund, with $45 million dedicated to fueling the growth of startups across the UAE and GCC. This strategic initiative provides a unique opportunity for regional investors to back innovative ventures before they reach public markets, offering the potential for substantial returns.
The collaboration between Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital takes the form of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), combining the expertise of both firms in capital markets and venture investments. Ransdell and Taleb, who together bring decades of experience, are positioned to guide startups through their critical growth phases and eventual public listings. Their shared vision is rooted in the belief that private market investments in pre-IPO companies can yield up to 200% returns from day one, offering a transformative investment proposition for the GCC region.
The vintage fund provides exclusive access to an elite portfolio of high-potential startups, including market leaders such as:
- Betr – A disruptive sports betting platform co-founded by Jake Paul, integrating real-time engagement with microbetting.
- Curve – A fintech company offering a single card that aggregates all financial accounts into one seamless experience.
- CookUnity – A chef-to-consumer platform providing gourmet meal delivery.
- Novopayment – A fintech infrastructure company driving digital payments innovation across the Americas.
- Aexlab – A pioneer in virtual reality gaming and social engagement technologies.
These companies are not only developing groundbreaking products but are set to reshape industries, creating outsized returns for investors when they go public.
“Both Jeff and I understand what it takes to list companies and the immense value created before a company goes public,” said Hasnae Taleb. “We are bringing this opportunity to investors in the region to provide them access to exceptional returns and a strategic advantage over traditional investment avenues.”
Jeff Ransdell added, “The GCC market is evolving rapidly, and there’s a growing appetite for sophisticated investment vehicles. This fund empowers investors to support transformative businesses while capturing the kind of returns typically reserved for institutional players.”
With a shared commitment to enhancing the financial ecosystem in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the partnership between Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital aims to foster sustainable economic growth, establish the region as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence, and continue driving venture capital success.
