VUZ Raises 12 Million to Expand Immersive Video Streaming Globally

VUZ, a pioneering startup in immersive video experiences, has successfully raised $12 million in a pre-Series C funding round. This capital injection is aimed at strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while also accelerating expansion into Africa, Asia, and the United States. The round was led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), with participation from Al Jazira Capital, CrossWork VC’s Success Fund, existing investors, and prominent Saudi family offices.

IFC’s involvement is particularly noteworthy as it represents a rare investment in consumer technology focused on the immersive internet, especially within emerging markets. VUZ’s founder and CEO, Khaled Zaatarah, emphasized that IFC was attracted by the company’s global scaling potential and its innovative work with content creators.

Unlike dominant platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram, VUZ differentiates itself by offering immersive, 360-degree content that places users directly inside events like the Grammys, La Liga matches, and Dubai fashion shows. This content is accessible through multiple channels including mobile apps, web browsers, VR headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Oculus, and smart TVs.

VUZ has secured exclusive immersive streaming rights with major entities such as La Liga and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and collaborates with over 100 content creators whose combined audience exceeds 100 million. The platform has grown its user base to 15 million globally, with nearly 3 billion screen views, reflecting rapid adoption across the Middle East, US, Asia, and Africa.

The company is shifting from organic growth to paid marketing in the US to convert viewers of high-profile events into loyal users. In emerging markets like Africa and Asia, VUZ is expanding through strategic partnerships with telecom operators, leveraging over 40 such collaborations worldwide to enhance distribution.

VUZ’s monetization model has evolved from primarily ad-supported free content to a balanced mix of 60% free and 40% premium subscription-based content, including bundled offers with telecom providers. This shift has resulted in doubled revenue over two years and an 80% increase in gross profit last year, with the company achieving profitability in 2023.

The startup employs an innovative content creation model by training and equipping freelance reporters and creators with proprietary cameras, reducing production costs and enabling rapid content generation. Creators often repay equipment costs through future earnings, supported by VUZ’s internal “VUZ Studio” team that expedites editing and packaging of immersive content.

Additionally, VUZ offers live commerce features that empower creators, especially women, to sell products directly during live streams, enhancing monetization opportunities. The company’s focus on hyper-local content and infrastructure aims to build a scalable global network that supports creators in emerging markets like Nairobi and Riyadh, where traditional platforms have limited reach.

With offices established in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and the US, and teams growing in India and Indonesia, VUZ is actively scaling its footprint. It is live in Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria, with plans to launch in South Africa soon. This geographic expansion aligns with IFC’s mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators in emerging markets.

VUZ’s journey highlights the growing demand for immersive content and localized creator economies in emerging markets. By combining innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and a creator-centric approach, VUZ is carving a unique niche in the competitive global streaming landscape, poised for significant growth and impact.