VUZ, the immersive video startup known for transporting users to red carpets, football stadiums, and global events, has secured $12 million in a pre-Series C round to supercharge its international expansion. The round was led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), with participation from Al Jazira Capital, CrossWork VC’s Success Fund, prominent Saudi family offices, and existing investors.
A Rare Consumer Tech Bet for IFC
The IFC’s backing is particularly noteworthy. As a member of the World Bank Group, IFC typically supports infrastructure and fintech in emerging markets. Its investment in VUZ marks a bold foray into consumer tech and immersive internet platforms—a signal of confidence in both VUZ’s global vision and the potential of immersive media.
“Our work in the creator and content space got them very excited,” said CEO Khaled Zaatarah. “Based on our progress and growth, there’s so much potential to build upon that.”
What Sets VUZ Apart
Formerly known as 360VUZ, the Dubai-based company delivers 360-degree, immersive video experiences—whether it’s the Grammys in L.A., a La Liga match in Spain, or a fashion show in Dubai. Users can access content via mobile apps, VR headsets (like Apple Vision Pro and Oculus), smart TVs, and web platforms.
VUZ boasts:
15 million+ users globally, up from 10M in 2022
3 billion+ lifetime screen views, up from 1B in 2022
Over 100 creators with a combined reach of 100 million followers
Exclusive content deals with La Liga and Professional Fighters League (PFL)
40+ global partnerships, many with telecom operators
Targeting High-Growth Regions
While platforms like YouTube and TikTok dominate in mature markets, VUZ is gaining traction in fast-growing regions like Egypt, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Kenya, where mobile video consumption is booming. In these areas, VUZ is building localized strategies through partnerships with telecoms and regional content creators.
The U.S. expansion is also accelerating, with the company shifting from organic to paid marketing strategies aimed at converting casual viewers of awards shows and live events into subscribers.
Monetization and Creator Empowerment
VUZ now generates revenue through a freemium model: 60% of its content is free, while 40% is behind a paywall (via subscriptions or telco bundles). It reports:
2x revenue growth in the past two years
80% increase in gross profit year-over-year
Achieved EBITDA profitability in 2024
VUZ supports creators with:
Its own VUZ Studio for fast editing and packaging of content
A gig-style model that equips freelancers with proprietary 360° cameras, with costs deducted from their earnings
Live commerce tools, helping creators monetize via product sales—especially effective for fashion and beauty influencers
The Road Ahead
VUZ faces a steep challenge in developed markets where content giants already dominate. However, Zaatarah believes its hyper-local approach, lean content model, and focus on immersive, experiential media will help it carve a unique niche.
“YouTube and Netflix are great, but they’re not building for creators in Nairobi or Riyadh,” said Zaatarah. “We’re building a product, network, and monetization model that’s hyper-local—with the infrastructure to scale globally.”
With offices in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and the U.S., and expansion efforts underway in India, Indonesia, and South Africa, VUZ is betting big on becoming the immersive streaming platform of choice across both emerging and established markets.
