Yango Group launches $20M fund to back startups in emerging markets
The UAE-based company has introduced Yango Ventures, a corporate venture fund that will support early-stage startups across LATAM, Sub-Saharan Africa, MENAP, and other fast-growing regions.
Elena Whitmore 
Yango Group, a UAE-based technology ecosystem company, has announced the launch of Yango Ventures, a corporate venture fund with an initial capital of $20 million. The fund will target startups at the Seed to Series B stages, operating in sectors such as O2O (Online-to-Offline), B2B SaaS, and FinTech. The initiative is part of Yango Group’s broader strategy to support entrepreneurship and digital transformation in rapidly growing markets, including Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the MENAP region.
Supporting scalable innovation with local impact
According to a statement by Yango Group, Yango Ventures is designed not only to provide funding but also to extend the company’s experience and international network to help startups grow sustainably. The goal is to create opportunities for early-stage companies that are developing technology-driven solutions with the potential to impact their local economies. As Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group, put it: "We’re more than a tech company; we are an ecosystem committed to empowering entrepreneurs worldwide. At Yango Group, we believe that technology is not just about innovation — it’s a catalyst for tangible progress."
The fund will operate in regions where Yango Group already has a strong presence, with the aim of stimulating local innovation ecosystems. Startups that receive funding will also gain access to Yango Group’s operational support and industry expertise, particularly in areas where the company has experience scaling technology platforms across sectors like mobility, entertainment, AI, and financial services.
Designed for expansion alongside market growth
While the initial size of Yango Ventures is $20 million, the fund is structured to grow as it identifies more promising opportunities in dynamic markets. The company has indicated that it intends to scale the fund in line with the evolving needs of the ecosystems it serves. The investment strategy emphasizes sustainable development and seeks to back businesses that can deliver both commercial returns and long-term social value.
The fund is led by a board of experts with deep domain knowledge and operational experience in developing and transforming B2B SaaS and B2C services across various global industries. Their background includes successful track records in launching and growing technology products both within Yango Group and through external ventures.
Yango Ventures also complements the company’s other efforts to foster innovation, such as organizing networking events, collaborating with academic institutions, and providing hands-on training for future entrepreneurs. By combining capital investment with community engagement, Yango Group aims to strengthen the foundations of resilient digital economies in the regions where it operates.
