Global Investment Giant IFC (World Bank) Invests in VUZ $12M Pre-Series C, the World's Leading Immersive Media Company

IFC investment supports VUZ's international expansion, following precedent in scaling telecom and media ventures across the world.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia,May 20, 2025/PRNewswire/ --VUZ, the world's leading immersive media company, has secured theInternational Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of theWorld Bank Group,to invest in its$12MPre-Series Cfunding round. This strategic investment positions VUZ for accelerated global growth in immersive live streaming and content, AI-driven streaming technologies, and live spatial experiences, building on the next generation of media, the creator economy, sports, and entertainment.

The IFC and the World Bank Group collectively manage over$1 trillionin global assets and investment commitments, operating in more than 100 countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record of over$56 billionto private companies and financial institutions to drive sustainable development through the private sector.

This round also includes participation fromAl Jazira Capital,Crosswork VC Success fund(a pre-IPO venture capital fund), multiple existing investors, and severalhigh-profile Saudi family offices, bolstering VUZ's presence in key markets across the world.

IFC's Strategic Role in Telecom and Media Expansion

The investment marks a pivotal collaboration between VUZ and IFC, which is known for its selective backing of global winners, includingSouq.com (acquired by Amazon). With over100 investments in telecom and communications companiesacrossAfrica,Asia, andLatin America, IFC brings unmatched expertise in market entry and infrastructure scaling across frontier economies.

Through this partnership, VUZ will scale further inSaudi Arabiaand the UAE and accelerate expansion, particularly inAfrica, theUSA, andAsia, where demand for immersive experiences and next-generation media is rising rapidly. The move aligns with IFC's mission to advance digital inclusion and economic growth through media innovation and connectivity.

A Profitable, Scalable Media Powerhouse

In 2024, VUZ achievedEBITDA profitability, with80% year-over-year gross profit growth, a significant milestone for a tech streaming scale-up. The company's platform — home to30,000+ hours of premium immersive exclusive content— blendsXR, VR, AR, andAI-powered mediaacrosssports, entertainment, and creator ecosystems.VUZ has a pipeline of partnerships with some of the largest football clubs, giga projects, and global athletes, as well as A-list artists, creators, and ambassadors.

"We are honored to welcome IFC as a strategic investor,said Khaled Zaatarah,Founder of VUZ. With IFC and the World Bank Group's track record in scaling telecom and digital media companies globally, and over$1 trillionin assets under management, this partnership sets the stage for massive global scale. Together, we'll bring immersive media to the world's fastest-growing markets."

Key highlights:

• 3 billion+ screen viewsto date; targeting over5 billion by 2026
• Exclusive immersive content partnerships withLaLiga, Serie A, PFL, and more
• Thelargest exclusively ownedimmersive premium content library of over30,000 hours
• Over40 global telecom integrations, with20+ in progress
• Strategic launches acrossTV Devices,Apple Vision Pro,Oculus, andVUZGo, a new web-embedded immersive tech layer
• 4 global patentspowering proprietary streaming technologies

"This investment reflects IFC's commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. VUZ's tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators", saidFarid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds.

A Magnet for Global Creators and Partners

VUZ empowers a creator network with acombined global reach exceeding 100 million, offering monetization tools, immersive production capabilities, and a deeply engaging fan experience. Its technology now sits at the center of conversations withdevice manufacturers,sports federations, andmedia conglomeratesseeking to deliver content that transcends physical limitations.

"This is the scale-up stage we've been building toward for years,"Zaatarah added."With a solid foundation, patented tech, and profitability achieved, we are ready to scale globally and define the future of media."

World-Class Investor Backing

In addition to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and other recent strategic investors, VUZ is backed by a distinguished and globally diverse group of institutional partners. These include e& capital, KBW Ventures, Al Jazira Capital, DFDF, SRMG Ventures, Caruso Ventures, Shorooq Partners, Plug and Play Ventures, Hala Ventures, Vision Fund, Knollwood Investment Advisory, Panthera Capital, Faith Capital, WIN, Elbert Capital, Yasta Partners, AlTouq Group, Impact46, Media Visions, 500 Startups, DAI, Al Falaj, and DTEC Ventures (Oraseya Capital), along with notable tech leaders includingMagnus Olsson,Samih Toukan, andJonathan Labin— reflecting strong international conviction in VUZ's vision, performance, and global growth potential. 

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