Tala Al Jabri Launches US$50 Million Wyld VC Fund

Wyld VC, founded by Saudi venture capitalist Tala Al Jabri, has launched with a US$50 million early-stage venture capital (VC) fund in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first artificial intelligence (AI)-focused fund to emerge from the MENA region.  

The KSA-headquartered Wyld VC is backed by the family office of Lawrence E. Golub, CEO of Golub Capital, a direct lender and experienced private credit manager based out of the US, and this is its first investment in the region. Wyld VC's launch coincides with US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf from May 13–16, 2025, which also points to the growing trade ties between the US and the region, particularly in AI collaboration. 

In an interview with Inc. Arabia, Al Jabri told us that her vision for Wyld VC is to address a critical gap in the region’s AI ecosystem: a shortage of technical talent, as well as innovation-driven support. According to Al Jabri, there is an opportunity to link the thriving AI research and technology scene in Silicon Valley with the growing AI capabilities of the GCC, which is increasingly investing in AI infrastructure and data centers.

"The AI revolution is unfolding at an unprecedented pace," Al Jabri noted. "We are at a generational inflection point where the Bay Area’s technical breakthroughs need allies and partners who can help them accelerate their growth, and the GCC is uniquely positioned to provide both."

“Governments across Saudi Arabia and the UAE are heavily investing into AI compute infrastructure and data centers, while simultaneously enacting pro-AI policies," Al Jabri continued. "This convergence makes today the ideal moment to launch Wyld VC: we can harness the Bay Area’s cutting-edge research and the GCC’s capabilities to catalyze the next wave of AI startups. Moreover, we aim to provide GCC-based founders with access to Bay Area talent and resources, top-tier network of investors, and accelerators."

Al Jabri said that the fund will focus on backing "Wyld minds" driving AI innovation, specifically in AI middleware and applications—areas seen as ripe for impactful disruption. But the fund’s mission goes beyond just financial backing—it also aims to address what Al Jabri sees as the region’s biggest gap: AI talent. "AI talent today is largely concentrated in the US and China," she pointed out. "We want to change that. Through building bridges with the world's most premier innovation ecosystem, paired with mentorship and resources, we hope to close that gap for founders in the Middle East.” 

Wyld VC thus aims to empower founders with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive, including providing them with access to the global tech talent pool and the best resources Silicon Valley has to offer. For entrepreneurs hoping to secure an investment from Wyld VC, Al Jabri offered clear advice. "Our motto—'daring innovation to uplift humanity'—drives us to back 'Wyld'-minded founders who aspire to build category-leading, global businesses from day one," she said. "We seek teams that pair deep technical mastery with essential qualities—grit, contrarian courage, active listening, and resilience in the face of adversity. We want to partner with you and support you in every step in your journey.”

With experience in both the MENA and US markets, Al Jabri has, as an investor, previously supported startups like the KSA-based buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) app Tabby as well as Chinese network service provider Starcloud. As the first woman to become a partner at a VC firm in Saudi Arabia, she also plays an active role in promoting female participation in Saudi Arabia’s venture capital sector. 

In a statement, Golub said, “Tala is a highly accomplished, talented investor, with a track record of success investing in innovative, early-stage technology companies. Her considerable investment acumen, combined with her unparalleled and comprehensive ties and network in the Gulf and the United States, offer a unique investment opportunity. I am excited to be supporting Tala and Wyld on this compelling new venture, and I look forward to working with her and her team."

Pictured in the lead image is Tala Al Jabri, founder of Wyld VC. Image courtesy Wyld VC.