To find introductions to institutional capital sources in Europe and the Middle East—including Pre-Seed VC, Private Equity (PE), Investment Firms, and Grant/Donation Providers—you can explore several strategic channels. Here's a breakdown by type and method:
1. VC & PE Databases / Platforms
These tools give you access to profiles, contact info, and investment history.
Crunchbase – Filter by region, stage (pre-seed), and sector
PitchBook – Industry-standard for private market intel (paid, but comprehensive)
CB Insights – Track investors by geography and deal stage
Preqin – Strong for PE and institutional investors
Dealroom.co – Europe-focused with rich VC/PE data
Fundsup – Active in EU startup ecosystems
VC4A – Focus on emerging markets including MENA
2. Investor Communities & Platforms
Join networks that facilitate intros and investments.
AngelList / Wellfound – Now also caters to institutional micro-VCs
LinkedIn – Use advanced filters to connect with fund managers or analysts (search: “Pre-seed VC Partner,” “MENA PE Associate”)
Startup Grind – Events + intros to VCs
EmergingVC / DiversityVC Slack groups – Active in Europe/MENA
Latitud Capital Community – Great for founders raising capital
The Family (France) – Founder-centric investor ecosystem
3. Accelerators & Incubators (With Funding Networks)
These provide mentorship, grant access, and institutional investor exposure.
Techstars (Europe / MENA programs)
500 Global (Middle East focus: 500 Falcons)
Seedcamp (Europe)
Flat6Labs (MENA)
Startupbootcamp (Dubai, Amsterdam, Milan)
Y Combinator (global reach, but strong EU founder network)
They often provide warm intros to institutional VCs and even small PE firms.
4. Institutional & Government Grant Bodies
For non-dilutive capital (grants/donations), explore:
Europe:
Horizon Europe (EU Commission funding for innovation/startups)
European Investment Fund (EIF) – Funds many early-stage VCs directly
EASME (EU grants for SMEs)
Innovate UK – Grant funding for early-stage ventures
Middle East:
Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)
Khalifa Fund (UAE)
Misk Foundation (Saudi Arabia)
Dubai Future Foundation
Tamkeen (Bahrain)
5. Family Offices & Sovereign Wealth Funds
These often invest directly in VC/PE rounds in both regions.
Mubadala (UAE)
QIA – Qatar Investment Authority
PIF – Public Investment Fund (KSA)
Kuwait Investment Authority
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)
Tip: Many of these have PE and VC arms or allocate capital to funds active in pre-seed and early-stage.
