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MenuWhere to find introductions to Institutional European/Middle East Pre-Seed Venture Capital, PE, Investments, Grants (Donations) Capital Sources?
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That will be very difficult since with every introduction, the person making the introduction is putting their reputation on the line.
So you will have to build up credibility by doing the research and then cold calling the institutions. That will slowly build your network and then you may get reciprocity where people introduce you to their contacts.
For institutional pre-seed VC, PE, and grants in Europe and the Middle East, check:
- VC Firms: Earlybird Digital East Fund, COTU Ventures, Bynd Venture Capital
- Accelerators: Google for Startups Accelerator, Founder Institute Middle East
- Grants: Enterprise Ireland Pre-Seed Fund, European Innovation Council (EIC)
Attend startup events, use LinkedIn, and apply directly via their websites.
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.
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