VUZ, the UAE-based immersive media platform known for transporting viewers to red carpets, football stadiums, and global events, has raised $12 million in a pre-Series C funding round. The round was led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, with support from Al Jazira Capital, CrossWork VC’s Success Fund, and prominent Saudi family offices. This latest raise brings the company’s total funding to over $35 million.
Founded in 2017 by Khaled Zaatarah, VUZ (formerly 360VUZ) is redefining how audiences experience video content. Rather than scrolling through static feeds, users step inside immersive, 360-degree video experiences — whether it’s the Grammys in Los Angeles, a La Liga match in Spain, or a fashion show in Dubai. VUZ is available across mobile apps, the web, smart TVs, and VR headsets such as the Apple Vision Pro and Oculus.
The company’s goal is to build a next-generation, hyper-local but globally scalable media platform, anchored in immersive experiences and creator monetization. IFC’s strategic backing is particularly notable, as the institution is better known for investing in infrastructure and logistics than consumer tech. However, VUZ’s focus on emerging markets, creator empowerment, and immersive content positioned it as a standout.
“They are focused on emerging markets and saw us as a company scaling globally into those regions,” said Zaatarah. “Our work with creators and immersive content really got them excited.”
With 3 billion screen views to date and a user base that has grown from 10 million to over 15 million globally, VUZ has hit key milestones. The platform has exclusive content partnerships with La Liga and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and supports a creator network that reaches over 100 million people. Its monetization model now blends advertising with subscription-based and telecom-bundled premium content.
The company achieved EBITDA profitability in 2024, posting an 80% increase in gross profit year-over-year. It attributes much of its efficiency to a lean, Uber-style content model: rather than deploying large production teams, VUZ trains freelance creators to capture immersive content using proprietary cameras. The cost of the equipment is deducted from creators’ earnings, creating a low-overhead, scalable model.
Additionally, VUZ offers tools like VUZ Studio — an internal service that helps creators edit and package content quickly. Creators can also monetize directly through live commerce features, enabling influencers to sell beauty or fashion products during livestreams — a valuable tool for female creators in emerging markets.
VUZ’s expansion strategy prioritizes high-growth, mobile-first markets where immersive content adoption is rising. It already has offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and the U.S., and is actively building teams in India, Indonesia, Kenya, and Nigeria, with plans to launch in South Africa this year. Strategic partnerships with over 40 telecom operators worldwide further amplify its reach, particularly in Africa and Asia.
While VUZ competes with global giants like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, it differentiates itself by focusing on immersive, localised content and creator monetization in regions where traditional platforms may have weaker support infrastructures.
“YouTube and Netflix are great, but they’re not building for creators in Nairobi or Riyadh,” Zaatarah said. “We’re building a product, network, and monetization model that’s hyper-local — with the infrastructure to scale globally.”
As global streaming giants hit saturation in developed markets, VUZ is betting big on emerging economies where mobile video consumption continues to grow. With IFC and a wide range of institutional backers on board, the company is positioning itself as the future of immersive media in underserved markets — bridging the gap between creators, fans, and content experiences that transcend the screen.
“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets,” said Farid Fezoua, IFC’s Global Director for Disruptive Technologies. “VUZ’s tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate.”
With eyes on surpassing 5 billion screen views by 2026, VUZ is no longer just a media startup — it’s shaping the future of how the world experiences content.
