By backing startups, from hydrogen innovators to quantum computing pioneers, Aramco is fuelling energy transition, reinforcing its role as an international investor and a local innovation catalyst

Aramco's venture arms have become powerful engines of innovation, simultaneously funding cutting-edge technologies worldwide and supporting a new generation of Saudi entrepreneurs.

With billions allocated to global ventures and hundreds of millions reserved for local startups, Aramco Ventures and Wa’ed Ventures are reshaping the energy transition and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem.

Aramco Ventures manages three dedicated funds: a $500 million Digital/Industrial fund, a $500 million Prosperity7 fund, and a $1.5 billion Energy Transition fund.

Together, they are enabling the company to capture opportunities across digitalisation, advanced industrial solutions and clean energy technologies.

Wa’ed Ventures, meanwhile, operates with $500 million in capital and has funded more than 50 companies since its founding in 2013, often serving as the first backer for Saudi-based startups with global potential.

INVESTING IN TRANSFORMATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Aramco Ventures has consistently targeted businesses developing solutions that can reduce emissions, improve efficiency and expand technological frontiers.

Past investments include Amogy, a US-based ammonia-to-power pioneer that is advancing zero-emission shipping; Pasqal, a quantum computing leader that installed Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer; and Carbon Clean, which develops modular carbon capture units.

Wa’ed Ventures has played a different yet complementary role by helping build Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem.

Its portfolio includes aiXplain, a California-based AI firm that established its regional headquarters in Riyadh after investment; Iyris, an AgriTech innovator enabling farming in arid climates; Terra Drone, a Japanese drone technology company that created a Saudi subsidiary; and OQ Technology, a satellite 5G operator.

Together, the two arms showcase how Aramco is supporting disruptive founders globally while anchoring key technologies in the Kingdom.

LATEST INVESTMENTS

Since January 2025, both Aramco Ventures and Wa’ed Ventures have accelerated their dealmaking, signalling sustained momentum in venture capital activity.

Aramco Ventures announced six strategic investments: Arkestro, a predictive procurement software company using AI and game theory to enhance supply chain resilience ($36 million round, May 2025); Ucaneo, a Berlin-based Direct Air Capture startup advancing Germany’s largest DAC demonstration plant (March 2025); HydoTech (February 2025); Andium (February 2025); Spiritus (March 2025); and a follow-on investment in Amogy (July 2025).

These transactions expand Aramco’s global portfolio to 156 total investments, including 75 active portfolio companies and 34 exits.

The breadth of sectors, from procurement AI to carbon removal, demonstrates Aramco Ventures’ commitment to investing not just in energy but in enabling industries that underpin the transition.

Wa’ed Ventures has also been active in 2025, with new deals spanning fintech, logistics, AI and space technologies.

These include Amwal Tech, an e-commerce instalment provider ($4 million, January 2025); BRKZ, a construction tech firm securing $17 million (February 2025); ClearGrid, an AI-driven debt collection company ($10 million, March 2025); TruBuild, an AI construction-tech startup ($1 million seed, April 2025); Techrar, a Saudi AI subscription services company ($1.6 million, April 2025); SARsatX, an Earth Observation insights provider ($2.6 million, May 2025, backed alongside NEOM); Graphiant, a connectivity products company (May 2025); and Salasa, a logistics firm (August 2025).

In addition, Wa’ed registered exits from Warehouse Integration Company (January 2025) and SpiderSilk (March 2025), highlighting the increasing maturity of its portfolio.

With 107 investments made to date and over $100 million deployed, Wa’ed is steadily growing as a cornerstone investor in Saudi entrepreneurship.

PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE

What makes Aramco’s venture efforts stand out is not only the capital deployed but also the way they empower people.

For example, Pasqal’s deployment of Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer has provided local engineers and students with direct access to quantum technologies.

Similarly, aiXplain’s relocation to Riyadh has brought advanced AI expertise into the local talent pool, fostering skills transfer and job creation.

For global founders, Aramco’s support often provides the runway needed to scale solutions from lab to market.

Amogy’s founders, for instance, have been able to advance ammonia-fuelled shipping from prototype to pilot projects with Aramco’s backing.

In Germany, Ucaneo’s engineers are now building a landmark DAC facility that could help Europe accelerate carbon removal goals, powered by Aramco’s strategic funding.

Meanwhile, Wa’ed’s local portfolio companies are creating entrepreneurial pathways for Saudis across diverse sectors – from logistics with Salasa, to AgriTech with Iyris, to cutting-edge fintech with Amwal Tech. This growing ecosystem reflects Saudi Arabia’s shift towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

By aligning global capital with local empowerment, Aramco Ventures and Wa’ed Ventures are positioning Aramco not just as an energy company, but as a global innovation catalyst.

On one side, strategic international investments secure access to technologies critical for decarbonisation and industrial resilience, while on the other, Wa’ed nurtures homegrown innovators who are transforming Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial landscape.

The result is a dual impact: Saudi Arabia benefits from the transfer of technologies and capabilities, while global founders gain a partner with the scale, ambition and long-term vision to support their growth.

At a time when energy transition challenges require bold thinking and decisive action, Aramco’s venture arms are helping shape solutions that are both global in scope and deeply rooted in local opportunity.