#USA #Washington #IFC #VUZ #Immersive Media

IFC's Major Investment in VUZ

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, has recently made headlines by investing $12 million in VUZ, a leading force in the immersive media landscape. This funding comes as VUZ gears up for its Pre-Series C funding round and is set to accelerate its global growth strategy in immersive live streaming, content, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven technologies.

With a vision to expand its international reach, VUZ aims to capitalize on the booming creator economy and evolving sports entertainment sector, particularly benefiting from increased demand for immersive experiences worldwide. This investment enables VUZ not only to strengthen its market presence in existing territories but also to penetrate new ones, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Africa, the USA, and Asia.

Significance of the Investment

The partnership signifies a pivotal moment for VUZ, which has already demonstrated its capabilities in scaling through its innovative platform. The IFC is recognized for its strategic investments in successful telecom and media businesses, including notable successes like Souq.com, which was eventually acquired by Amazon.

Equipped with over 100 investments spanning telecom and media in burgeoning markets, the IFC is uniquely prepared to aid VUZ in navigating the challenges associated with market entry and infrastructure development in those areas. This investment is part of the IFC's broader mission to foster digital inclusion and economic growth through advancements in media innovation and connectivity.

VUZ's Growth Trajectory

In a remarkable turn of events, VUZ recorded an impressive 80% year-over-year gross profit growth in 2024 and achieved EBITDA profitability. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy for a tech streaming company, which typically requires significant time to establish a stable financial footing. VUZ boasts a rich platform featuring over 30,000 hours of premium, immersive content, making it a powerhouse in the XR, VR, and AI media domains.

The firm is capitalizing on profitable partnerships with high-profile football clubs, global athletes, A-list creators, and various mega projects that pave the way for its innovative content initiatives.

Khaled Zaatarah, the founder of VUZ, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with IFC: “We are honored to welcome IFC as a strategic investor. With their unparalleled experience in scaling digital media companies globally, this partnership positions us for unprecedented international expansion. Together, we aim to deliver immersive media experiences to the world's fastest-growing markets.”

Key Highlights of VUZ's Business Model

VUZ emerges as a promising industry player with several strategic initiatives:

• - Over 3 billion screen views to date, aiming for over 5 billion by 2026
• - Partnerships for exclusive immersive content with major leagues including LaLiga, Serie A, and PFL
• - The largest exclusive immersive content library with 30,000+ hours of material
• - More than 40 global telecom integrations and an additional 20 in the pipeline
• - Launches on TV Devices, Apple Vision Pro, Oculus, and a new immersive web layer called VUZGo
• - Four globally patented proprietary streaming technologies

Commitment to Creative Industries

As exemplified by Farid Fezoua, the IFC's Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, this investment reflects a commitment to the creative industries as pivotal in driving job creation and income in emerging markets: “VUZ's technological edge aligns with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators.”

Building a Network of Global Creators

VUZ nurtures a robust network of creators with a collective global audience exceeding 100 million. This network benefits from long-term monetization tools, immersive production capabilities, and a deeply engaging fan experience. By engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including device manufacturers and media conglomerates, VUZ is set on a trajectory to transcend traditional media boundaries.

Reflecting on the investment growth, Zaatarah emphasizes, “This is the scale-up stage we've been building toward for years. With our strong foundation, patented technology, and established profitability, VUZ is primed to redefine the landscape of immersive media on a global stage.”

Investor Confidence

In addition to the backing from IFC, VUZ enjoys support from an impressive coalition of global institutional investors, such as e capital, KBW Ventures, and numerous others. This diverse array of partners demonstrates a strong international belief in VUZ's vision, operational performance, and immense potential for global expansion.

This monumental investment not only enhances VUZ's role as a leader in immersive media but also signals a significant shift in how content is delivered in the digital age, setting a precedent for future innovations in media technology.