VUZ, a startup known for its immersive video experiences, has successfully raised $12 million in funding to expand its operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while also targeting growth in Africa, Asia, and the U.S.

The pre-Series C funding round was led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, along with Al Jazira Capital and CrossWork VC’s Success Fund.

To support its U.S. expansion, VUZ is pivoting from organic growth strategies to paid marketing, specifically targeting viewers of high-profile events to convert them into loyal users.

In addition to its U.S. strategy, VUZ is collaborating closely with telecom providers in Africa and Asia to enhance its market reach.

Despite its rapid growth, VUZ faces stiff competition in developed markets where established platforms like YouTube and TikTok dominate user loyalty.

VUZ aims to attract creators from these established platforms by emphasizing the long-term value of immersive content and focusing on underserved markets.

The platform sets itself apart by offering unique 360-degree video experiences, allowing users to virtually attend events like the Grammys and La Liga matches.

VUZ supports a creator network of over 100 million, providing tools for monetization and storytelling, which positions the company for significant growth in immersive media.

In 2024, VUZ achieved EBITDA profitability, reporting an 80% year-over-year growth in gross profit, which underscores its financial viability as a tech streaming company.

To improve monetization, VUZ has shifted 40% of its content behind a premium paywall, a strategic move that has contributed to a doubling of revenue over the past two years.

VUZ has secured exclusive content partnerships with major leagues such as La Liga and Serie A, enhancing its content offerings and distribution capabilities.

Founder Khaled Zaatarah highlighted the significance of the partnership with IFC, noting that it sets the stage for VUZ's global scaling ambitions.