In a move to strengthen jobs and incomes for young creatives, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is investing $5 million into VUZ as part of its $12M Pre-Series C.
Launched by a Jordanian founder, VUZ is an immersive content platform that creates, distributes and monetizes premium creator-driven, entertainment, sports, and educational content in augmented reality, and virtual reality.
The company has operations throughout the Middle East, parts of Africa, and Asia and currently reaches over 1.2 million active users globally each month, with two-thirds of its creators and users based in emerging markets.
The financing will enable VUZ to develop and distribute original content while increasing local content production and expand operations into new regions, including in North Africa and Southeast and East Asia. The platform also has exclusive immersive partnerships with leading sports and entertainment organizations—such as LaLiga, Serie A, and PFL—and has relationships with tech giants like Apple.
The financing will also help support the growth of jobs and economic opportunities, especially for young people in developing countries. According to Goldman Sachs, the creator market could reach nearly half a trillion dollars by 2027. However, content monetization remains a hurdle for many creators, with a staggering 96 percent of global creators earning less than $100,000 a year.
“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. VUZ’s technology edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators,” said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services and Funds.
“Partnering with IFC is a major milestone as we continue scaling our impact in emerging markets. This support will enable more creators across Africa and Asia to build sustainable businesses and connect with broader audiences,” said Khaled Zaatarah, Founder and CEO of VUZ.
Furthermore, the Middle East and North Africa ranks among the regions with the lowest female labor participation rates worldwide. IFC’s investment in VUZ, which will be complemented by advisory services, is expected to help expand economic opportunities for women by increasing the number of female creators on the platform and equipping them with resources to monetize their content. This will be supported through skill-building workshops, increased visibility and audience growth strategies.
