Latest news with #StrideVentures
Khaleej Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Stride Ventures announces first close of ADGM Fund, accelerating venture debt leadership in the GCC
Stride Ventures, a global leader in venture debt, has announced the successful first close of its flagship Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Fund V, marking a pivotal moment in the firm's strategic expansion across the GCC. With this milestone, Stride Ventures underscores its commitment to becoming the largest provider of highly non-dilutive and flexible shariah compliant capital to high-growth startups across the region, empowering founders with world-class underwriting, deep sector expertise, and transformative capital. Building on a consistently superior track record of deploying over $1.2 billion across more than 170+ high-growth companies worldwide. The firm has already executed several significant transactions in the region, with ticket sizes averaging $10 to $15 million, and a strong $110 million deal pipeline that spans key sectors including fintech, healthtech, logistics, and climate tech. Stride's focus extends beyond capital — the firm brings global underwriting expertise, deep sector insights, and a founder-first, sector-agnostic approach that empowers entrepreneurs. Some of the region's most dynamic startups are already part of Stride's growing portfolio, including Merit Incentives, a leading provider of customer and employee engagement solutions, among others. Through the ADGM Fund V, Stride plans to triple its assets under management in the GCC to over $500 million by 2026, reinforcing its long-term commitment to supporting the region's entrepreneurial and innovation economy. Stride Ventures has doubled its presence across the GCC, with a particular focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Supported by an experienced leadership team and an expanding regional footprint, the firm is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for venture debt while contributing to the goals of Vision 2030 by enabling innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and contributing to job creation. Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, founder and managing partner, Stride Ventures, said: 'The region is at the centre of one of the most dynamic growth stories of our time — driven by a clear vision for economic diversification and global competitiveness. At Stride Ventures, we are here to be a long-term partner in that journey. Through the ADGM Fund, we are committed to providing the capital, expertise, and partnership that ambitious founders and innovators need to build businesses that will define the region's future.' Initiatives in the region continue to play a key role in supporting the ecosystem and Stride Ventures expansion in the region. In Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh Digital Innovation District (RDID), led by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, has provided an enabling environment for global investors and ecosystem partners. As part of this, The Garage has served as a world-class platform connecting Stride directly with startups, fund managers, and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping the firm establish meaningful partnerships and a growing presence in the Kingdom. Stride's entry into ADGM, a global financial centre, reflects its commitment to bringing global best practices, institutional discipline, and a strong international network to the region's innovation ecosystem. Stride Ventures is also partnering with top banks in the region to enhance access to venture debt for new-age businesses and provide comprehensive financing solutions tailored for high-growth companies. With a disciplined investment approach and a proven founder-first philosophy, Stride has consistently delivered strong returns, including the full return of Fund I and ongoing distributions from Fund II. Fariha Ansari, Partner at Stride Ventures, shared: 'Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as a dynamic and promising destination for innovative financing solutions, particularly in growth debt. Driven by Vision 2030's ambitious goals to diversify the economy and foster innovation, the Kingdom's forward-looking regulatory environment is creating exciting opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs alike. The overall momentum and commitment to transformation make Saudi Arabia a key partner in shaping the future of financing across the Middle East. At Stride Ventures, we are energised by the potential here and proud to be part of this transformative journey.'
Entrepreneur
03-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Stride Ventures Marks First Close of ADGM Fund V to Back GCC Startups
The firm has already built a pipeline worth USD 110 million across key sectors including fintech, healthtech, logistics, and climate tech, with typical transaction sizes averaging USD 10–15 million. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Indian venture debt firm Stride Ventures has announced the first close of its ADGM Fund V, marking a significant step in its expansion across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. While the firm did not disclose the size of the fund or the amount raised, it confirmed that the vehicle will provide non-dilutive, shariah-compliant capital to high-growth startups. "With ADGM Fund V, we aim to support the region's innovation economy with flexible capital that empowers founders without equity dilution," said Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder and Managing Partner at Stride Ventures. "The region is at the centre of one of the most dynamic growth stories of our time-driven by a clear vision for economic diversification and global competitiveness. At Stride Ventures, we are here to be a long-term partner in that journey." The firm has already built a pipeline worth USD 110 million across key sectors including fintech, healthtech, logistics, and climate tech, with typical transaction sizes averaging USD 10–15 million. Stride Ventures aims to triple its assets under management (AUM) in the GCC to over USD 500 million by 2026, with a sharp focus on Saudi Arabia. The firm credited initiatives like the Riyadh Digital Innovation District (RDID) and The Garage—both spearheaded by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City—for providing a conducive environment for venture debt expansion. Stride has also doubled its regional footprint and is partnering with top banks to increase access to venture debt for next-generation businesses. "Our collaborations with leading banks and local ecosystems will ensure founders get the capital they need to scale, while retaining control of their businesses," Gandhi added.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wow! Momo secures $9.9m debt investment for omnichannel growth
Indian quick service restaurant (QSR) chain Wow! Momo has secured an Rs850m ($9.9m) investment from Stride Ventures to enhance its omnichannel strategy and expansion plans. This investment will allow the chain to widen its presence across dine-in, delivery and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Stride Ventures managing partner Apoorva Sharma stated: "Wow! Momo is a reflection of India's evolving consumer story. Their passion for innovation and scale makes them a standout player in the food services sector. 'We are proud to support their journey as they continue to bring their culinary creations to every corner of the country." This collaboration reflects Stride Ventures' focus on supporting businesses that are influential in transforming the country's economic and consumer sectors. Founded in August 2008 by Sagar Daryani and Binod Homagai, the chain has grown to operate more than 700 self-owned stores in 70 cities. Sagar Daryani stated: 'Stride Ventures' support marks a pivotal moment in our journey of redefining Indian QSR. With their partnership, we aim to scale new heights, introduce new formats and continue building brands that India can be proud of.' The Kolkata-based chain, along with its brands, is targeting an expansion to more than 100 cities and aims to increase its store count to 1,500 by 2028. The company's focus on the FMCG and hotel, restaurant and café/catering (HORECA) industries positions it for substantial growth. Wow! Momo announced in early 2025 that it was in the process of securing bridge funding between $15m to $17m, spearheaded by Haldiram's Kamal Agrawal and Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional. The chain's product range includes Cheese Momos (a type of steamed dumpling), Butter Masala Momo and the Moburg, which combines momos with burgers. Wow! Momo's second brand, Wow! China is aimed at redefining Chindian cuisine - an Indian adaptation of Chinese food - across the country. "Wow! Momo secures $9.9m debt investment for omnichannel growth" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
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Business Standard
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Stride Ventures lends Rs 85 crore to Wow! Momo for national expansion
Stride Ventures has invested ₹85 crore in debt financing for Wow Momo Foods, bolstering the quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain's national expansion plans. The company operates more than 700 stores across 70 cities and owns the Wow China, Wow Chicken, and Wow Kulfi brands. Wow! Momo continues to scale its omnichannel strategy, supported by strong same-store sales growth. Together with its other brands, Wow! Momo aims to enter more than 100 cities and build a footprint of over 1,500 stores in the next three years. 'Wow! Momo is a reflection of India's evolving consumer story,' said Apoorva Sharma, Managing Partner, Stride Ventures. 'Their passion for innovation and scale makes them a standout player in the food services sector.' Wow! Momo said it has delivered consistent unit economics that validate its robust business model. The group also plans to scale up its fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) vertical to ₹100 crore and ramp up the newly launched HORECA (hotel, restaurant, and catering) arm this year. Furthermore, the company's omnichannel strategy—spanning dine-in, delivery, and FMCG verticals—has enabled it to drive growth across multiple consumer touchpoints, thereby building a scalable and future-ready platform. Equally important, the founding team comprising Sagar Daryani, Binod Homagai, Miftaur Rahman, and Murali Krishnan has demonstrated innovation and seamless execution at scale. 'Stride Ventures' support marks a pivotal moment in our journey of redefining Indian QSR,' said Sagar Daryani, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wow! Momo. 'With their partnership, we aim to scale new heights, introduce new formats, and continue building brands.' Stride Ventures said it remains committed to backing category leaders and changemakers across industries. This collaboration highlights its focus on empowering companies that are reshaping India's economic and consumer landscape. With a portfolio of over 180 companies, including 17 unicorns across diverse sectors, Stride has committed over $1 billion in venture debt and private credit. It is empowering entrepreneurs globally, with offices across India, the UAE, Riyadh, the UK, and Singapore.
Entrepreneur
10-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Stride Ventures Invests INR 85 Crore in Wow! Momo
You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Stride Ventures has announced a debt investment of INR 85 crore in Wow! Momo Foods, one of India's leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains. The funding will be used to refinance existing loans and power the company's expansion across its QSR and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) verticals. Wow! Momo Foods, which houses brands including Wow! Momo, Wow! China, Wow! Chicken, and Wow! Kulfi, currently operates over 700 self-owned outlets across more than 70 Indian cities. The company has become a category-defining force in India's QSR landscape, demonstrating industry-leading same-store sales growth and a highly scalable omnichannel strategy encompassing dine-in, delivery, and FMCG formats. The brand's focus now includes scaling its FMCG vertical to INR 100 crore and aggressively expanding its newly launched HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant and Catering) division. The company also plans to expand its retail footprint to over 1,500 stores across more than 100 cities in the next three years. "The support from Stride Ventures marks a pivotal moment in our journey of redefining Indian QSR. With their partnership, we aim to scale new heights, introduce new formats, and continue building brands that India can be proud of," said Sagar Daryani, Co-founder and CEO of Wow! Momo. Apoorva Sharma, Founder and Managing Partner at Stride Ventures, added, "Wow! Momo is a reflection of India's evolving consumer story. Their passion for innovation and scale makes them a standout player in the food services sector. We are proud to support their journey as they continue to bring their culinary creations to every corner of the country." This debt investment marks another step in Stride Ventures' mission to back high-growth, category-leading startups. The firm remains focused on supporting businesses that are reshaping India's consumer and economic landscape through innovation and execution at scale. With an ambitious roadmap and a visionary founding team, comprising Sagar Daryani, Binod Homagai, Miftaur Rahman, and Murali Krishnan, Wow! Momo is poised for high-decibel growth across multiple channels over the next 24 to 36 months.
