Much like how Hollywood directs movies to success by focusing on vision and assembling the right teams, 7startup’s Venture Capital as a Service (VCaaS) model guides startups with hands-on operational support and strategic expertise. Here’s how 7startup is leading the charge in Saudi Arabia’s technology revolution.
A Bold Vision: Building Ventures Like Blockbusters
Building successful companies requires bold risks and a focus on vision, not endless tweaking or data-driven adjustments. In Saudi Arabia, a region full of opportunity but also complex challenges, this approach is critical.
Amit Khanna, Founder of 7startup, puts it this way:
“Building scalable ventures is like casting a blockbuster movie. We don’t A/B test our way into market dominance; we cast the right teams and direct them toward growth.”
Just as Hollywood carefully selects its cast and crew, 7startup identifies startups that align with Saudi Vision 2030, a transformative plan aimed at creating a diversified and tech-forward economy. By focusing on sectors like AI, Deep Tech, and Clean Tech, 7startup helps early-stage companies navigate Saudi Arabia’s venture capital market challenges, offering strategic guidance on product-market fit, operational structure, and localization.
The Evolution of SaaS and the Rise of AI in Saudi Arabia
The traditional SaaS (Software as a Service) model, which once dominated venture capital investments, is no longer the guaranteed path to profitability. The exponential growth of AI technologies has enabled startups to replicate SaaS solutions much faster than before, especially in a tech-savvy region like Saudi Arabia.
Amit Khanna notes:
“In today’s world, Stanford graduates with access to AI can replicate a typical SaaS business in days. That’s why Saudi Arabia’s technology ecosystem is shifting focus to AI-driven solutions.”
The Saudi tech ecosystem is rapidly evolving, and AI-first solutions are becoming essential for businesses aiming to secure Proof of Concept (PoC) agreements and long-term contracts. 7startup’s VCaaS model emphasizes scalable, innovative technologies and provides startups with the tools to capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in AI, energy, and sustainability.
Navigating Saudi Arabia’s Venture Capital Market: A Strategic Approach to Deal Sourcing
In the world of venture capital, deal sourcing is crucial to success. At 7startup, the approach to sourcing deals is different from traditional VC firms.
Amit Khanna explains: “Our VCaaS model relies on a strong network of local experts and deep relationships within the Saudi private and public sectors. We onboard startups selectively, giving them more than just capital; we provide a proven roadmap for market entry and growth.”
By focusing on sectors like Deep Tech, Clean Tech, and AI, 7startup helps startups secure critical Proof of Concept (PoC) agreements and build a local client base. This approach accelerates growth and positions startups for multi-year contracts in sectors that are in high demand, such as smart urban infrastructure, net-zero technologies, and health tech solutions.
The Impact of AI and First-Party Data on Venture Capital
In today’s venture capital landscape, the integration of AI and first-party data is reshaping investment decisions. First-party data—collected directly from customers—offers invaluable insights into customer behavior and product demand. When combined with AI, this data transforms due diligence and portfolio management, allowing investors to make faster, more informed decisions.
A report by Mordor Intelligence projects that the Saudi cloud computing market will reach $8.8 billion by 2029. Leveraging first-party data, 7startup identifies real-time market trends and adjusts its investments more effectively.
“First-party data gives us a real competitive edge,” says Khanna. “It allows us to see the market through real-time performance, enabling us to pivot quickly and invest with more confidence.”
The Five Pillars of Venture Capital Success
Success in venture capital depends on five key pillars:
- Sourcing deals through top-of-funnel channels.
- Developing intuition to identify promising opportunities.
- Internal selling—championing deals within the firm.
- External selling—convincing founders to accept your capital.
- Servicing—managing and helping startups grow and exit successfully.
At 7startup, we focus on sourcing, servicing, and external selling while honing our intuition to spot market opportunities early. “In Saudi Arabia, our local expertise and understanding of Western startups give us an unfair advantage,” Khanna adds.
The Future is in Deep Tech and AI
Deep Tech and AI are rapidly shaping the future of innovation, especially in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, where sectors like energy, urban infrastructure, and healthcare are undergoing rapid transformation, AI-driven startups are leading the charge.
Khanna explains:
“Deep Tech isn’t just about AI or machine learning; it’s about solving the world’s toughest challenges. We’re seeing the greatest demand for AI-driven solutions in energy, finance, and urban development.”
Saudi Arabia: The Gateway to Scale for Western Tech Companies
For Western tech companies, Saudi Arabia offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to scale rapidly. With 7startup’s VCaaS model, companies specializing in AI, Deep Tech, and Net Zero technologies can secure early wins through PoC agreements and build lasting relationships with key local stakeholders.
