Dubai-based Disrupt.com planning to inject $100 million into the creation and support of AI-driven startup ventures
In a significant move, Disrupt.com, a venture builder based in Dubai, has announced a $100 million commitment to build and back AI-first technology ventures globally. The company, founded by Pakistani entrepreneurs Aaqib Gadit, Uzair Gadit, and Umair Gadit, aims to focus on five key areas: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, Web3.0, automotive technology, and retail innovation.
Disrupt.com's strategy involves partnering with ambitious entrepreneurs to scale globally focused technology startups. The firm provides dedicated engineering, go-to-market, and operations teams through their "CoBuild" model, in addition to financial investment.
The company has already deployed over $40 million across its portfolio, which includes startups they have built from scratch, co-built with external founders, and strategic investments. However, specific ventures or startups funded by Disrupt.com following this $100 million commitment are not explicitly disclosed in available sources.
Disrupt.com is not only a source of capital but also offers technical and operational expertise to help startups scale. The firm boasts a team of 650+ professionals, and has made investments in four growth-stage companies, seven early-stage companies, and has an exit valued at $350 million.
The $100 million commitment represents the founders' reinvestment of capital following their successful $350 million exit, the largest in Pakistan's tech sector to date. Notably, the company was originally founded as Gaditek in Karachi in 2008, and has since expanded to focus on these tech sectors globally.
Disrupt.com's current portfolio includes ZigChain, PureSquare, Squatwolf, Agentnoon, and Ahya. ZigChain is a Web3.0 platform with over 500,000 users and hundreds of millions in managed assets. Squatwolf is an UAE-homegrown fitness apparel brand. PureSquare is a cybersecurity venture, while Ahya is an AI-focused climate action tool.
Aaqib Gadit, the Founding Partner of Disrupt.com, commented on the announcement, stating that it is a time to double down on experience, financial investment, and commitment required to help build the next wave of startups. He further expressed excitement about the potential of Web 3.0 and AI to problem-solve and create businesses that will fit the needs of how people live and work.
The commitment comes amidst a trend of contracting venture capital funding, making Disrupt.com's investment a significant boost for the tech ecosystem in the region. The firm primarily focuses on pre-seed to Series A stage startups with strong organic growth potential and clear paths to profitability. They employ a three-pronged approach: building startups from scratch, co-building ventures alongside external founders, and making strategic investments in early-stage startups and VC funds.
Disrupt.com was previously part of the team behind Cloudways, which was acquired by Digital Ocean for $350 million in 2022. With this new commitment, Disrupt.com aims to further expand its portfolio and contribute to the growth of the tech industry globally.
Disrupt.com, in accordance with their announcement, will deploy the $100 million commitment towards backing AI-first technology ventures globally, emphasizing their focus on artificial intelligence. The firm anticipates utilizing this investment to help build the next wave of startups, further expressing their excitement about the potential of AI to solve problems and create businesses.
With their strategies of partnering with ambitious entrepreneurs and offering technical and operational expertise, Disrupt.com aims to strengthen their portfolio in artificial intelligence, aligning with their ongoing commitment to technology-driven ventures.
