{"id":7244,"date":"2025-12-16T15:03:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T11:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/ithca-venture-fund-accelerator-launch\/"},"modified":"2025-12-16T20:01:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T16:01:33","slug":"ithca-venture-fund-accelerator-launch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/ithca-venture-fund-accelerator-launch\/","title":{"rendered":"ITHCA Launches Venture Fund and Accelerator: What It Means for Startups and Investors in Oman"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitv3sog-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OMAN OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogh\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Websites For <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Omani Businesses.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogs\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Empower your brand with custom digital solutions designed for high conversion and market dominance.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbl\"><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Responsive designs built for growth<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Fast loading with smart automation<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitv3sogbtn\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Build Your Free Website <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>MUSCAT, DECEMBER 16, 2025 \u2014 ITHCA Group, the technology investment arm of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), today announced the launch of a new accelerator programme and a venture investment initiative aimed at enhancing technology collaboration between Oman and Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n<p>The first initiative, \u2018Bawabat\u2019, is an accelerator designed to help Omani technology startups enter and expand within the Saudi market. This programme is the result of a partnership between ITHCA Group, Omani tech company Al Jabr, and Saudi Arabia\u2019s National Technology Development Programme (NTDP).<\/p>\n<p>Bawabat offers a six-month programme that connects Omani startups with investors while facilitating their market entry in Saudi Arabia. Participating startups can receive exclusive investments of up to $100,000 from the OTF SCALE Fund. Alongside funding, the accelerator provides business development support, assists with cross-border relationship building, and offers hands-on help with localisation, product testing, and market readiness validation.<\/p>\n<p>Mohammed bin Salem al Wahaibi, CEO of Al Jabr Company, described Bawabat as \u201cnot merely a support programme, but a practical bridge and an integrated pathway that shortens the journey for Omani startups entering the Saudi market in a structured and well-studied manner.\u201d He emphasized that genuine expansion relies on trusted cross-border relationships, product readiness validation on the ground, and partnerships anchored in clear market needs and solid business models.<\/p>\n<p>Ibrahim Nimas, CEO of the NTDP, highlighted the shared regional vision driving the initiative. He said, \u201cSaudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, along with other GCC countries, share a clear commitment to supporting technology entrepreneurship and boosting startup growth across the region.\u201d He added that this collaboration enables companies from both countries to enter new regional markets, connect with investors and partners, and seize growth opportunities within the regional ecosystem.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, ITHCA Group announced the signing of an investment agreement with Vision Ventures, a Saudi-based venture capital fund known for its active role in financing early-stage tech startups across the region. The agreement was signed by Eng. Said bin Abdullah al Mandhari, CEO of ITHCA Group, and Qais al Issa, Co-founder and CEO of Vision Ventures.<\/p>\n<p>Al Issa expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, \u201cWe are proud of this partnership with ITHCA Group, which marks a strategic step in supporting Omani technology companies and linking them to the regional investment ecosystem.\u201d He expressed optimism about accelerating growth and expanding access to quality funding and partnerships that drive sustainable economic impact.<\/p>\n<p>ITHCA Group also revealed the rebranding of the \u2018Idea Stage\u2019 fund to \u2018OTF SCALE.\u2019 Managed jointly with Al Jabr Company, the fund has completed 36 investments since inception, with 11% of portfolio companies securing follow-on funding within 15 months.<\/p>\n<p>Maha bint Mohammed al Balushiyah, Director General of Venture Capital Funds Management at ITHCA Group, explained, \u201cThe OTF SCALE brand combines the legacy of the Oman Technology Fund with a forward-looking vision focused on scale and impact.\u201d She emphasized the fund\u2019s mission to elevate ideas, empower entrepreneurs, and accelerate project growth to achieve concrete economic and regional benefits.<\/p>\n<p>OTF SCALE prioritises early-stage investments in sectors such as artificial intelligence, financial technology, software, and digital services\u2014key areas driving the future digital economy.<\/p>\n<p>Commenting on these initiatives, Eng. Said bin Abdullah al Mandhari, CEO of ITHCA Group, said, \u201cThese announcements represent a significant advancement in supporting innovation and technology in Oman. They open broader opportunities for entrepreneurs to confidently expand into regional markets, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><style>\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitl8gakw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 auto;box-sizing:border-box}\r\n.hitl8gaka{display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;text-decoration:none;color:#fff;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,system-ui,sans-serif;position:relative;overflow:hidden;cursor:pointer;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#111118 0%,#080808 100%);border:1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border-radius:14px;gap:20px;padding:20px 40px;transition:border-color .2s}\r\n.hitl8gaka:hover{border-color:#dc262688}\r\n.hitl8gakg1{position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 0%,rgba(220,38,38,0.35),transparent 65%);pointer-events:none;z-index:0}\r\n.hitl8gakg2{position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;height:45%;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 100%,rgba(220,38,38,0.15),transparent 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitl8gak-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakh\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Your Website <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Should Sell.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gaks\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Custom-built websites with smart automation & AI-powered features.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbl\"><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>SEO-optimized & lightning fast<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Smart features built for your business<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitl8gakbtn\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Get Free Consultation <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p>Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman&#8217;s Market<\/p>\n<p>The launch of the \u2018Bawabat\u2019 accelerator and the strategic partnership with Vision Ventures mark a <strong>significant expansion of Omani tech startups into the lucrative Saudi market<\/strong>, presenting <strong>new cross-border growth and investment opportunities<\/strong>. For businesses in Oman, this is a critical moment to <strong>leverage government-backed support for regional scaling, especially in AI, fintech, and digital services<\/strong>, while smart investors should closely watch this ecosystem for early-stage ventures with strong potential for <strong>regional impact and follow-on funding<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ITHCA Group, Oman Investment Authority\u2019s tech arm, launched \u2018Bawabat\u2019, an accelerator for Omani startups to scale in Saudi Arabia, offering up to $100K investment and business support. Partnering with Al Jabr and NTDP, it fosters cross-border tech cooperation and growth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":7245,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[2622,3121,3126],"class_list":["post-7244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","tag-omani-startups","tag-saudi-market","tag-technology-accelerator"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3225990.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7244"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7244\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7246,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7244\/revisions\/7246"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7245"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}