VAP Group has officially launched VAP Ventures, a dedicated investment arm that will back 100 startups by 2030. The announcement was made at the Global AI Show, Global Games Show, and Global Blockchain Show Riyadh 2026, held from June 29 to 30. The initiative marks a shift for the company from building platforms for innovation to directly funding and supporting early-stage founders.
VAP Ventures will focus on three core sectors: artificial intelligence, Web3 and blockchain, and digital games. Beyond providing direct capital, the program offers a blended support model that includes access to VAP Group’s media ecosystem, marketing capabilities, talent network, and globally recognized event stages. The goal is to help startups scale from early-stage ideas to viable businesses with resources that extend beyond funding alone.
"We gave founders a stage for years. Now we’re backing them. VAP Ventures will invest in more than 100 startups across AI, Web3, and gaming over five years in capital, media, talent, and reach, all under one roof. This is visibility turning into vital support," said Vishal Parmar, Founder & CEO of VAP Group.
The launch aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision of fostering innovation and knowledge-based industries. The first cohort of startups will be selected through a dedicated application platform, where founders can submit details and pitch materials. The initiative is part of VAP Group’s broader mission to strengthen the global innovation economy by combining capital, media, talent, and international platforms under one roof.
The Global Blockchain Show Riyadh, co-located with the AI and Games shows, attracted 15,000+ registrations, 6,723 attendees, over 100 speakers, and 100 exhibitors from 80+ countries, with 70% CXO-level delegation. The conference emphasized blockchain's evolution from speculation to critical infrastructure, with discussions on invisible blockchain, chain abstraction, and the convergence of AI and decentralized networks.
