Venture Debt Initiative

The Venture Debt Initiative is an initiative launched by the National Technology Development Program (NTDP) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023. It is a tool designed to support the growth of the information technology (IT) sector by providing a package of financing solutions for tech startups.

NTDP launched the Venture Debt Initiative on February 7, 2023, during the second edition of the global tech conference LEAP 2023, held in Riyadh City. This initiative was one of several programs introduced in collaboration with various government and private entities, intending to develop and advance the technology sector to reach the global level that contributes to the development of the technology sector in Saudi Arabia.

The initiative targets projects and startups that offer new financing solutions that do not require property assets or cash liquidity as guarantees.

The Venture Debt Initiative provides innovative financing solutions designed to bridge funding gaps and support tech startups to diversify sources of capital, enabling startups to grow and expand.

The initiative aims to empower tech startups to access the required capital and offer new financing options tailored to their needs.

The initiative targets tech startups with Series A investment rounds or higher.

The Venture Debt Initiative operates within the framework of the goals set by the NTDP. The program seeks to enhance the IT sector's ecosystem, increase efficiency, and ensure sustainable growth through various financial and knowledge-based enablers in collaboration with stakeholders related parties in the ecosystem, encouraging and supporting national companies in the IT and emerging technologies sectors, both locally and globally, increasing their market share, and boosting exports. It also aims to foster the adoption of IT solutions, initiatives, and services, including emerging technologies, by the local private sector. The initiative further contributes to developing technological innovation, attracting companies and research centers that support innovation in IT, localizing the IT sector, including emerging technologies, and increasing the proportion of local content.