IFC Commits $5 Million to VUZ to Boost Creative Jobs and Immersive Content in Emerging Markets
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, has announced a $5 million equity investment in VUZ, a fast-growing immersive content platform founded by a Jordanian entrepreneur. This funding is part of VUZ’s broader $12 million Pre-Series C financing round and is aimed at scaling job creation, enhancing digital incomes, and fostering economic resilience for content creators across emerging markets.
Headquartered in the Middle East, VUZ specializes in immersive, creator-driven experiences in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), spanning entertainment, sports, and educational content. The company boasts over 1.2 million monthly active users worldwide, with a strong footprint in regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Two-thirds of both its users and creators come from developing economies, aligning closely with IFC’s development objectives.
The IFC’s investment is positioned to help VUZ deepen its original content pipeline, expand into new geographies such as North Africa and Southeast Asia, and support a robust creator economy infrastructure. The company has established key immersive content partnerships with leading sports and entertainment brands including LaLiga, Serie A, and PFL, while maintaining strong ties with tech giants such as Apple. These collaborations are expected to strengthen VUZ’s global position as a content and technology innovator.
The infusion of capital from IFC is expected to generate significant socio-economic benefits, particularly for young digital creatives navigating the evolving digital economy. A 2023 report by Goldman Sachs estimated the global creator market could reach nearly $500 billion by 2027. However, income generation remains a persistent challenge, with approximately 96% of global creators earning less than $100,000 annually. Farid Fezoua, IFC’s Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services and Funds said:
“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to creative industries as a driver of jobs and income in emerging markets. VUZ’s technology edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators.”
In addition to job creation, the partnership is expected to have a marked impact on gender inclusion. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is known for having among the world’s lowest female labor participation rates. Through this investment and associated advisory services, IFC aims to enhance opportunities for women by increasing the number of female creators on the VUZ platform. Planned support includes skill-building workshops, monetization strategies, and initiatives to boost content visibility and audience reach for women creators.
Founded in 2017, VUZ has raised a total of $35 million in venture capital to date and operates offices in Jordan, Riyadh, Dubai, and Los Angeles. With over three billion video views and a team of more than 70 professionals, VUZ continues to scale rapidly as one of the world’s foremost platforms for immersive storytelling. The company has also earned accolades such as the Startup of the Year award and was a finalist among 3,500 tech scale-ups at Webit.
As VUZ prepares for its next growth chapter, IFC’s strategic support marks a critical inflection point for the future of immersive media in the global south. By bridging technology, innovation, and economic empowerment, the initiative is poised to advance digital equity and sustainable creative livelihoods.
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