VUZ Raises $12M to Bring Immersive Video Experiences to Emerging Markets and the U.S.
Looking for the latest on immersive video startups or wondering who’s leading innovation in VR streaming platforms? VUZ, formerly known as 360VUZ, has just raised $12 million in pre-Series C funding to expand its immersive video content across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and key global markets like Africa, Asia, and the United States. The company is redefining how users experience live events through 360-degree, virtual reality content — and it’s capturing serious investor attention.
Led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, this funding round also saw participation from Al Jazira Capital, CrossWork VC’s Success Fund, and prominent Saudi family offices. This marks a rare consumer tech investment for the IFC, which typically focuses on financial infrastructure in emerging economies — signaling a strong belief in the potential of immersive internet technology.
“They are focused on emerging markets and saw us as a company scaling globally, with strong traction in content and creator ecosystems,” said VUZ founder and CEO Khaled Zaatarah.
The Future of Video Is Immersive and Global
Unlike traditional streaming platforms, VUZ offers something unique: immersive, 360-degree video that puts users directly into the action. Whether it's walking the red carpet at the Grammys, catching a La Liga match in real-time, or attending a fashion show in Dubai — users feel like they’re there. VUZ content is accessible across mobile apps, web browsers, VR headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Oculus, and even smart TVs.
VUZ’s immersive approach directly competes with global giants like YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram. However, its focus on immersive media gives it a niche edge — one that appeals to creators and advertisers alike. This also positions the company to attract high-value digital advertising, especially in emerging economies with rapidly growing mobile audiences.
Exclusive Deals and a Growing Global User Base
In 2022, VUZ raised $20 million in Series B funding and has since inked exclusive content partnerships with La Liga and the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The platform now works with over 100 content creators whose combined reach exceeds 100 million followers — driving significant engagement and monetization opportunities.
As global streaming growth begins to slow in saturated markets like the U.S. and Europe, VUZ is betting big on fast-growing regions such as Nigeria, Indonesia, Egypt, and Kenya. These mobile-first markets present strong revenue potential for video streaming and high CPC advertising in categories like tech innovation, VR, mobile video apps, and entertainment platforms.
VUZ now boasts over 15 million users worldwide — up from 10 million in 2022 — and has logged more than 3 billion screen views to date. That’s a tripling of engagement in just a few years, driven by surging demand for high-quality immersive video content.
Why This Matters for the Future of Digital Media
With growing interest in the “immersive internet” and spatial video, VUZ is well-positioned to become a key player in how digital content is consumed. The company’s creator-first model and high engagement levels make it attractive not only to users and creators, but also to advertisers seeking high-intent audiences in premium video environments.
As advertisers continue shifting budgets toward VR, live video, and mobile-first platforms, VUZ’s model aligns perfectly with high-value advertising categories such as VR entertainment, digital experiences, mobile app monetization, and emerging market tech adoption.
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