FuturePlay has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment (MISA), becoming the first Korean venture capital firm to formalize a direct partnership with the Kingdom. The agreement is seen as a major step in aligning Korean deep-tech innovation with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 push to diversify its economy and build a global startup hub.
Under the MOU, FuturePlay and MISA will support Korean startups entering the Saudi market, facilitate co-investments in sectors such as AI, fintech, logistics, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, and co-develop the “Saudi Stars” program to nurture emerging Saudi founders. The partnership strengthens Korea’s position within one of the fastest-growing entrepreneurship ecosystems in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia established MISA in 2020 to attract foreign investment and accelerate economic diversification. Through this alliance with FuturePlay, the Kingdom gains direct access to Korea’s advanced deep-tech and AI talent, while Korea gains new channels for expansion into the GCC region. The collaboration builds on growing Korea–Saudi momentum, including AI chipmaker Rebellions setting up in Riyadh, expanded bilateral cooperation announced at APEC 2025, and Korea’s largest startup delegation attending BIBAN 2025.
Leaders from both sides described the partnership as a foundation for long-term, mutually beneficial growth. MISA highlighted Korea’s globally recognized tech strengths, while FuturePlay emphasized the importance of building cross-border venture ecosystems and helping Korean founders scale globally.
The agreement marks a new phase in Korea–Middle East innovation cooperation, signaling deeper integration of the two nations’ startup ecosystems and opening wider opportunities for investment, talent exchange, and co-development of advanced technologies.
