YVL Capital Partners officially launches in Dubai to back early-stage AI startups with capital, operator expertise, and AI-native infrastructure

A new player has arrived in the global venture capital landscape.

YVL Capital Partners, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, has officially launched as an AI-native venture capital firm and studio.

The firm combines funding, operator expertise, and cutting-edge AI infrastructure to support founders in building early-stage businesses more efficiently and at global scale.

A Unique Model for Early-Stage Startups

Unlike traditional VC firms, YVL Capital Partners goes beyond writing checks.

The firm focuses on pre-seed to Series A startups, particularly in AI-enabled infrastructure, autonomous systems, and mission-critical industries.

By blending capital with hands-on operators and a shared AI operating system, YVL aims to accelerate company growth while keeping capital efficiency high.

Matthew Buckingham, CEO and Managing Partner, explained that the goal is to “help founders build faster, smarter, and globally ambitious companies.”

This hands-on approach allows YVL to participate in both the strategic and operational sides of portfolio companies, rather than acting as a purely financial investor.

Strategic Partnerships and Infrastructure Support

To strengthen its venture studio, YVL has forged collaborations with Ignyte by DIFC and a regional hyperscale cloud provider.

Each studio company receives a minimum of $100,000 in cloud credits to power core infrastructure and AI workloads.

This support ensures that startups can build AI-native products without being constrained by initial technology costs.

At the heart of YVL’s model is the AI-native operating layer Nexa Staff, providing a 24/7 AI workforce for portfolio companies.

From product development to operations and growth, Nexa Staff functions as an always-on extension of each startup team, helping founders scale faster and more efficiently.

Global Reach Across MENA, Europe, and North America

Although YVL is based in Dubai, its vision is global.

The firm operates across the MENA region, Europe, and North America, tapping into a wide talent pool and diverse markets for its portfolio companies.

This international footprint positions YVL as a bridge between innovative founders and global markets, leveraging Dubai as a strategic hub for AI-driven ventures.

What’s Next

YVL Capital Partners plans to begin onboarding startups immediately, supporting companies that are ready to leverage AI infrastructure and operator-led guidance.

With strategic partnerships in place and a unique AI-native studio model, the firm aims to help founders accelerate from early product development to global market entry.

Observers will be watching closely to see which startups emerge from this AI-first ecosystem and how the model scales across regions.

Summary

YVL Capital Partners has officially launched in Dubai as an AI-native venture capital firm and studio.

Led by Matthew Buckingham, the firm supports early-stage, operator-led startups in AI-enabled infrastructure, autonomous systems, and mission-critical sectors.

Through strategic partnerships, cloud infrastructure support, and the AI-powered Nexa Staff operating layer, YVL aims to accelerate founder-led businesses with global ambition.

Operating across MENA, Europe, and North America, YVL combines capital, operational expertise, and AI technology to create a new model for venture investment in the 21st century.