Homegrown Ventures
Dubai-based venture firm investing in early-stage consumer goods brands across MENA, South Asia and selected international markets. It closed its USD 22.8M debut Fund I in April 2026.
Industry: Consumer goods venture capital | Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Founded: 2023 | Total Funding: USD 22.8M
About Homegrown Ventures
Homegrown Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage consumer brands. Its website describes it as a consumer goods venture firm focused on the Middle East and North Africa and on India, and says it is incorporated in Delaware. TechScoop reported in April 2026 that it is headquartered in Dubai and Delaware. It backs founder-led physical brands in food and beverage, beauty, health and wellness, pet and home care, with annual net revenue of USD 2 million to USD 10 million.
LinkedIn and Incarabia give 2023 as the founding year; the firm's website gives no date. The founders, Nader Amiri and Ahmad Shamieh, are both general partners. TechScoop reported that Amiri spent over a decade in brand management at Mondelez, Coca-Cola and Unilever. He founded the UAE online grocery marketplace elGrocer in 2015 and was its founder and chief operating officer when Etisalat Group agreed to acquire it in November 2021. TechScoop also reported that Shamieh has about two decades of senior leadership experience at Kraft Foods, Nokia, Microsoft and Danone.
The firm provides equity growth capital with a board role. Its website lists six portfolio brands: AÏZA, a skincare and haircare brand; Plaay, a chocolate brand; Bambuyu, a tree-free tissue brand; Gramiyaa, which sells cold-pressed cooking oils; Tarwi, which sells protein powders and snacks; and Pawpots, a fresh pet food brand.
In November 2025 Homegrown Ventures announced an investment in PawPots, a pet meal brand operating in the UAE and Lebanon, without disclosing the amount. In April 2026 it announced the close of its debut Fund I at more than USD 22.8 million, above a USD 20 million target. Wamda and Mubasher reported that the fund had invested in five companies before the final close. Coverage describes the fund's investors only as regional and international, and no limited partners are named.
In September 2026 TechScoop reported that AÏZA raised a USD 5 million Series A led by BECO Capital, with Homegrown Ventures and Surge, the Peak XV fund, taking part. AÏZA's total disclosed funding was USD 8 million.
Leadership
- Nader Amiri, Co-founder and General Partner
- Ahmad Shamieh, Co-founder and General Partner
- Nader Amiri, Co-founder
- Bashar Ajami, Commercial Director
- Ahmad Shamieh, Co-founder
- Imraan Karim, Associate
- Salvatore Caizzone, Venture Partner
- Nawaf Alrajhi, Venture Partner