Daoversal first Blockchain AI startup to graduate from Dubai’s DIFC metaverse accelerator program

Daoversal first Blockchain AI startup to graduate from Dubai’s DIFC metaverse accelerator program

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), announced graduation of its first metaverse cohort of 10 regional and global start-ups as part of its ‘DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Programme, which included blockchain Web3 Social ecosystem platform startup Daoversal. 

The news follows the launch of DIFC’s Metaverse Platform earlier this year, in line with the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which aims to add USD 4bn to Dubai’s GDP, support 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030, and attract 1,000 companies specialised in blockchain and metaverse technologies. At the time DIFC had noted it would choose 50 startups, yet it seems that only 10 have graduated. The inaugural ‘DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Programme’ was the first initiative announced under the ‘DIFC Metaverse Platform’ umbrella, and attracted over 160 applicants from the UAE, UK, US, India and France, with a focus on primarily Metaverse, AI, Web3, AR/VR and Blockchain sectors.The ‘DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Programme’, backed by programme partners Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), DP World, and Daoverse Capital, onboarded 10 promising start-ups on 5 June 2023 with 3 months of intense bootcamp workshops to follow.Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of the DIFC Innovation Hub, said, “Earlier this year, Dubai’s Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy endorsed the DIFC Metaverse Platform, positioning DIFC as the first government entity globally to champion an integrated Metaverse hub. To see the DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Programme come to fruition as part of that initiative with over 160 international applicants, a network of over 60 ecosystem partners, and 10 talented start-ups graduating already is encouraging and will no doubt inspire others to join us as we together embark on our next phase of growth.”Among the startups selected were Artichoke Labs, a spatial computing company specialising in creating city-scale augmented reality applications; Cognitive Technologies, experts in establishing Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks to enable both hardware and software automation; Daoversal, an expansive blockchain-based Web3 social ecosystem platform; and DoDocs, which is building a service to generate legal documents in any language for any country or jurisdiction for both individuals and businesses.In addition there was Duverse, a start-up involved in developing and implementing advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions; Evometa, a boutique digital studio providing Metaverse-as-a-service solutions for enterprises in real estate, hospitality, industrial and automotive markets; and Flan, engaged in creating micro communities for clients and creative workers to meet, Intelligent Assist and ShopDoc, two digital healthcare delivery platforms, and GoPal, a revolutionary Metaverse-based EdTech Platform.

UAE Crypto Oasis partners with Swiss Crypto Valley for WEB3FEST 2023 6 day festival

UAE Crypto Oasis partners with Swiss Crypto Valley for WEB3FEST 2023 6 day festival

UAE Crypto Oasis partners with Swiss Crypto Valley for WEB3FEST 2023 6 day festival between September 12th-17th in Zug and Zurich.

The Swiss WEB3FEST serves as a testament to their shared vision of ushering in the future of the internet. Crypto Valley, known for its pioneering role in blockchain and decentralized technologies in Switzerland and Lichtenstein, and the Crypto Oasis in MENA, a thriving hub for innovation, growth, and advancement, come together to present an event that encapsulates the essence of Web3.

Web3 encapsulates the upcoming phase of the internet, encompassing a spectrum of cutting-edge technologies including AI, Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, Gaming, Sustainability, IoT, Metaverse, NFTs, and beyond.

Ralf Glabischnig, initiator of WEB3FEST, commented: “Our vision for this festival is to combine the exceptional potential of both Crypto Valley and Crypto Oasis. Switzerland is an outstanding location for founders looking to provide a regulatory home for their blockchain and Web3 startups. The Middle East offers a brilliant platform for these startups to scale internationally. With the launch of WEB3FEST, we aim to establish an annual Web3 event series worldwide.”

The festival sets off from September 12th to immerse participants and attendees in a dynamic journey through the diverse themes that define the Web3 realm.

NFT ART DAY: The festival’s curtain raiser on September 12th in Zug, will be a comprehensive survey exhibition of the Swiss NFT art scene and the inauguration of the Swiss NFT Timeline.

Web3 Gaming and Metaverse: The event’s second day invites attendees to dive into the realm of Web3 gaming and Metaverse projects. Engage with innovators and founders while gaining a deeper understanding of Internet Computer’s role in shaping the future of gaming. This will be followed by a tribute concert to Amy Winehouse combined with an AI-generated experience at the renowned Volkshaus Zurich.

Sustainability and Innovation: On the third day, the spotlight shifts to sustainability, and the role of AI and Web3 in building it. The European launch of The Green Block initiative, which underscores the festival’s commitment to sustainability and lines up to the launch of the first The Green Block report leading up to COP28 in the UAE.

 

Deep Dive Crypto Valley: Day four unravels the history of Crypto Valley in Zug with a deep dive into the ecosystem, with a focus on protocols and regulated digital assets businesses, where attendees can connect with the minds behind this vibrant blockchain hub. Engage in discussions with opinion leaders and investors over an exclusive brunch, lunch, or dinner that follows.

Ecosystem Unconference: Saturday, September 16th is all about connection and collaboration and open to the public to showcase tangible products and experiences. The Ecosystem Unconference, together with the Swiss NFT Association, welcomes forward thinkers from various domains. The Entire FIVE Hotel Zurich will be divided into experience areas focusing on AI, DeFi, Education, Longevity, Sustainability, NFTs, Real-world Assets, Gaming, and the Metaverse. This day will also witness the unveiling of the FIVE Zurich Metaverse by Pulse World.

Curtain Closer: The grand finale of the WEB3FEST will be a Networking Event on Sunday at the FIVE in Zurich. Attendees will have the opportunity to network over brunch and later by the pool, providing a relaxed setting to reflect on the festival, forge new connections, and plan for the year ahead. It’s the perfect ending to a week of innovation and collaboration.

The Swiss WEB3FEST is initiated by Inacta Ventures, Crypto Oasis Ventures, The Crypto Valley Association, and Trust Square, co-hosted by The Internet Computer, and is supported by the City and Canton of Zug in Switzerland.

Prior to this Crypto Oasis had announced that the orbs for WorldCoin ID verification were present at the crypto Oasis DIFC Innovation Hub office in Dubai.

As per Crypto Oasis post on LinkedIn,” We are currently supporting Worldcoin’s launch and spread across the UAE. Worldcoin is dramatically increasing access to World ID—the digital identity protocol powered by the Worldcoin ecosystem.”

Ornella Hernandez from Web3TV got scanned by a Worldcoin “orb” and signed up for a digital ID via the World App.

WorldCoin had announced in July 2023 that its orbs were available in the UAE.

Saudi’s leading fintech entity, Geidea partners with two blockchain payment platforms in KSA

Saudi’s leading fintech entity, Geidea partners with two blockchain payment platforms in KSA

Saudi’s fintech entity Geidea just announced that it has partnered with UAE based Blockchainenabled payments platform Magnati, and FAB ( First Abu Dhabi Bank) to offer digital payments in KSA, this comes after Geidea had partnered with Blockchain payments platform WadzPay in 2022.

As per the recent announcement, The collaboration has the potential to be transformative in the Saudi payments space and is set to create exceptional value for clients, bridging the gap between advanced financial solutions and accessibility, while ensuring enhanced affordability, said the statement.

With a focus on innovation and technology, Magnati offers Payment as a Platform services that cater to a wide range of industries and businesses, encompassing integrated payment solutions, secure transaction processing, and comprehensive e-commerce solutions.

Launched in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2008, Geidea provides over 700,000 payment terminals (POS) across the region and serves over 139,000 trusted merchants including regional and international brands, SMEs as well as e-commerce players.

Magnati CEO Ramana Kumar said the Geidea collaboration is a testament to its commitment to serving the clients’ expansion goals in Saudi Arabia. Kumar added, “Together, we aim to revolutionise the payment landscape by introducing innovative solutions, seamless integrations, and unparalleled customer experiences. Leveraging Geidea’s innovation and Magnati’s fintech expertise, we are poised to unlock the full potential of digital payments.”

Geidea Chief Business Officer Abdullah Alshowier expressed delight at the strategic alliance sealed with FAB and Magnati to support clients in Saudi Arabia. “This collaboration will empower merchants with Geidea’s state-of-the-art payment solutions, seamlessly accepting a wide spectrum of digital payments through a unified platform. We are enthusiastic about collaborating with FAB and Magnati to drive innovation, amplify services, and extend our collective presence in the GCC region,” he added.

In June 2022 Magnati had launched its MetaV, a virtual marketplace that that provides users with richer visual and sensory information, as well as improved quality of information to shop, learn, play games, attend concerts and more online.

The platform built on Magnati’s blockchain aims to accelerate the move from two-dimensional to multi-dimensional online commerce by enabling consumers to experience e-commerce in a new, immersive way.

Prior to that Geidea had expanded its operations into the United Arab Emirates and through a partnership with  Magnati.

But this is not the first partnership between Geidea and a blockchain enabled payments platform. Prior to this in November 2022, Geidea partnered with UAE based WadzPay,a blockchain enabled payments platform as well.  Geidea utilized WadzPay technology for the issuance of an e-money wallet, specifically for Hajj and Umrah, to be used in over one million point-of-sale (POS) terminals deployed across multiple merchants throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

WadzPay blockchain-based payment solutions allow Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to set up their own e-Money wallets on their mobile devices to be used for their expenses. Once the wallet is loaded, the pilgrim is ready to spend in Saudi Arabia with lower transaction fees and a user-friendly refund process.

The product is in final live testing and will be licensed soon. According to a tweet last week by WadzPay community member, “ We are getting closer to launch in KSA as licenses ad testing are in the final stretch. Q3 will see live terminals on WadzPay platform.”

So Geidea is moving forward with enabling blockchain digital asset payments from two major players in the region.

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island launches its virtual metaverse island with visiting avatars

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island launches its virtual metaverse island with visiting avatars

In collaboration with both the UAE Abu Dhabi department of Culture and Tourism, Al Dar, Miral, twofour54, and Ethara, Yas Island has launches its virtual platform with digital avatars as visitors. The virtual platform is set to showcase Abu Dhabi as a leading tourism destination.

The virtual Yas Island experience was developed by Super League and breaks through on Roblox, accessible at Yas Island Tycoon – Roblox. Users’ digital avatars take a journey through key Abu Dhabi landmarks on Yas Island and beyond, including SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Aldar Square, twofour54’s Yas Creative Hub, and an Experience Abu Dhabi dedicated area featuring Louvre Abu Dhabi, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Ain Oasis and Al Jahili Fort. Participants will be able to traverse the 25-square-kilometre virtual site and experience a playable, socially engaging world designed to entertain and inform audiences globally.

Throughout a blend of interactive experiences, immersive environments, games, and soon to come one-of-a-kind events, players can explore and build cultural and entertainment attractions within Abu Dhabi. As users progress through the virtual destination and its attractions, they will experience more adventures such as theme park rides, driving across Yas Island in race cars and constructing virtual homes. Customisable avatars and surprise awards are part of every player’s personalised adventure. The gamified experience will continually evolve with new partnerships and experiences.

His Excellency Saeed Al Fazari, Strategic Affairs Executive Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, stated, “This immersive adventure in the virtual realm is the latest example of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to utilising innovation and creativity to reach ever wider audiences. While we have shared Abu Dhabi with millions of visitors in the real world, today marks the start of a new phase in our journey. Everyone, wherever they are, can experience the emirate from the comfort of their own home. At DCT Abu Dhabi, we have been on a mission to progress, protect and promote the emirate as a leading tourism destination, and by offering virtual experiences, we aim to share Abu Dhabi with the world in a new way, inspiring curiosity and excitement about everything the UAE capital has to offer.”  

Rashed Al Omaira, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldar Development, said: “The virtual Yas Island experience unlocks new opportunities for a global audience to explore the island as a world-class destination to live, visit, and work. The effective use of innovative content creation not only enables us to tell the story of Abu Dhabi but also allows people around the world to become immersed in it. We are excited to see people interact with Aldar’s assets on Yas Island in the virtual world and hope it inspires them to take a trip to Abu Dhabi soon.”

Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, said: “At Ethara, our ambition is to be the gatekeepers of first-to-market events and to unlock unique opportunities in events, activations, and entertainment. We are delighted to be part of this unique and innovative experience and are proud to be leading the way for the event industry in the region. The virtual Yas Island experience is in line with both our vision at Ethara and Yas Island’s to highlight itself as a global creative hub and leading entertainment destination. We are constantly seeking ways to deliver thrilling experiences for our fans, and delivering moments that matter.”

South Korea’s Blockchain gaming entity Wemade onboards UAE Game company

South Korea’s Blockchain gaming entity Wemade onboards UAE Game company

South Korea’s Blockchain, NFT, metaverse game developer and publisher WeMade  has signed onboarding agreements with several domestic and international game companies for the blockchain game platform “WEMIX Play.” One of those is a UAE game company, Project Seed, which will be working on a fantasy action role playing game RPG titled Outland Odyssey.

The game should be released in third quarter of this year.

WeMade added that WEMIX Play has currently over 100 blockchain games linked in its network.

Earlier this year WEMADE, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KSA based Nine66, a Savvy Games Group (“Savvy”) company, to drive the development of the gaming industry in Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, in January 2023, WEMADE announced the establishment of a subsidiary in Abu Dhabi in the UAE, another gaming hub and plans to open another branch in MENA region and work with local projects and companies.

DIFC Innovation Hub launches subsidized licenses for Web3, AI, and DLT technology companies

DIFC Innovation Hub launches subsidized licenses for Web3, AI, and DLT technology companies

The Dubai AI and Web 3.0 Campus, situated in Dubai International Financia Centre, announced that it will be issuing artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 licenses supporting activities ranging from Distributed Ledger Technology Services (DLT), specialised Artificial Intelligence Research & consultancies, IT infrastructure builders, Technology Research and Development and Public Networking Services.

Licenses will be issued by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, which is currently home to an established ecosystem of tech enablers and start-ups at the DIFC Innovation Hub.

The Dubai AI and Web 3.0 Campus is a dedicated campus for AI and Web3 innovation and will provide state-of-the-art physical and digital infrastructure within the DIFC Innovation One new premises, including R&D facilities, accelerator programmes and collaborative workspaces, to attract, build and scale firms in the region. 

The campus was launched earlier this year and is supported by Dubai’s industry-leading regulatory regime aligned with the emirate’s vision of becoming a global leader in AI and Web3. This initiative is designed to bring in $300 million in funds and create more than 3,000 jobs in the next five years.

The campus will also increase accessibility and participation in Web3 development, backed by a collection of underlying technologies such as blockchain, AI, internet of things and the metaverse. Virtual assets owned in Web3 decentralised infrastructures represented about 40 per cent of the virtual-asset global economy in 2021, according to a report by BCG, and the transaction value of virtual assets is said to range between USD150 billion and USD300 billion by 2025. 

Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Innovation Hub, said: “We are thrilled to announce that we are now granting innovative AI and Web3 companies licenses out of DIFC. The campus will foster a world-class nurturing environment that enables business growth and development. We are confident that by granting these licenses, we will attract more global talent and investment to the region and create a culture of collaboration and innovation. This is a notable milestone for the Dubai AI and Web3 Campus and will strengthen Dubai’s position as the business destination of choice for technology-focused companies and attract more world class talent and diversified investors to the region.”

Samsung launches its new devices on UAE’s e& universe metaverse

Samsung launches its new devices on UAE’s e& universe metaverse

Samsung Gulf Electronics has hosted its Galaxy Unpacke event in UAE’s e& metaverse. The event will allow users to pre order their favourite Galaxy devices in the virtual space and take advantage of the exciting pre-order offers on the new devices as well as exciting pre-order offers Samsung is rolling out on the new devices across UAE and the wider GCC. These include free storage capacity upgrades, free Samsung Care+ support service, trade-in benefits, Samsung Rewards as well as free mobile accessories.

At the Galaxy Unpacked event that took place in Korea for the first time, Samsung unveiled a slew of new devices that included the Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Tab S9 Series and the Galaxy Watch6 Series. This was the first time Samsung took to the metaverse and partnered with a global technology group such as e& to host a unique activation.

Commenting on the occasion, Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, etisalat by e&, said: “At e&, we are committed to fostering partnerships that drive innovation. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Samsung and host its global Unpacked event in the e& universe, showcasing the full potential of our revolutionary metaverse. Bringing together various zones of boundless possibilities, the launch of e& universe is set to reshape the way we interact, explore and create, offering all our users a truly immersive experience. With our shared commitment to redefining possibilities, we are excited to embark on this journey and shape the future of the metaverse.”

DooHee Lee, President, Samsung Gulf Electronics, said: “The unwavering support from our technology partners, such as e&, especially during flagship product launches is truly encouraging. At Samsung, we constantly strive to challenge boundaries, foster forward-looking thinking, and encourage open collaboration with industry leaders. Hosting our global Galaxy Unpacked event in the e& universe has truly been a milestone; we look forward to more of such exciting collaborations and bringing the best of technology to our users.”

Hosted virtually in Arcadia Planitia, a virtual place on Mars, e& universe is a strategic and ambitious tribute to the UAE’s national space strategy and the success of the Hope Probe mission, the first mission led by an Arab country. e& universe invites users into a vibrant and dynamic digital realm, offering a multitude of exciting areas to explore and enjoy including e& universe Virtual Home, e& universe Shop and e& universe Arena & Stadium.

Abu Dhabi’s twofour54, and UAE ADNEC Group to build metaverse enabled film studio

Abu Dhabi’s twofour54, and UAE ADNEC Group to build metaverse enabled film studio

Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 part of  UAE’s ADNEC Group, plan to build a major film studio – ‘twofour54 Studios’ to span over 100 acres, twofour54 Studios will be a future-proof, virtual production-ready, metaverse-enabled and fully-fledged production destination, addressing high demand in the regional and global production landscape. 

Spanning 400,000 sqm (4,400,000 sqft), twofour54 Studios will boast an impressive range of features including 11 best-in-class soundstages, a 3,000 sqm (32,000 sqft) exterior water tank and six versatile standing sets offering filmmakers ample opportunities for inventive storytelling. Complementing this lot will be 7,000 sqm (over 75,000 sqft) of office space and an array of other production facilities, encompassing post-production, permanent tenancies and screening rooms. At twofour54 Studios, every aspect has been carefully designed to foster an environment that nurtures creativity and ensures a seamless and efficient production process.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Board Member, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “The creative industries have been identified as one of Abu Dhabi’s priority sectors given the important economic and social value they create. We are proud to drive Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a leading global destination for content creation through twofour54 Studios. It will take film and TV production to the next level, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy following its completion in 2025.”

“twofour54 has facilitated thousands of productions over the last 15 years, establishing a compelling track record and building a deep expertise of the global film industry’s demands. Leveraging this invaluable experience, twofour54 identified an opportunity in the MENA region – the demand for an integrated, future-ready production destination. We remain steadfast in our mission to foster creativity, nurture talent and provide a world-class platform where visionaries can bring their cinematic dreams to life.”  said Mark Whitehead, CEO of twofour54.

Swiss Blockchain Web3 Infrastructure provider Buildrs opens office in UAE and onboards first project

Swiss Blockchain Web3 Infrastructure provider Buildrs opens office in UAE and onboards first project

Swiss based Buildrs, a blockchain, metaverse and Web3 infrastructure provider has announced that it has opened a location in the UAE and is embarking on its first project with its first customers.

Buildrs is specialized in the virtual economy, blockchain, and gamification. Buildrs mission is to accelerate the adoption of Web3. Virtual assets, digital ownership, co-creation, and transparency are at the core of the experiences we build.

The company develops a portfolio of products and use cases across various industries as real estate, hospitality, entertainment, and gaming. Buildrs empower them using the original platform, which covers all aspects of virtual assets, the virtual economy, and the Metaverse.

Viktor Andreas, Founder and CEO of Buildrs stated in a LinkedIN video, “ We are very excited to be here in Dubai and continue our journey providing Web3 infrastructure which we have started three years ago in Swtizerland. UAE has created one of the most innovative and best envionments for Web3 innovation. We are happy to announce that we are setting up our location in the UAE. We have met wonderful people, in Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, and Dubai and we believe this is one th best locations now and in the future to innovate to collaborate and create the future by leveraging Web3 technology, New project and onboarding new customers, engaged in Web3 ecosystem.. we are here to stay.”

In their LinkedIn post Buildrs states, “Our commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions remains as strong as ever. Our team is working tirelessly to understand the unique needs and challenges of businesses in the UAE. We are collaborating with local partners, participating in regional events, and leveraging digital tools to ensure we are as present and active as possible.”

Prior to the move to the UAE, Buildrs had visited and participated in various events in the UAE. The company was impressed with UAE’s unwavering government support expecially initiatives like Hub71 and the crypto ecosystem in Dubai with Crypto Oasis.

The were also impressed with the favourable regulatory landscape and it is their visit that reinforced their belief in the potential of the UAE to becoming a center of Web3 innovation.

Saudi Venture Capital invests in Web3 digital asset fund by UAE Shorooq Partners

Saudi Venture Capital invests in Web3 digital asset fund by UAE Shorooq Partners

The Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) has invested $30 million in the $150 million Bedaya Fund II, managed by UAE Shorooq Partners to back early-stage startups with a focus on fintech, digital assets, Web3, Metaverse, DeFi, and other areas.

At the launch of Bedaya Fund II, in a press release Shane Shin founding partner at Shorooq Partners stated,  “We have always been early movers, be that robo-advisory, crowdfunding, SME lending, open banking, card issuer processing, and so forth. We believe Web 3.0 models like DeFi, NFT, Metaverse are going to be the key players in the next iteration of online business.”

Bedaya Fund II is an early stage venture capital fund managed by Shorooq Partners. The fund is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and invests in Northern Africa, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan. The fund targets investments in the fintech and software sectors.

On Pitchbook they benchmark the Bedaya II fund against EchoVC Chain Blockchain Fund,  an early-stage venture capital fund managed by EchoVC Partners, located in Lagos, Nigeria which invests in Africa. The fund targets cryptocurrency/blockchain sectors.

The subscription agreement between Saudi Venture Capital and Shorooq Partners was signed by Dr. Nabeel Koshak, CEO and Board Member at SVC, and Mahmoud Adi, Founding Partner at Shorooq Partners.

Dr. Koshak commented: “The investment in Bedaya Fund II by Shorooq Partners is part of SVC’s Investment in Funds Program to support the growth of the VC ecosystem in Saudi Arabia for all stages and to fill financing gaps for early stages. SVC’s expansion in investing in early-stage funds comes as a result of the recent support from the SME Bank to increase the investment capital of SVC, leading to a total investment capital of $1.6 billion.”

Mahmoud Adi added: “We are privileged to have SVC as a strategic investor to Bedaya Fund II, again after our partnership in the prior fund (Bedaya Fund I). This commitment highlights the increasing confidence in Saudi Arabia’s thriving startup ecosystem. With our persistent focus in Saudi Arabia and leadership position across the Middle East, Bedaya Fund II is well-positioned to support the growth and innovation of early-stage startups.

SVC is a government investment company established in 2018 and is a subsidiary of the SME Bank, one the development banks affiliated to the National Development Fund. SVC aims to stimulate and sustain financing for startups and SMEs from pre-Seed to pre-IPO by investing $1.6 billion through investment in funds and co-investment in startups. SVC invested in 38 funds that have invested in 674 companies through 1,257 deals.