The investment marks the launch of ISSF’s second phase and aims to connect Jordanian startups with international venture capital networks.

Jordan’s Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF) committed USD 7 million to Endeavor Catalyst V. This is a global co-investment fund exceeding USD 300 million. The move aims to channel more international venture capital into Jordan’s startup ecosystem.

The investment was announced in Amman in the presence of Jordan’s Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smirat. The investment comes as ISSF begins the second phase of its operations after concluding its first investment cycle in 2025.

Why You Should Care

Access to growth-stage capital remains one of the biggest challenges facing startups across Jordan and the wider MENA region. While early-stage funding has expanded in recent years, many companies still struggle to secure the larger rounds needed to scale internationally.

By investing in Endeavor Catalyst V, ISSF is creating a pathway for Jordanian startups to connect with a global network of investors and growth-stage funding opportunities. The partnership is expected to help bridge funding gaps for companies seeking regional and international expansion.

The move also signals Jordan’s continued efforts to position itself as a competitive destination for entrepreneurship and venture capital.

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The partnership and investment agreement was inked by Mohammad Al-Muhtasib, CEO of ISSF, and Allen Taylor, Managing Partner of Endeavor Catalyst.

Endeavor Catalyst is the co-investment fund of Endeavor, the global entrepreneurship network that supports high-growth founders across more than 60 countries. The fund focuses on backing companies in emerging markets. 

According to ISSF, the investment represents the first step in its second operational phase following a first phase that ran through 2025.  

Mohammad Al-Muhtasib, CEO of ISSF, said the investment would enable the fund to continue strengthening Jordan’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. It will also support the development of the Kingdom’s venture capital landscape.

For Endeavor Catalyst, Jordan remains a key market. ISSF’s participation reflects a shared commitment to supporting high-impact companies in the Kingdom. It also highlights Endeavor’s long-term presence in Jordan since entering the country in 2009 as its first market in the MENA region.

“Since Endeavor entered Jordan in 2009 as its first market in the MENA region, we have been committed across several investment cycles, reinforcing our belief that a sustained presence creates the strongest investment opportunities and insights,”

Allen Taylor, Managing Partner at Endeavor Investment Fund

One example of Endeavor’s investment track record is Replit, the AI-powered software development company founded by Jordanian entrepreneurs Amjad Masad and Haya Odeh. The company has reached a valuation of approximately USD 9 billion, demonstrating the potential for Jordanian-founded ventures to achieve global scale.

Endeavor Catalyst has also previously invested in several Jordanian startups, including Tamatem Games, Altibbi, Eon Dental, Tarjama, and Wazn HR.

The Ripple

The partnership could have implications beyond individual startups. Increased connectivity between Jordanian founders and international investors may attract more foreign capital into the local ecosystem. It can also strengthen the country’s venture capital market and encourage regional funds to explore similar partnerships.

The announcement also highlights a broader trend across MENA. This is a trend where government-backed investment vehicles are increasingly using fund-of-funds strategies. This is to connect local entrepreneurs with global capital pools rather than relying solely on domestic financing.

What to Watch

The key question now is how much of Endeavor Catalyst V’s capital ultimately finds its way into Jordanian startups.

As ISSF enters its second phase, investors and founders will be watching whether the partnership translates into larger growth-stage rounds, more cross-border investments, and a new generation of Jordanian startups capable of scaling into global markets.