ISSF Invests $7M in Endeavor Catalyst V to Support Jordan Startups

Jordan is taking another step toward strengthening its startup ecosystem.

The Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF) has invested $7 million in Endeavor Catalyst V, a $300 million co-investment vehicle focused on backing high-growth companies across emerging markets. The investment marks the beginning of ISSF’s second growth phase following the completion of its first investment cycle, which ran through 2025 and earned the highest performance rating from the World Bank, the fund's principal shareholder.

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

Why Is ISSF Investing in Endeavor Catalyst V?

The partnership is designed to address one of the biggest challenges facing Jordanian startups: access to growth-stage capital.

While Jordan has produced a growing pipeline of technology startups, many founders face funding gaps as they move beyond early-stage fundraising and seek capital for regional or global expansion.

Through its $7 million commitment, ISSF aims to connect Jordanian entrepreneurs with international venture capital networks while attracting additional foreign investment into the Kingdom's innovation economy.

According to the parties involved, the partnership will create a direct pathway for promising Jordanian startups to access global investors, strategic networks, and follow-on funding opportunities.

What Does Endeavor Catalyst V Bring to Jordan's Startup Ecosystem?

Endeavor Catalyst V is a $300 million co-investment fund that invests alongside leading venture capital firms in high-growth startups operating across more than 60 countries.

Unlike sector-specific funds, Endeavor Catalyst follows an entrepreneur-first investment strategy, targeting scalable businesses across industries including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Enterprise Software
• Fintech
• Digital Commerce
• HealthTech
• Logistics
• Deep Technology

The fund leverages Endeavor's global network, which spans hundreds of founders, investors, and business leaders across emerging markets.

For Jordanian startups, access to this ecosystem could significantly improve opportunities to raise international funding rounds and accelerate market expansion.

How Does This Fit Into Jordan's Startup Growth Strategy?

Jordan has increasingly positioned itself as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and technology talent.

The country's startup ecosystem has produced notable founders and technology companies that have attracted international attention despite operating in a relatively small domestic market.

Key Metric	Value
ISSF Investment in Endeavor Catalyst V	$7 million
Endeavor Catalyst V Fund Size	$300 million
Countries Covered by Endeavor Catalyst	60+
Endeavor Presence in Jordan	Since 2009
Replit Valuation	$9 billion
ISSF First Investment Cycle	Through 2025

The new investment aligns with broader regional efforts to strengthen venture capital ecosystems across the Middle East. Similar initiatives have emerged from innovation hubs such as Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and Saudi Arabia's NEOM ecosystem, all of which are seeking to attract global capital and support technology-driven economic growth.

What Does Replit's Success Reveal About Jordan's Startup Potential?

One of Endeavor Catalyst's most notable portfolio successes is Replit, the AI-powered software development platform founded by Jordanian entrepreneurs Amjad Masad and Haya Odeh.

Replit achieved a $9 billion valuation, becoming one of the most prominent startup success stories connected to Jordanian talent.

The company's rapid growth highlights a broader trend across emerging markets: world-class technology companies can be built by founders from smaller ecosystems when they gain access to global capital, mentorship, and international networks.

For investors, Replit serves as evidence that high-potential startups can emerge from Jordan and scale into globally recognized technology companies.

What Does the Partnership Mean for Jordanian Founders?

According to ISSF CEO Mohammad Al-Muhtasib, the investment will help strengthen Jordan's entrepreneurial ecosystem and further develop the country's venture capital landscape.

Meanwhile, Allen Taylor emphasized the importance of maintaining long-term investment conviction in emerging markets.

Endeavor has operated in Jordan since 2009, making it the organization's first market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Over multiple investment cycles, the firm has continued backing entrepreneurs in the country, reinforcing its belief that sustained engagement creates stronger investment opportunities and ecosystem outcomes.

As Jordan enters the next phase of startup ecosystem development, the ISSF-Endeavor Catalyst partnership could play a critical role in bridging the gap between local innovation and global capital markets.

 

 

FAQ

1. Why did ISSF invest in Endeavor Catalyst V?
ISSF invested $7 million in Endeavor Catalyst V to improve access to international venture capital for Jordanian startups and help bridge growth-stage funding gaps.

2. How large is Endeavor Catalyst V?
Endeavor Catalyst V is a $300 million co-investment fund that supports high-growth companies across emerging markets.

3. How will Jordanian startups benefit from this partnership?
Jordanian founders gain greater access to global investors, follow-on funding opportunities, international networks, and potential expansion into regional and global markets.

4. What is Endeavor's history in Jordan?
Endeavor entered Jordan in 2009, making it the organization's first market in the MENA region, and has remained active through multiple investment cycles.

5. What successful Jordanian-founded company has Endeavor Catalyst backed?
Endeavor Catalyst invested in Replit, the AI software development platform founded by Amjad Masad and Haya Odeh, which achieved a $9 billion valuation.