Venture Capital in Iran
Comprehensive insights and real data from the 2023 National VC Report
Members Growth Over Time
The Iranian Venture Capital Association (IVCA) has experienced significant growth, expanding from just 14 members in 2012 to over 150 in 2023. This rapid increase reflects the growing interest and support for technology and innovation financing in Iran. The average investment evaluation cycle has also improved, dropping from 80 days in 2021 to 51 days in 2023, indicating greater efficiency in the ecosystem.
| Year | Members |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 34 |
| 2017 | 54 |
| 2018 | 68 |
| 2019 | 85 |
| 2020 | 110 |
| 2021 | 130 |
| 2022 | 140 |
| 2023 | 151 |
Members by Activity
The ecosystem is diverse, with a variety of actors supporting startups and innovative companies. Technology Development Funds make up the largest share, followed by VC firms and accelerators. This diversity ensures a broad range of support mechanisms for entrepreneurs.
| Type | % |
|---|---|
| Tech Dev. Funds | 39 |
| VC Firms | 31 |
| Accelerators | 14 |
| Corporate VC | 5 |
| Public VC | 4 |
| Credit Enhancers | 4 |
| Fin. Services | 3 |
Ownership Structure
The majority of VC ecosystem members are privately owned, with a significant portion also classified as non-governmental. Public ownership remains minimal, highlighting the private sector's leading role in venture capital activities in Iran.
| Type | % |
|---|---|
| Private | 67 |
| Non-Governmental | 32 |
| Public | 1 |
Contract Types
Equity contracts are the most common form of investment, followed by project-based and crowdfunding contracts. Convertible notes are also used, though less frequently. This variety of contract types allows for flexibility in supporting different kinds of ventures.
| Type | % |
|---|---|
| Equity | 71 |
| Project-based | 13 |
| Crowdfunding | 9 |
| Convertible Notes | 6 |