The new $20 million fund aims to develop a technological entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan and strengthen the country's position in the regional venture market.

The creation of the Domino Uzbekistan venture fund with anchor financing from UzVC represents an important milestone in developing Uzbekistan's innovation ecosystem. This initiative aims to attract international expertise and capital to support promising technology startups within the country. The fund will facilitate the integration of Uzbek startups into the global innovation ecosystem and provide access to international markets.

The partnership with Domino Ventures, which has extensive experience working with high-tech startups in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe, will allow Uzbek entrepreneurs to access proven business development methodologies and international investor networks. This collaboration will also ensure the transfer of best practices in venture investing to the local ecosystem. Domino already has experience investing in Uzbek startups such as TassVision, Datatruck, and PointAI.

The new venture fund will concentrate its investments on early-stage technology companies, including pre-seed and seed rounds. Priority investment areas will include fintech, agritech, educational technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital solutions for the public sector.

The investment strategy encompasses not only financial support for startups but also comprehensive project support at all development stages. The fund will provide portfolio companies with access to mentoring support, corporate governance expertise, marketing strategies and opportunities for international expansion.

Special attention will be paid to startups developing solutions for the digital transformation of traditional sectors of Uzbekistan's economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and government services. This approach will ensure value creation not only for investors but for the national economy as a whole.

The launch of an international venture fund creates an important precedent for venture industry development in Uzbekistan. This initiative demonstrates the local startup ecosystem's need for integration with global venture markets. The presence of an international partner will raise standards for evaluating investment opportunities and introduce advanced venture capital management practices.

The partnership also contributes to forming a culture of institutional investment in innovation, which is critically important for the long-term development of technological entrepreneurship in the country. Successful cases from the joint fund will create a demonstration effect and attract additional international investors to the Uzbek market.

Furthermore, the fund will play a catalytic role in developing the supporting infrastructure of the venture ecosystem, including accelerators, business incubators, mentoring programs, and educational entrepreneurship initiatives.

Creating a venture fund jointly with Domino Ventures aligns with strategic priorities of state policy for economic diversification and high-tech sector development. Investments in innovative startups will contribute to creating highly qualified jobs, increasing export potential in information technology, and raising the overall level of technological culture in the country.

The fund will also contribute to human capital development through supporting startups in educational technologies and professional training. This will create a multiplier effect for the entire economy, ensuring the preparation of personnel ready to work in digital economy conditions.

Dilshod Hashimov, CEO of UzVC, expressed the following opinion: “UzVC considers the partnership with Domino Ventures as the first step toward creating a broader network of international venture partnerships. Successful implementation of this project will open opportunities to attract additional international capital and expertise, allowing for scaled support of innovative entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan.

Plans include expanding the fund's investment geography to neighboring Central Asian markets, which will allow Uzbek startups to access a broader regional market. This partnership also creates a foundation for developing cross-border technology projects and exchanging best practices between regional venture ecosystems.

The launch of the first international venture fund in Uzbekistan represents an important milestone in developing the national innovation ecosystem and confirms the country's readiness for active participation in global technological development processes.”