Warning Status for Iran’s VC Ecosystem: Analysis of the 2025–2026 Challenges

Avatar for mohamad reza mohmmadiMohamad Reza Mohmmadi
The recurring crises over the past two years have pushed Iran’s Venture Capital (VC) ecosystem into a state of “alert.” To provide a precise assessment of the situation, the Iran Venture Capital Association (IVCA) has summarized the expert insights of key industry players, originally featured in an exclusive interview with Zoomit. This report highlights the perspectives of Sajjad Zavvar (Secretary of the IVCA), Hassan Zali (CEO of Soroush Sepehr Investment Company), and Mahdi Sadat Hayat-Shahi (CEO of the Creative Industries Research and Technology Fund). ... Read more

Gap Between the “Spirit of the Knowledge-Based Production Law” and Its Implementation / Latest Update on Domestic Insulin Production

Avatar for mohamad reza mohmmadiMohamad Reza Mohmmadi
Iran’s corporate venture capital (CVC) ecosystem is undergoing a strategic shift, moving from an exclusive focus on cutting-edge technologies toward addressing the country’s urgent and strategic needs—particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. Amin Pirayesh, Vice Chairman of the Corporate Research and Technology Funds Commission, stated that investment priorities have been redefined in response to current economic conditions and international sanctions. “In previous years, our focus was primarily on artificial intelligence and advanced pharmaceutical technologies. Today, however, national priorities require us to concentrate more on essential and strategic products such as insulin, which is critical for the country’s healthcare system,” he said. ... Read more

VC Investment Challenges in Iran: From Internet Disruptions to Policy Exclusion

Avatar for mohamad reza mohmmadiMohamad Reza Mohmmadi
The secretary of Iran’s Venture Capital Association has outlined the structure of the association and the current state of investment in Iran’s innovation ecosystem, saying that more than 16 trillion tomans in venture capital investment were carried out across 220 contracts in 1403. However, events such as internet outages and social unrest reduced sales for technology companies, while the absence of industry representatives in government decision-making processes has further intensified the sector’s challenges ... Read more

Mohammad Younesi Appointed as Head of the Legal Committee of the Iran Venture Capital Association

Avatar for mohamad reza mohmmadiMohamad Reza Mohmmadi
In a move to strengthen the legal infrastructure of the national venture capital ecosystem, Mohammad Younesi has been appointed as the Head of the Legal Committee of the Iran Venture Capital Association (IVCA), as approved by the Board of Directors. The appointment, announced by Seyed Mohammad Hossein Sajadi-Niri, Chairman of the Board of the IVCA, acknowledges Mr. Younesi’s professional expertise and extensive background in legal affairs. He will serve in this capacity until the end of the current (seventh) term of the Association’s Board. ... Read more

Corporate Venture Capital: The Frontline of Economic Resilience / The Missing Link in CVC Development is the “Partnership” Culture

Avatar for mohamad reza mohmmadiMohamad Reza Mohmmadi
Amin Esfandiary, Head of the Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) Funds Commission of the Iran National Innovation Fund and CEO of Hamrahe Aval CVC, highlighted the crucial role of CVCs in Iran’s economic resilience amidst recent national and international challenges. He emphasized that in times of crisis and sanctions, CVCs, due to their direct links with parent holding companies and industries, can play a more active role in solving technological issues and ensuring the continuity of industrial operations. ... Read more

Internet Outages and Collateral Crisis: Severe Threats to Iran’s Crowdfunding Ecosystem

Avatar for mohamad reza mohmmadiMohamad Reza Mohmmadi
Mehrdad Yazdani, CEO of the financing platform “Ifand” and a board member of the National Venture Capital Association’s financing commission, has highlighted critical challenges facing Iran’s crowdfunding ecosystem in an exclusive interview with Iranian Startup. He warns that a combination of a collateral crisis, recurrent internet disruptions, and weak support mechanisms is inflicting severe damage on innovation and the knowledge-based economy ... Read more