885 Capital

885 Capital is a UAE-based investment firm founded by entrepreneurs Sudeep Ramnani and Jai Mahtani. The firm is guided by a long-term, conviction-driven approach, leveraging the founders' direct experience in building successful companies. The founders' journey began after graduating during the global financial crisis, independently establishing successful manufacturing and distribution businesses in West Africa before partnering. Together, they co-founded and invested in numerous technology businesses across fintech, gaming, media, and enterprise software, with a focus on emerging markets. Their notable ventures include launching the i-Cash payments technology, being early investors in Paystack (acquired by Stripe), and co-founding the financial super app PalmPay.

Now headquartered in Dubai, 885 Capital operates as an extension of the founders' entrepreneurial endeavors, using their own capital, network, and insights to support other founders. The firm primarily targets innovative, founder-led businesses in the global sports and technology industries. Its portfolio includes investments in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), the European League of Football (ELF), food technology company Voyage Foods, and Blue Crow Sports Group, which owns clubs like CD Leganés and Cancún FC. Additionally, 885 Capital has backed fintech companies such as Alaan, a comprehensive spend management platform in the Middle East. The firm also diversifies its portfolio with investments in other sectors, including high-end real estate projects in the UAE and other key global locations.

Keywords: founder-led investment, sports technology, venture capital, fintech investment, emerging markets, private equity, entrepreneurial capital, conviction-driven investing, sports leagues, real estate investment, Sudeep Ramnani, Jai Mahtani, PFL, Alaan, Blue Crow Sports Group, Voyage Foods, European League of Football, tech startups, growth capital, founder backing