The UAE-based conglomerate has diversified into direct VC investments, and will put half the cash into MENA-based companies.

Diversified United Arab Emirates-based conglomerate Crescent Enterprises has formed a venture capital fund that will invest up to $150m, Gulf News reported on Wednesday.

Crescent oversees a range of businesses including port operator Gulftainer, logistics services provider Momentum Logistics, aviation services subsidiary Gama Aviation and turnkey engineering and construction business Uruk.

The firm also makes private equity investments and operates a social impact-focused business incubator.

CEO Badr Jafar said Crescent has already begun making VC investments and has so far…