Episodes

  • VC React Podcast (E19): More Global VCs In MENA, Talabat IPO, The AI Startup That Got Away, & More

    VC React Podcast (E19): More Global VCs In MENA, Talabat IPO, The AI Startup That Got Away, & More
    Nov 14 2024
    VC React Podcast: Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations! Hosts: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur. Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.vcpreneur.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fwdstart.me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Available on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Guests: 1. Omar Sati, Managing Partner @ Dash Ventures - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ojsati/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.dashventures.com/ 2. Yana El Dirani, Head of MENA @ Endeavor Catalyst - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-el-dirani/ - VC Firm Website: https://endeavor.org/ 3. Zafer Younis, Founder & CEO @ Silicon Valley Venture & Innovation (SVVI) - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaferyounis/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.svvi.co/ --- #startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatechange #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #DeFi --- News of the week brought to you by FWDstart. In Today's Episode: - Silicon Valley’s General Catalyst makes first investment into Saudi Arabia through fintech Lean Technologies Source: CNBC Summary: Silicon Valley venture capital firm General Catalyst has made its first investment in Saudi Arabia through fintech startup Lean Technologies, which just closed a Series B round worth $67.5 million. Lean Technologies’ fundraising round also saw participation from Bain Capital Ventures, Stanley Druckenmiller’s Duquesne Family Office, and Arbor Ventures, among others, bringing the Riyadh-based firm’s total funding to over $100 million to date. - Talabat Eyes IPO That May Value It More Than Delivery Hero Source: Bloomberg Summary: Delivery Hero SE’s Middle Eastern subsidiary is looking to diversify beyond its core business of food and groceries delivery, a top executive said, after the firm teed up a share sale that could value it more than its parent company. Talabat is eying verticals including health care, beauty, pharmacy, pet services and fintech, its Chief Executive Officer Tomaso Rodriguez said in an interview. Analysts at Emirates NBD said Talabat was debt free, compared to Delivery Hero’s $3.5 billion of borrowings, and operated in one of two regions that positively contributed to the German firm’s Ebitda in 2023. Delivery Hero is selling a 15% stake in the business. Investors can submit orders until Nov. 27, and shares are expected to start trading on or around Dec. 10. - Generative AI startup Writer raises $200M at a $1.9B valuation Source: Techcrunch Summary: Writer has raised $200 million at a $1.9 billion valuation to expand its enterprise-focused generative AI platform. Writer CEO May Habib says the new cash, which brings the startup’s total raised to $326 million, will be used for product development and “cementing the company’s leadership in the enterprise generative AI category.” Writer was founded in 2020 by Habib and Waseem AlShikh. - Astra Tech founder Abdallah Abu Sheikh is selling his stake, steps down as CEO Source: Gulfnews Summary: Abdallah Abu Sheikh, co-founder and CEO of Astra Tech, one of UAE’s high-profile fintechs and owner of the video-calling app Botim, is exiting from the business. He will be selling his stake in Astra Tech to existing shareholders. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---
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    56 mins
  • VC React Podcast (E18): DeepTech and TelecomTech News, Revenue Based Fund, More Global VCs in MENA

    VC React Podcast (E18): DeepTech and TelecomTech News, Revenue Based Fund, More Global VCs in MENA
    Nov 7 2024
    VC React Podcast: Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations! Hosts: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur. Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.vcpreneur.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fwdstart.me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Available on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Guests: 1. Asher Siddiqui, General Partner @ Sukna Ventures - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashersiddiqui/ - VC Firm Website: https://suknaventures.com/ 2. Jamil Shinawi, Founding Partner @ Actual VC - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamilshinawi/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.actual.vc/ 3. Omar Rebhan, Founding Partner @ Saudi Angel Investors - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orebhan/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saudi-angels/ --- #startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatechange #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #DeFi --- News of the week brought to you by FWDstart. In Today's Episode: - $300 million Beta Lab Fund launches to back Saudi, Asian deeptech startups Summary: Saudi fund and studio specializing in deeptech Beta Lab has kicked off with a capital of $300 million on the first day of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) 2024. The fund aims to support the growth of startups and foster cross-border innovation between the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Beta Lab represents a partnership between Saudi Ministry of Investment, the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and MDI Ventures by Telkom Indonesia. - General Atlantic announces Riyadh Office opening as firm expands in the Middle East Summary: Global growth investor General Atlantic has opened a new office in Riyadh. With nearly $1 billion invested across the MENAT region — including stakes in eyewa, Property Finder, and Trendyol — the firm aims to deepen its support for local entrepreneurs in sectors like tech, healthcare, fintech, consumer markets, and climate tech. - Arzan VC launches Revenya Capital to back MENA startups Summary: Kuwait-based VC firm Arzan Venture Capital has partnered with Ahmad Takatkah to launch Revenya Capital, a revenue-based financing (RBF) firm focused on empowering tech startups in the MENA region. With an initial seed investment of $2 million from Arzan VC and Arzan Financial Group (AFG) and a credit facility from AFG’s network, Revenya Capital aims to fill the growing demand for non-dilutive financing options in the region. Revenya Capital plans to work closely with venture capital firms to provide their portfolio companies with short-term, non-dilutive financing for various needs. - NorthLadder completes $10 million Series B led by tali ventures Summary: UAE-based device trade-in platform NorthLadder has closed its Series B at $10 million, led by stc Group’s tali ventures, Dutch Founders Fund and Crescent Ventures. Founded in 2021 by Mihin Shah and Sandeep Shetty, NorthLadder is a trade-in platform for pre-owned electronics with an automated assessment journey and home pickups. The funding will fuel NorthLadder's global expansion efforts and the development of its state-of-the-art trade-in platform. NorthLadder has recently established its European operations in Amsterdam and is poised to launch trade-ins with key partners further across Europe. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • VC React Podcast (E17): PIF vs NDF, What's an AI Startup, The AI Future, NICE Non-Dilutive Capital

    VC React Podcast (E17): PIF vs NDF, What's an AI Startup, The AI Future, NICE Non-Dilutive Capital
    Oct 31 2024
    VC React Podcast: Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations! Hosts: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur. Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.vcpreneur.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fwdstart.me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Available on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Guests: 1. Abdullah AlEssa, Investment Associate @ Vision Ventures - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullah-kais-alessa/ - VC Firm Website: https://visionvc.co/ 2. Jamil Shinawi, Founding Partner @ Actual VC - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamilshinawi/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.actual.vc/ 3. Kaan Akın, Managing Partner & CCO @ Tenity - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaana/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.tenity.com/ --- #startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatechange #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #DeFi --- News of the week brought to you by FWDstart. In Today's Episode: - PIF renews focus on domestic investment and AI Summary: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is planning to reduce its foreign investments to around a fifth of its total assets under management, as it focuses on domestic funding and artificial intelligence, its governor said on Tuesday. “AI alone could add $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030. By 2027 AI’s role as an economic driver will become a benchmark of national power.” “The reason we are investing in AI is that Saudi Arabia is very well positioned to be a global hub, not only a regional hub, for many reasons. “One, there is very efficient utilisation and low cost of energy. Two, massive lands. Three – it’s not only fossil fuels we have – we have most of the technologies in renewable energy.” - Saudi Aramco’s venture capital arm allocates $100m to invest in AI start-ups Summary: Saudi Aramco's venture capital arm Waed Ventures has earmarked $100 million to invest in early-stage artificial intelligence start-ups as Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its economy and shift to growing non-oil sectors. The move will contribute towards “positioning the kingdom as a global AI hub, generating a strong pipeline of global early-stage AI start-ups”, the company said on Sunday. An advisory board consisting of global leaders in AI has been appointed by Wa’ed Ventures to support strategic deal sourcing and accelerate localisation for global start-ups. The board members come from diverse backgrounds, and included experts who have worked in Meta, Amazon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Oxford and other institutions, the statement said. - Saudi's STV and others invest $8 million in invygo as company seeks profitability Summary: Saudi Arabia-headquartered mobility startup invygo has raised an $8 million Series A extension provided by STV’s newly launched NICE Fund, as well as existing investors including Al Rajhi Partners, Arab Bank Ventures, SPV, MEVP, and C5. invygo, founded in the UAE in 2019 by Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo, is an app-based service that allows people to choose, drive, swap, and own cars with presence in KSA, UAE, and Qatar. To date, invygo has raised over $22 million from regional and global investors. The company is now nearing profitability, which is expected by the end of FY 2024. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---
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    44 mins
  • VC React Podcast (E16): Dual Funds, Pioneer VCs, Financing Revolution! Global VCs Are In, New IPOs!

    VC React Podcast (E16): Dual Funds, Pioneer VCs, Financing Revolution! Global VCs Are In, New IPOs!
    Oct 24 2024
    VC React Podcast: Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations! Hosts: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur. Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.vcpreneur.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fwdstart.me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Available on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Guests: 1. Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner @ Nuwa Capital - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaledtalhouni/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.nuwacapital.io/ 2. Michael Lints, Partner @ Golden Gate Ventures - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhlints/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.goldengate.vc/ 3. Nour Tawfig, Investment Manager @ Mad'a Investment - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nour-tawfig/ - VC Firm Website: https://minvest.sa/ --- #startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatechange #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #DeFi --- News of the week brought to you by FWDstart. In Today's Episode: - Sawari Ventures to launch $200 million Sawari Ventures II fundSource: Jawlah Summary: Egypt-based venture capital (VC) firm Sawari Ventures is preparing to launch its second fund, “Sawari Ventures II,” in early 2025, with a target of raising $200 million. Sawari Ventures II will build on the success of the firm’s first fund, expanding into new sectors and regions. The new fund will consist of two components — an Egypt-focused fund to mobilize local capital and an international fund targeting foreign investors and development finance institutions to support startups across Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, and West Africa. - Abhi Raises $15M In Debt Financing To Expand 'On-Demand Pay' Services In UAE Source: Forbes Middle EastSummary: UAE-headquartered fintech Abhi has secured $15 million in debt financing led by Shorooq Partners and Amplify Growth Partnership. Founded in Pakistan in 2021 by Ali Ladhubhai and Omair Ansari, Abhi is a fintech that focuses on financial inclusion for employees and SMEs throughout the MENAP region. The new funding will allow Abhi to scale its operations and further expand its earned wage access (EWA) to serve the blue- and white-collar working populations in the country. - Saudi B2B fintech Mala secures $7 million pre-Seed Source: WamdaSummary: Saudi Arabia-based fintech Mala has closed a $7 million pre-Seed funding round, led by VentureSouq and Shorooq Partners, as well as M Capital, BECO Capital, Access Bridge Ventures, Waad Investment, Palm Ventures, and Silicon Valley-based fund D Global Ventures ("DGV"). Founded in 2024 by Musaab Hakami, Mala is a B2B platform that offers SMEs a procure-now-pay-later (PNPL) solution with flexible credit terms while ensuring suppliers receive immediate cash payments. The new capital injection will allow Mala to officially launch its services in KSA in Q4 2024. - Dubizzle Prepares for IPO Worth Up to $1 Billion in 2025 Source: Enta ArabiSummary: Dubai-based classified advertising company Dubizzle Group has appointed Emirates NBD, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and Morgan Stanley to lead its initial public offering (IPO) planned for 2025. While Citigroup was initially involved, it has since been replaced by Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, according to a source familiar with the matter. Preparations are already in progress for a potential IPO valued between $500 million and $1 billion. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • VC React Podcast (E15): Managing a Large Seed Fund, FoFs in MENA, Global vs. Local Startups & VCs

    VC React Podcast (E15): Managing a Large Seed Fund, FoFs in MENA, Global vs. Local Startups & VCs
    Oct 17 2024
    VC React Podcast: Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations! Host: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur. Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.vcpreneur.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-Host: Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fwdstart.me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Available on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Guests: 1. Asher Siddiqui, General Partner @ Sukna Ventures - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashersiddiqui/ - VC Firm Website: https://suknaventures.com/ 2. Faris AlRashed, CEO @ Sharaka - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faris-alrashed-alhumaid-271b7210/ - VC Firm Website: https://sharaka.sa/en/home/ 3. Tamer Al Salah, Managing Director @ Beyond Capital - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamer-al-salah-20a60616/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.beyondcapital.vc/ --- #startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatechange #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #DeFi --- News of the week brought to you by FWDstart. In Today's Episode: - Saudi Venture Capital Invests $15M in a $90M VC Fund by Vision Ventures Source: Saudi Press Agency Summary: Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) said in a press release issued today that it is investing $15 million in Saqr Fund II, a venture capital fund managed by Vision Ventures. According to the release, Saqr Fund II, with a target size of $90 million, will invest in early-stage startups from pre-seed to pre-series B, with a sector-agnostic approach in Saudi Arabia and the larger MENA region. - Ejari raises $14.65 million in debt-equity Seed round Source: Wamda Summary: Saudi Arabia-proptech Ejari has closed a $14.65 million seed round, which consists of a mix of debt and equity, led by Partners for Growth (PFG), BECO Capital, anb seed, Rua Ventures, Alinma Bank (Alinma Pay), Vision Ventures and Aqar platform, Saudi Arabia’s leading property listing platform. The round also saw the participation of the existing investor, Salica Oryx Fund. Founded in 2022 by Yazeed Al-Shamsi, Fahad Albedah, Mohammed Alkhelewy, and Khalid Almunif, Ejari offers a rent now, pay later (RNPL) solution tailored for Saudi Arabia’s real estate rental market. The new capital will allow Ejari to strengthen its market share within the residential RNPL space, enhance its product and service offerings, and solidify its position as a key player in the Saudi rental market's growing RNPL segment. - UAE’s OCTA raises $2.25 million pre-Seed Source: Wamda Summary: The round is co-led by Quona Capital and Sadu Capital, with participation from Sukna Ventures, Plus VC, 500 Global, and notable angel investors, including Pawel Iwanow, Chief Payment Officer at Fresha, and Dom Monhardt, Director of Product Design at Tap Payments. Founded in early 2024 by Jon Santillan, Nupur Mittal and Andrey Korchak, the OCTA platform automates the process of collecting payments for SMEs, which improves cash flow management and reduces the pain of accounts receivable. OCTA has recently expanded into the Saudi market. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---
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    52 mins
  • VC React Podcast (E14): Podcasts, Climate Tech, Carbon Credits, AdTech, Data Privacy In MENA & More

    VC React Podcast (E14): Podcasts, Climate Tech, Carbon Credits, AdTech, Data Privacy In MENA & More
    Oct 3 2024
    VC React Podcast: Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations! Host: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur. Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.vcpreneur.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-Host: Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fwdstart.me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Available on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Guests: 1. Hamed Masri, Partner @ Silicon Badia - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamed-masri-935b101/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.siliconbadia.com/ 2. Hussein Attar, CEO @ Tech Invest Com - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/husseinattar/ - VC Firm Website: https://techinvestcom.com/ - Hussein Attar’s Free Ecosystem Directory: https://www.husseinattar.com/en/saudi-entrepreneurship-guide/ --- #startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatechange #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #DeFi --- News of the week brought to you by FWDstart. In Today's Episode: - MENA podcast platform Podeo raises $5.4m in series A round Source: Gulf Business Summary: UAE-based podcast distribution platform Podeo has raised a Series A of $5.4 million, led by Oraseya Capital, with participation from Ibtikar Fund, Cedar Mundi Ventures, Samarium, iSME, and returning investor Razor Capital. Founded by Stefano Fallaha, Anthony Essaye, and Mario Hayek in Lebanon in 2020, Podeo allows creators to monetise their content through their end-to-end platform. - Coral Announces Closure of Seed Round Funding, Raising $3 Million to Transform Carbon Emission Management Source: Coral Summary: Coral, a UAE-based climatetech startup, has closed a $3 million seed round led by seasoned tech investors. The company offers an AI-driven platform that simplifies carbon emission management, footprint evaluation, reporting, and offsetting. Coral's blockchain-based solution ensures full lifecycle traceability of carbon credits and real-time auditability of offsets. Key partnerships include Nissan’s Formula E team, and its Emissions Management System (EMS) is live with several clients. - Saudi Arabia’s Quantum raises investment from HearstLab Source: Wamda Summary: Saudi Arabia-based adtech Quantum has secured funding as part of its $7 million Pre-Series-A round from HearstLab, the investment arm of Hearst Corporation. Quantum is also backed by 500 Global, Vision Ventures, Sukna Ventures, and Tech Invest Com. Founded in 2020 by Omar Malaikah and Sara Bin Ladin, Quantum’s platform allows advertisers to select their preferred publishers and purchase ad space directly, while also offering robust data analytics and ROI metrics to maximise campaign impact. This marks HearstLab’s inaugural investment in the Middle East. - Egypt: Beltone Venture Capital invests in France-based VelyVelo Source: Zawya Summary: Beltone Venture Capital, a subsidiary of Beltone Holding, has made its first international investment by acquiring a strategic equity stake in VelyVelo, a French e-bike rental company, according to a disclosure. The size of the investment was not disclosed. Specialising in fleet management with a full-service subscription model. Currently, VelyVelo operates over 5,000 electric bikes for delivery drivers, freelancers, and transport companies, with a presence in both the French and Moroccan markets. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---
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    58 mins
  • VC React Podcast (E13): Growth Funds, Debt Funds, Mobility, EdTech, and Good News From Palestine!

    VC React Podcast (E13): Growth Funds, Debt Funds, Mobility, EdTech, and Good News From Palestine!
    Sep 26 2024
    VC React Podcast: Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations! Host: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur. Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.vcpreneur.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-Host: Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fwdstart.me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Available on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Amazon: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠ --- Guests: 1. Aboudi Al-Qattan, Principal @ Dash Ventures - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aboudi-al-qattan-8658abb3/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.dashventures.com/ 2. Faisal Hakki, Managing Director @ AB Ventures - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisal-hakki/ - VC Firm Website: https://abventures.vc/ 3. Mark Kleyner, Co-Founder & CEO @ Dream VC - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markkleyner/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.dream-vc.com/ 4. Tambi Jalouqa, Managing Partner @ Propeller - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tambijalouqa/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.propellerinc.me/ #startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatechange #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #DeFi --- News of the week brought to you by FWDstart. In Today's Episode: - Ajeej Capital and Nuwa Capital launch $100m fund to boost tech companies in Middle East Source: The National News Summary: Amplify Growth Partners has launched a $100 million growth debt fund aimed at providing debt capital to technology-focused companies across the MENA region. - Merak Capital invests $82.2 million in Saudi tech-driven mobility platform SHIFT Source: Zawya Summary: Merak Capital has invested $82.8 million in SHIFT, a tech-driven mobility platform for people and products. - Algerian edtech LabLabee closes $3.4 million Seed round Source: Tech Point Summary: Algeria-based edtech startup LabLabee has raised $3.4 million in Seed funding, led by Reach Capital, with contributions from Classera, Brighteye Ventures, e& capital, and business angels like Cedric Sellin and Mohammed Husamaddin. - Ibtikar Fund II Announces Its Final Financing Closing Source: Ibtikar Fund Summary: Ibtikar Fund has closed its second venture capital fund, Ibtikar Fund II CV, at USD 25 million, with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) joining as a Limited Partner. Notable investors include the Bank of Palestine, the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Key investments include companies like DataQueue, Mental, and Vatrin. - Global Investors Extend Line of Liquidity to High-Growth Palestinian Startups Source: Intersect Hub Summary: Intersect, a Ramallah-based tech hub and incubator, is pleased to announce the first close of a $5 million USD bridge financing facility that will extend the runway of Palestinian tech startups impacted by the ongoing war. This funding initiative, known as SAFE Palestine, will immediately provide urgently needed liquidity to 29 high-growth Palestinian startups, preserving over 300 existing jobs and creating new employment opportunities within the tech sector. The facility, which will provide equity and grants, is a response to challenges faced by startups, including the displacement, injury, or loss of employees in Gaza, supply chain and banking disruptions in the West Bank, and an already challenging macroeconomic fundraising environment for founders. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • VC React Podcast (E12): Global Fintechs In MENA, Round Extension, Secondaries, Selling Foundr Shares

    VC React Podcast (E12): Global Fintechs In MENA, Round Extension, Secondaries, Selling Foundr Shares
    Sep 19 2024

    VC React Podcast:

    Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations! Host: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur. Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.vcpreneur.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-Host: Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fwdstart.me/⁠⁠⁠⁠

    --- Available on:

    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple: VC React Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠Amazon: VC React Podcast⁠⁠

    ---


    Guests:


    1. Hasan Haider, Founder and Managing Partner @ Plus VC - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasanhaider/ - VC Firm Website: https://plus.vc/ 2. Jessica Al Hussaini, VC Senior Associate @ Globivest - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-al-hussaini-5a491b54/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.globivest.com/

    #startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatechange #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #DeFi


    — Super Returns VIP Code For 10% Discount: FKR3559FWDS Book your ticket here: https://tinyurl.com/khf9ms7u SVVI Calendar: https://www.svvi.co/ VC Evolve Book On Amazon: 𝗲𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFLJF1PR 𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFLY2WHL 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFLYJBRQ ---


    News of the week brought to you by FWDstart. In Today's Episode: - Paymob secures $22m extension to Series B funding, raises $72m in total Source: Gulf Business Summary: Egypt-based fintech Paymob has raised a $22 million Series B extension round, bringing the company’s total Series B funding to $72 million. The funding was led by EBRD Venture Capital with participation from Endeavor Catalyst, along with existing investors, including PayPal Ventures, BII, FMO, A15, Nclude and Helios Digital Ventures. - UAE-Based Fintech Platform FlapKap Raises $34M In Pre-Series A Funding Round Source: Forbes Middle East Summary: UAE-based fintech FlapKap has raised $34 million in a pre-Series A funding round that included both debt and equity financing. The round is led by BECO Capital and saw significant new investment from Pact VC, with follow-on contributions from A15, Nclude, QED Investors, and debt financing from Channel Capital. - Revolut Looks to Expand Digital Banking License Effort to Middle East Source: Pymnts Summary: Revolut is reportedly planning to expand into the GCC, applying to become an electronic-money institution and offer remittances in the UAE while exploring opportunities in Saudi Arabia. - Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala takes stake in Revolut Source: Financial Times Summary: Abu Dhabi's Mubadala has invested in Revolut for the first time, joining a share sale that valued the fintech at $45 billion. The sale, held in August, saw employees sell $500 million worth of shares. Mubadala was among other investors like Coatue, D1 Capital Partners, and Tiger Global. - Seez Secures USD 4.2M to Accelerate US Expansion Plan Source: Waya Media Summary: Seez, a UAE-based automotive SaaS startup, has raised $4.2 million from several international investors. Founded in 2015 by Tarek Kabrit and Andrew Kabrit, Seez is an automotive tech company that provides car dealerships and OEMs with software solutions to improve their customer experience and increase sales. After expanding into markets such as the UK, Australia, Denmark, South Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, and GCC countries. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---
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    59 mins