VC React Podcast VC React Podcast (E44): Arabic AI Stack, Morocco’s SuperApp, Embedded Insurance, Wild AI Acquihires
VC React Podcast:
Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, LPs, & Angel Investors, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds.
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Hosts:
- Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur. Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on https://www.vcpreneur.com/
- Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on https://archives.fwdstart.me/
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Available on:
- Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@VCReactPodcast
- Spotify:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vc-react-podcast
- Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-react-podcast/id1764834384
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Guests:
1. Arjun Chopra, VC @ Khwarizmi Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjun-chopra-170146168/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.khwarizmivc.com/
2. Asia Kabel, Investment Manager @ Arzan VC
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-kabel-cfa-527749148/
- VC Firm Website: https://arzanvc.com/
3. Firas Atwa, Senior Associate @ Algebra Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/firasatwa/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.algebraventures.com/
4. Mohamad Khawaja, Founding Partner @ Fikr Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khawaja/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.fikrventures.com/
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#startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #business #ipo #acquisitions #fintech #edtech #accelerator #web3 #crypto #blockchain #defi
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Sponsors:
💸This week’s episode is brought to you by:
- MilkStraw AI — The AI that finds hidden savings in your AWS bills, sometimes up to 75%, freeing up capital for growth, hiring, or building faster. See how much you could save in 60 seconds and how much further your runway can go at MilkStraw.aiWebsite: https://www.milkstraw.ai/
- OCTA – the AI-powered accounts receivable platform trusted by 100+ companies like Careem, Lean Technologies, and ZenHR to automate collections, resolve disputes, and unlock financing with zero hassle.
Visit: www.weareocta.com/fwdstart to get your first 6 months free.
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News of the week brought to you by FWDstart.
In Today's Episode:
- Saudi's Lucidya raises $30M Series B led by Impact46 to expand Arabic-language AI and digital workforce offering
Summary: The round was led by Impact46, the Riyadh-based VC behind IPOs like Jahez and Rasan. Wa’ed Ventures, Takamol Ventures, SparkLabs, and returning backers Rua Growth Fund and ARG. Founded in 2016 by Abdullah Asiri and Dr. Zuhair Khayyat.
- ORA Technologies closes $7.5M Series A to deepen digital payments and last-mile reach in Morocco
Summary: The round was led by Azur Innovation Fund, joined by three unnamed strategic investors, bringing its total local fundraising to $11.9 million since January 2023. Founded by Omar Alami in 2023, ORA has taken an ambitious swing at building Morocco’s first true SuperApp.
- Saudi’s Yasmina raises $2M Seed to embed insurance into everyday transactions
Summary: The round was co-led by Scene Holding and Access Bridge Ventures, with participation from Arzan VC, and the Sanabil Investment Accelerator by 500 MENA. Founded in 2023 by Masoud Alhelou and Bashar Abalkhail, Yasmina integrates insurance directly into digital customer journeys.
- Windsurf’s CEO goes to Google; OpenAI’s acquisition falls apart, Google gets non‑exclusive license to Windsurf’s tech and hiring away CEO Varun Mohan, co‑founder Douglas Chen and key researchers, and most of Windsurf’s 250‑person staff will go to Cognition AI.
- Meta acquires PlayAI, a US-based voice AI startup led by Egyptian founder
Summary: Meta has acquired PlayAI, a California-based voice AI company founded and led by Egyptian engineer Mahmoud Felfel and Hammad Syed in 2020.
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