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

Nov 14, 2024

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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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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) ---