VC React Podcast

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. ---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/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---Available on:Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VCReactPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vc-react-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-react-podcast/id1764834384⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---Guests:1. Arnav Danthi, Principal, @ Nuwa Capital- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnavdanthi/- VC Firm Website: https://www.nuwacapital.io/2. Amira Swilam, Partner @ Den VC- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amiraswilam/- VC Firm Website: https://denvc.com/3. Mo Salah, Partner at @ Pitlane Ventures - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisismosalah/---#startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatetech #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #defi ---Sponsors: 💸This week’s episode is brought to you by 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.---News of the week brought to you by FWDstart.In Today's Episode:- UAE cybersecurity leader CPX acquires pioneering cyber-AI firm SpiderSilkSummary: Abu Dhabi-based CPX Holding has acquired spiderSilk, a UAE-born cyber-AI startup known for its flagship exposure management platform, Resonance, and autonomous SOC AI agents. Founded in 2019 by Rami El Malak and Mossab Hussein, spiderSilk has developed proprietary, AI-powered cybersecurity products used by both public and private sector clients across the region. The acquisition brings CPX’s service-led capabilities together with spiderSilk’s product-led innovation, creating a unified platform to scale into key markets like Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and North America. The company’s last raise was a $9M Series A back in 2023, led by Wa’ed Ventures. Global Ventures and Dara Holdings will remain part of the journey, supporting CPX’s leadership in driving the company’s continued growth.- Travis Kalanick’s CloudKitchens eyes IPO for Middle East unitSummary: Travis Kalanick’s CloudKitchens is reportedly exploring an IPO for its Middle East unit, with Goldman Sachs hired to assess a potential listing in the UAE or Saudi Arabia. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s PIF since a $400M investment in 2019, the ghost kitchen company operates under the KitchenPark brand in the UAE, Saudi, and Kuwait. The move puts it on a potential collision course with Dubai-based Kitopi, the regional category leader that became a unicorn in 2021 and has since expanded into physical dining spaces. No final decision has been made on timing or valuation, but the IPO could signal rising competition – and consolidation – in the Gulf’s cloud kitchen space..---(أحمد طقاطقه)---

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. ---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/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---Available on:Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VCReactPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vc-react-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-react-podcast/id1764834384⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bdc23d6a-4381-405d-bf59-53560c671c11/vc-react-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---Guests:1. Abdulrahman AlJiffry, Partner @ 500 Global - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulrahman-aljiffry-23834738/- VC Firm Website: https://500.co/2.Abe Seksek, Angel Investor, and Host of the ABEZ Show- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abeseksek/- Show Website: https://www.abezshow.com/3. Dima Shahin, Venture Partner @ SVVI- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dima-shahin/- VC Firm Website: https://www.svvi.co/---#startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatetech #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #defi ---Sponsors: 💸This week’s episode is brought to you by 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.---News of the week brought to you by FWDstart.In Today's Episode:- iMENA Holding raises $135M and restructures as Saudi company ahead of IPOSummary: iMENA Group, one of MENA's leading digital platform operators, has raised $135 million in the first tranche of its pre-IPO funding round. - Erad secures $16 million pre-Series A to bridge SME credit gap in MENASummary: Saudi Arabia-based fintech erad has raised a $16 million pre-Series A funding round, backed by Y Combinator, Nuwa Capital, Khwarizmi Ventures, Aljazira Capital, VentureSouq, Oraseya Capital, and Joa Capital.- Zest Equity secures $4.3mln in pre-series A funding led by Prosus VenturesSummary: UAE-based fintech Zest Equity has raised $4.3 million in pre-Series A funding, led by Prosus Ventures with participation from Morgan Stanley Inclusive and Sustainable Ventures (MSISV). Founded in 2021 by Rawan Baddour and Zuhair Shamma, Zest Equity enables ecosystem players like founders and venture capitalists to sell their secondary shares online.- Calo absorbs Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen in UK launchSummary: Saudi-HQ’d personalised meal platform Calo has launched in the UK and acquired Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen, two of London’s most established meal delivery brands. The move marks Calo’s first expansion beyond the Gulf and sets the stage for broader European growth.---(أحمد طقاطقه)---

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. ---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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VCReactPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vc-react-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-react-podcast/id1764834384⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bdc23d6a-4381-405d-bf59-53560c671c11/vc-react-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠---Guests:1. Fares Ghandour, Partner @ Wamda Capital - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faresghandour/- VC Firm Website: https://wamdacapital.com/2. Saad Hasan, Principal @ Sturgeon Capital- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syedsaadhasan01/- VC Firm Website: https://www.sturgeoncapital.com/3. Tambi Jalouqa, Founder & General Partner @ Maza Ventures- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tambijalouqa/- VC Firm Website: https://www.maza.vc/---#startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatetech #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #defi ---Sponsors: 💸This week’s episode is brought to you by 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.---News of the week brought to you by FWDstart.In Today's Episode:- Seesaw acquires Little Thinking Minds to expand learning solutions globallySummary: US-based edtech Seesaw has acquired Jordan's Little Thinking Minds for an unknown value. Founded in 2004 by Lamia Tabbaa and Rama Kayyali, Little Thinking Minds is a MENA-based, female-founded edtech company specialising in Arabic literacy solutions. Seesaw, founded in 2007 by Adrian Graham and Carl Sjogreen, offers a suite of AI-driven learning tools and digital curriculum products designed to enhance student engagement, facilitate real-time assessments, and strengthen school-home communication. - Mantra token price collapses by over 90% in 24 hoursSummary: The price of the Mantra (OM) token, the native cryptocurrency powering Shorooq-backed Mantra’s real-world tokenized asset blockchain, has plummeted by over 90% in the past 24 hours—falling from around $6.30 to under $0.50. This collapse erased more than $6 billion from its market capitalization and has led some traders to speculate that it may be a rug pull, drawing parallels with notorious collapses like LUNA and FTX. - Fluent Ventures backs replicated startup models in emerging marketsSummary: Fluent Ventures is a San Francisco-based early-stage venture firm betting on startups that adapt proven Western business models for emerging markets, rather than trying to invent something entirely new. Founded in 2023 by Alexandre Lazarow, the firm calls its approach “geographic alpha,” focusing on local adaptations in sectors like fintech, digital health, and commerce. Fluent is deploying $40 million through a fund, an incubator, and a co-investment vehicle, aiming for 22–25 investments across Latin America, MENA, Africa, Southeast Asia, and select U.S. markets. ---(أحمد طقاطقه)---

Ambar Amleh, Founder of Ibtikar Fund, shares insights on the evolving venture capital landscape. Arnav Danthi from Nuwa Capital discusses the challenges and opportunities in hardware investments versus software. Fahed Qteishat of MEVP highlights the significant merger in B2B marketplaces, creating Silk Group, and the implications for the region. They delve into the quick commerce sector in Saudi Arabia and the burgeoning fintech landscape, spotlighting new credit-led opportunities and operational challenges in MENA.

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. ---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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VCReactPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vc-react-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-react-podcast/id1764834384⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bdc23d6a-4381-405d-bf59-53560c671c11/vc-react-podcast⁠⁠---Guests:1. Cristina Bullon, Principal @ Incubayt Investments- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-bullon/- VC Firm Website: https://www.incubayt.com/2. Philipe Moura, Founder & CEO @ Vinci Ventures and president of FDC Angels- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipemoura/- VC Firm Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vinciventures/about/3. Sara Asad, A venture capitalist and ex-Endeavor- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraasad/---#startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatetech #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #defi ---Sponsors: 💸This week’s episode is brought to you by 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.---News of the week brought to you by FWDstart.In Today's Episode:- ClearGrid emerges from stealth with $10M to modernise debt collection in MENA with AISummary: Dubai-based ClearGrid has emerged from stealth with $10 million in pre-seed and seed funding, aiming to modernise debt collection and recovery with AI-driven automation. The round includes a $3.5M pre-seed co-led by RAED Ventures and BECO Capital, and a $6.5M seed round co-led by Nuwa Capital and RAED Ventures. Founded in 2023 by Mohammad Al Zaben, Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud, and Mohammad Al Khalili, ClearGrid was created to address a major gap in the debt collection industry, where manual processes, outdated infrastructure, and aggressive recovery tactics still dominate. - enza Secures USD 6.75M to Advance Financial Inclusion in AfricaSummary: UAE-based fintech enza has secured a $6.75 million seed equity round, co-led by Algebra Ventures and Quona Capital. Founded in 2023 by Hany Fekry, enza’s payment solutions allow banks and fintechs to provide locally relevant payment capabilities, including cards, wallets, and real-time payments. With a presence in Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa, the new capital infusion will enable enza to strengthen its presence across other key markets in Africa.- Dubai-based Camb.ai raises $11m to scale AI voice dubbing and video localisationSummary: CAMB.AI (🇦🇪 UAE), an AI-powered voice translation and dubbing platform helping content creators localise videos in multiple languages, has secured an $11 million Pre-Series A funding round. Investors include TRTL Ventures, Accelerate Ventures, 5Point Ventures, Oraseya Capital, Courtside Ventures, Dubai Future District Fund, and Comcast NBCU SportsTech, bringing the startup’s total funding to $15.5 million. Additionally, CAMB.AI announced a multi-year partnership with France’s soccer governing body, LFP, becoming its official global language solution.---(أحمد طقاطقه)---

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. ---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:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VCReactPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vc-react-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-react-podcast/id1764834384⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bdc23d6a-4381-405d-bf59-53560c671c11/vc-react-podcast⁠⁠---Guests:1. Aboudi Al-Qattan, Principal @ DASH Ventures, and host of Beyond The Buzzer podcast- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aboudi-al-qattan-8658abb3/- VC Firm Website: https://www.dashventures.com/- Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondbuzzer2. Hadi Halabi, CEO @ Stryde - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadihalabi/- VC Firm Website: https://gostryde.com/3. Tina Daher, Principal @ Shorooq - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-daher-a812ba114/- VC Firm Website: https://www.shorooq.com/---#startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatetech #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #defi ---News of the week brought to you by FWDstart.In Today's Episode:- Saudi VC Impact46 announces 10x exit from Tadawul-listed RasanSummary: Saudi VC Impact46 has successfully exited Rasan. The exit delivered a 10x return on Impact46’s 2021 investment, with Rasan’s equity appreciating over 91% since its 2024 listing. The offering included approximately 17.16% of Rasan’s issued share capital, priced at $18.40 per share, reflecting a 4% discount to the March 12, 2025, closing price. The total offering size reached $245 million, with strong demand leading to multiple times coverage. Impact46, led by Founding Partner & CEO Abdulaziz Alomran, continues its track record of high-growth tech investments, following successful exits in Jahez, Tamara, and Lendo.- NymCard Closes $33 Million Series B FundingSummary: NymCard, an in-house finance platform, secured $33 million in Series B funding, led by QED Investors—its largest investment in the region and first in the Gulf. Existing investors Lunate, Dubai Future Fund, Mashreq Bank, Knollwood, Reciprocal, FJLabs, Endeavor, and Shorooq participated, alongside new investor Oraseya Capital. Operating in 10+ markets, NymCard powers banks, fintechs, telecoms, and corporations through card issuance, embedded finance, and money transfer solutions. Its nCore platform is the only fully self-owned processing and switching tech in the region, ensuring speed, control, and efficiency.- Yango Group Launches $20M Fund For Tech StartupsSummary: Dubai-based Yango Group, a global technology and services company operating across ride-hailing, entertainment, payments, and navigation, has launched Yango Ventures, a $20M corporate venture fund targeting early-stage startups (Seed to Series B) in MENAP, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. The fund will focus on O2O, B2B SaaS, and fintech, with plans to expand capital as ecosystems develop. Yango Ventures aims for 10-20x returns on Series A deals, leveraging the company’s global network and deep expertise in scaling digital platforms. Unlike traditional corporate funds, it won’t seek control over portfolio companies but will offer strategic support upon request and collaborate with VC partners..---(أحمد طقاطقه)---

Maxim Shkvaruk is managing director at Atlas Ventures, Mo Salah is a partner at Pitlane Ventures, and Nour Allam serves as investment associate at Plus VC. They delve into post-COVID IPO challenges, analyzing stock price trends and market dynamics between the UAE and U.S. The conversation shifts to quick commerce valuations, exploring sustainability issues, and monopolistic practices in food delivery, especially the strategies of Talabat. They also navigate the evolving BNPL landscape and spotlight Aya, a Saudi fashion tech startup, highlighting its innovative approach to modest fashion.

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. ---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:⁠⁠⁠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 Amazon:⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bdc23d6a-4381-405d-bf59-53560c671c11/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/- Good vs. Great Article: https://plus.vc/good-vs-great 2. Mohamad Khawaja, Founding Partner @ Fikr Ventures- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khawaja/- VC Firm Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fikr-ventures/ 3. Sameer Sortur, Founding Partner @ SquareCircle Ventures- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameersortur/- VC Firm Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/squarecircle-global/---#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 EdTech Startup Ula Raises $28 Million in Series B Funding Led by Rua Growth FundSummary: Saudi Arabia-based EdTech startup Ula.me has raised $28 million in a Series B funding round led by Rua Growth Fund, with participation from Jordan Capital & Investment Fund and Foursan Group. The investment will support Ula’s expansion in Saudi Arabia and the launch of an AI-powered digital learning platform designed to personalize education by analyzing student performance and individual needs. - Fintech Flow48 secures $69M Series A to expand into Saudi ArabiaSummary: UAE-based fintech Flow48 has closed a $69 million Series A funding round in a mix of debt and equity. The round is led by Breega and has seen further investments from 212, Speedinvest, Daphni, Endeavor Catalyst, Evolution Ventures, and Plus VC, among others. Founded in 2022 by Idriss Al Rifai, Flow48 provides upfront financing to SMEs to facilitate their growth by transforming future revenues into upfront capital under flexible terms. - UK’s Pinewood acquires Dubai-based automotive SaaS Seez for $46.2 millionSummary: UK-based automotive intelligence platform Pinewood.AI has agreed to acquire Seez for $46.2 million in cash and shares. The share component is expected to grow over the following three years. Founded in the UAE in 2016 by Tarek Kabrit and Andrew Kabrit, Seez is an autotech company that provides car dealerships and OEMs with software solutions to improve their customer experience and increase sales. - Lola secures $1.3 million pre-seed to accelerate GCC expansion plansSummary: Lola, a Bahrain-based foodtech, has raised $1.3 million in a pre-seed funding round from Plus VC, Vision Ventures, and angel investors. Founded in 2023 by Othman Janahi, Lola offers a customisable cake ordering service for customers in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. This investment will fuel Lola’s expansion efforts in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region.---(أحمد طقاطقه)---

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. ---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:⁠⁠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 Amazon:⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bdc23d6a-4381-405d-bf59-53560c671c11/vc-react-podcast⁠⁠---Guests:1. Dana Qtaishat, Investment Manager @ AB Ventures- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-qtaishat-44850a16a/ - VC Firm Website: https://abventures.vc/2. Feras Al Safwan, Investment Manager @ Aramco Wa'ed Ventures, and Host of  @podcast_riyadah  - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferasalsafwan/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.waed.net/ - Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@podcast_riyadah---#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:(A). Acquisition News:- Salla acquires Sweply, rebrands it as “Salla Ads”Summary: Saudi Arabia-based SaaS provider Salla has entered into an agreement to acquire Sweply, an innovative Saudi digital advertising platform. Following the acquisition, Sweply will be rebranded as "Salla Ads," becoming the official advertising solution within Salla’s ecosystem.- Saudi’s Foodic’s has fully acquired UK-based Solo Venture, a self-ordering kiosk and app specialist, enhancing its AI-driven restaurant solutions. The company is also investing in three startups: Norma, a Greek AI-powered data analytics firm; Add, an accounting system for SMEs; and Arzaq Plus, an AI-driven supply chain platform. CEO Ahmed El-Zaini announced a $100 million fund for acquisitions in fintech, AI, and transformative tech over the next three years. - Saudi’s Mush Social has acquired Pubbles, a Saudi social media app.- T2 has acquired a majority stake in MOOLA, a specialised platform that streamlines and automates financial processes and expense management.- UAE-based online classifieds platform Dubizzle Group has acquired the Egyptian online car marketplace, Hatla2ee, in an undisclosed deal value. (B). Venture Capital News:- Builders VC expands into Middle East with new Doha office and a strategic partnership with QIASummary: This expansion marks Builders VC's first presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and is in partnership with Q​IA, Qatar's sovereign wealth fund.The office will be led by Tarik Sultan, Partner and Head of the MENA Region. A seasoned investor with a proven track record, Sultan brings a wealth of experience in venture capital, ecosystem building, and a deep understanding of MENA's growing global importance for software, AI, cleantech, and healthcare. The firm will continue to expand its operational footprint in Doha through team growth and continuous engagement with local innovators. QIA's Fund of Funds Program, first announced in February 2024, will invest more than USD 1 billion in international and regional venture capital funds and will place a priority focus on the tech and healthcare sectors. ---(أحمد طقاطقه)---

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. ---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:⁠https://www.youtube.com/@VCReactPodcast⁠Spotify:⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vc-react-podcast⁠Apple:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-react-podcast/id1764834384⁠Amazon:⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/bdc23d6a-4381-405d-bf59-53560c671c11/vc-react-podcast⁠---Guests:1. Abe Seksek, an angel investor and host of the ABEZ Show- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abeseksek/- Website: https://www.abezshow.com/2. Tara Arnaout, Principal @ BY Venture Partners- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-arnaout-305035b7/- VC Firm Website: https://www.byvp.com/3. Walied Albasheer, Managing Partner @ Intuitio Ventures- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waliedalbasheer/- VC Firm Website: https://intuitio.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-based BNPL Tabby has raised $160 million in a Series E round at a $3.3 billion valuation, becoming MENA’s most valuable fintech company.- Buildnow Secures $10M Funding, Launches $80M Infrastructure Fund. Joa Capital has launched a new $80 million investment fund in partnership with Buildnow Trading, targeting the construction sector.- BRKZ, a Riyadh-based construction tech startup founded by Ibrahim Manna, has secured $9 million ($8 million in equity and $1 million in debt), bringing its total Series A funding to $17 million as investors double down. Existing investors, including BECO Capital, Wa'ed Ventures, 9900 Capital, Better Tomorrow Ventures, RZM Investment, Class 5 Global, MISY Ventures, Knollwood Investment Advisory, and Fluent Ventures, re-participated in this round, along with $1 million in venture debt from Capifly.- Suhail Ventures Launches $50 Million Investment Fund for StartupsSummary: Suhail Ventures has announced the launch of its $50 million investment fund at LEAP 2025, aimed at supporting early-stage startups across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. The fund will back businesses from pre-seed to Series A, with a focus on fintech, insurtech, logistics, and artificial intelligence. - Other Fund Announcements: -- Ula Capital, a data-driven venture capital firm, launched a USD 75 million fund. The fund is dedicated to investing in deep-tech including healthcare, climate and AI. It is aiming to support technical innovation in the Kingdom and the region.-- HGM launched a USD 300 million investment fund specializing in gaming. The fund aims to attract game developers to Saudi as well as develop and distribute games locally and globally. This comes amid the growing importance of e-sports in Saudi, which has been recently hosting major international tournaments.-- The National Technology Development Program (NTDP) launched accelerators and funds worth USD 150 million. Its aim is to foster innovation in the IT sector and support tech startups in Saudi Arabia.Sharaka Financial announced the launch of its USD 30 million investment fund to support startups in the MENA region. -- Orbit Startups also announced the launch of a USD 60 million accelerator in collaboration with Sanabil Investments, aiming to invest in early stage tech startups.---(أحمد طقاطقه)---