VC React Podcast

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. Issa Aghabi, Founder & Managing Director @ Access Bridge Ventures - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iaghabi/ - VC Firm Website: https://access-bridge.com/ 2. Zeina Mandour, Venture Investments Manager @ Dar Ventures - LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeina-mandour-38541260/ - VC Firm Website: https://dar.com/ #startups #vc #tech #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatechange #ai --- In Today's Episode: News of the week brought to you by FWDstart: - Omani climate tech startup 44.01 raises $37 M Series A Source: Oman Observer Summary: 44.01, an Oman-based startup focused on eliminating CO2 permanently through natural mineralization, has secured $37 million in a Series A funding round. The investment was co-led by Equinor Ventures and Shorooq Partners, with participation from ALIAD Venture Capital, Alumni Ventures, Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund, Climate Investment, IDO Investments, Planet A Ventures, Salica Investments Oryx Fund, Siemens Financial Services, Sumitomo Corporation, and Sam Altman. Existing investor Breakthrough Energy also participated. Founded by Talal Hasan, 44.01's technology mineralizes CO2 in peridotite, abundant in Oman and globally, with successful pilots in Oman and the UAE. - Hub71 fintech startup Dopay secures $13.5 million Series A Extension Round Source: Gulf News Summary: Dopay, a fintech startup providing digital payroll and payments for unbanked and underbanked workers in emerging markets, has closed a $13.5 million Series A extension round. Following a previous $18 million Series A round, this funding was led by Argentem Creek Partners with participation from existing investors. Part of Abu Dhabi's Hub71 tech ecosystem, Dopay will use the funds to expand in Egypt, launch new financial services, and grow its multi-bank, multi-country platform into other markets. - Majarra acquires Arabic AI/NLP startups Lableb Source: Wamda Summary: UAE-based Majarra, An Arabic digital content provider, has acquired the UAE-based NLP technology provider, Lableb, for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2004 by Abdulsalam Haykal, Majarra is a mediatech company that provides Arabic content through the Majarra App. With a vast library of over 50,000 articles, videos, and audio content. Meanwhile, Lableb, founded in 2017 by Kinda Altarbouch, offers Arabic AI services and Natural Language Processing (NLP). The acquisition aims to solidify Majarra's position at the forefront of Arabic digital innovation and marks its entry into the rapidly expanding AI sector. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---

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. Youssef Shehab El-Din, Investment Analyst @ Falak Startups - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssef-shehab-el-din-443b451b4/ - VC Firm Website: https://falakstartups.com/ 2. Zeina Mandour, Venture Investments Manager @ Dar Ventures - LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeina-mandour-38541260/ - VC Firm Website: https://dar.com/ #startups #vc #tech #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #revenuebasedfinancing --- In Today's Episode: News of the week brought to you by FWDstart: - Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund invests $5mln in Global Ventures Fund III Source: Zawya Summary: The Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF), Jordan's largest investment fund of its kind, announced a USD 5 million investment in Global Ventures’ Fund III. A leading venture capital firm focused on growth-stage investments across the Middle East and Africa, Global Ventures has been mandated by ISSF to invest in Jordanian startups. This strategic partnership highlights the ISSF's commitment to empowering the Jordanian ecosystem. - India Crypto Exchange CoinDCX Buys BitOasis in Middle East Expansion Source: Bloomberg Summary: Indian crypto exchange CoinDCX acquired Dubai-based BitOasis to expand into the MENA region. The acquisition, which follows an initial investment last year, aims to leverage BitOasis' established presence and regulatory licenses in the UAE and Bahrain. BitOasis has processed over $6 billion in trades and has more than 750,000 customers. CoinDCX sees this move as a response to favorable regulatory environments and aims to boost annual revenue by $30-$50 million​. - Stride Ventures Makes First GCC Investment in Maalexi Source: Abu Dhabi SME Hub Summary: Stride Ventures has made its first investment in the GCC region by investing in Maalexi, a Dubai-based company. This move marks Stride's initial foray into the Middle East market, aligning with its strategy to support high-growth startups globally. Stride Ventures, known for its venture debt funds, aims to facilitate the entry of Indian and other global startups into the GCC region, leveraging Abu Dhabi Global Market's (ADGM) supportive regulatory environment​ - MENA startups raise $116 million in June 2024, bringing H1 total to $882 million Source: Wamda Summary: In June 2024, investment in MENA startups slowed, with 38 tech startups raising $116 million, a 59% month-on-month drop but a 182% year-on-year increase. UAE startups led with $82.5 million across 15 deals, followed by Egypt with $15 million from four startups, and Saudi Arabia with $13.5 million from seven startups. Iraq saw six startups raise around $1.2 million, potentially more. The largest deal was Tenderd’s $30 million, with no mega deals observed during the month. The half-year total reached $882 million. - MENA VC landscape sees 33% increase in investors Source: Arab News Summary: In the first half of 2024, investor numbers in the MENA venture capital ecosystem rose by 33%, driven by increased sentiment which led to a 130% rise in the number of funds launched, according to MAGNiTT. Despite this, funding for regional startups fell by 34% year-on-year, totaling $768 million. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---

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. Tamer Azer, Partner  @shorooqpartners  - LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamerazer/ - VC FirmWebsite: https://www.shorooq.com/ 2. Tarek Seif El Nasr, Head of Venture Growth @ Falak Startups - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tareknasr/ - VC FirmWebsite: https://falakstartups.com/ #startups #vc #tech #investments #Entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ShorooqPartners #Shorooq --- In Today's Episode: News of the week brought to you by FWDstart: - WakeCap Acquires Crews by Core to Enhance Field Operations Source: Waya Summary: Saudi-based IoT platform WakeCap has acquired the AI-powered project delivery platform Crews by Core to create a comprehensive suite of hardware and software tools aimed at improving job site safety, productivity, and profitability for major construction projects globally. The combined technologies are already deployed across large sites and megaprojects in the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Japan. As part of the acquisition, WakeCap will establish an R&D headquarters in Silicon Valley, enhancing its position as a leading construction tech company. This move leverages Crews by Core's expertise in building significant Silicon Valley companies like PayPal, Waze, Google Chrome, and Palantir. Both CEOs, Di-Ann Eisnor of Crews by Core and Dr. Hassan Albalawi of WakeCap, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the potential to enhance construction project management in regions with large-scale developments such as Saudi Arabia. - South Korean VC Hashed Ventures Expands to Abu Dhabi Source: Forkast Summary: Hashed Ventures, a South Korean VC firm, has partnered with Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 to explore investment opportunities in MENA's tech and crypto sectors. Managing $700 million in assets, Hashed aims to leverage Abu Dhabi’s strategic position and resources to scale its portfolio and attract South Korean tech startups to the UAE. This collaboration will provide Hashed with access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities, with CEO Simon Seo-Joon Kim highlighting the UAE’s crypto-friendly regulations as a key factor for expansion. - Paris-based VC Breega Announces $75 Million Africa Fund Source: TechCrunch Summary: Paris-based VC firm Breega has launched a $75 million fund, Africa Seed I, to invest in early-stage startups across Africa, specifically mentioning Egypt and Morocco. Breega has secured commitments for about 70% of the capital in its first close. The firm supports startups from pre-seed to Series A stages and targets sectors like fintech, health tech, proptech, logistics, and edtech. Breega plans to invest $100,000 to $2 million in startups to tap into significant opportunities in these markets. - Esports World Cup Fever in Saudi Arabia as Contest Kicks Off with Biggest Prize Pool Source:Al Arabiya Summary: The much-anticipated Esports World Cup (EWC) launched in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring the largest prize pool in industry history at over $60 million. Running from July 3 to August 25 at Boulevard Riyadh City, the event includes 1,500 elite players competing in 22 competitions across 21 leading games like League of Legends and Counter-Strike II. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---

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. Khaled Talhouni - LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaledtalhouni/ - VC FirmWebsite: https://www.nuwacapital.io/ - Portfolio companies: https://www.nuwacapital.io/portfolio 2. Sara Ebeid - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ebeid-55460810b/ - VC FirmWebsite: https://www.venturesouq.com/ - Portfolio companies: https://www.venturesouq.com/portfolio 3. Waleed Al Ballaa - LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ballaa/ - VC FirmWebsite: https://suknaventures.com/ - Portfolio companies: https://suknaventures.com/ventures #tech #investments #Entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #startups #vc --- News of the week brought to you by FWDstart: - Rasan Goes Public Source: MENAbytes Summary: Saudi Arabia-based insurtech Rasan has announced its IPO, becoming the first insurtech company in the region to go public. The move aims to capitalize on the growing demand for digital insurance solutions and expand its market reach. - Connect Money Raises $8 Million Seed Round Source: Wamda Summary: Egypt-based fintech Connect Money secured $8 million in a seed round led by Disruptech Ventures and Algebra Ventures. The funding will support the launch of five new business verticals in North Africa. Connect Money offers a white-label card issuing platform for businesses to provide debit and credit cards without developing fintech infrastructure or regulatory licensing. - SMPL Holdings Launches $10 Million Fund Source: Gulf News Summary: SMPL Holdings has launched a $10 million fund to support tech and AI startups across the MENA region. The fund aims to foster innovation and accelerate the growth of emerging technology companies in the area. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---