VC React Podcast

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)---

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 on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.vcpreneur.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fwdstart.me/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ---Available on: Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@VCReactPodcast Spotify: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. Asjid Hayat, Venture Partner @ Palm Ventures- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asjidhayat/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.palm-ventures.com/2. Dina Toukan, Investment Manager @ ISSF - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinatoukan/ - VC Firm Website: https://issfjo.com/ 3. Marwan Mohammad, Angel Investor, and Venture Builder @ Gia- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marwan1995/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/giavc/---#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:- Lendo Secures $690 Million Facility Led by J.P. Morgan to Boost SME Financing in Saudi ArabiaSummary: Saudi Arabia-based fintech Lendo has secured a $690 million warehouse facility led by J.P. Morgan to expand its lending capacity, develop new products, and increase SME coverage in the Kingdom. Founded in 2019 by Osama Alraee and Mohamed Jawabri, Lendo operates a crowdlending marketplace connecting businesses seeking financing with investors looking for short-term returns. In late 2023, the company closed its $28 million Series B round, led by Sanabil Investments, with participation from Shorooq Partners, AB Ventures, and others. To date, Lendo claims to have facilitated over $667 million in financing across 5,000+ transactions, generating $33.3 million in investor returns.- Wamda Capital participates in qeen.ai’s $10 million Seed roundSummary: UAE-based AI startup qeen.ai has secured a $10 million Seed funding round, in one of the largest seed investments in the MENA region to date. The round is led by Prosus Ventures, with participation from existing investors including Wamda Capital, 10x Founders and Dara Holdings.Founded in 2023 by Dina Alsamhan, Ahmad Khwileh and Morteza Ibrahimi, qeen.ai provides accessible and autonomous AI solutions tailored to e-commerce businesses. The seed round will support qeen.ai’s growth strategy by expanding the reach and capabilities of its agentic AI platform, scaling the team, and attracting a wider customer base. This investment brings qeen.ai’s total funding to $12.2 million, after closing a $2.2 million pre-Seed in June 2024.---(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! 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. Ahmed Al-Thukair, GP @ Stealth mode Deeptech Saudi fund - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-al-thukair-b759b599/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.gccangels.com/ 2. Ali Zewail, Venture Partner @ Endure Capital - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alizewail/ - VC Firm Website: https://endurecap.com/ 3. Hadi Halabi, Co-Founder | CEO @ Stryde - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadihalabi/ - Company Website: https://gostryde.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: - 500 Global launches new early growth-stage MENA fund Summary: 500 Global has announced the launch of a new fund dedicated to investing in early-growth stage startups across the MENA region both from outside and inside the current 500 Global portfolio. 500 MENA, L.P., will be led by Amjad Ahmad, and supported on the investment committee by Courtney Powell. The fund will support startups beyond the seed stage, providing up to $10M per check for Series A and later-stage startups across the region. The Fund is backed by Jada Fund of Funds, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and Saudi Venture Capital Investment Company (SVC), as well as supported by Sanabil Investments. - BioSapien extends its pre-Series A round to $7 million Summary: UAE-based healthtech BioSapien has extended its pre-Series A funding round to $7 million, joined by new investors like Golden Gate Ventures, marking the first deployment of its dedicated MENA Fund. Founded in 2018 by Khatija Ali, BioSapien offers a flagship product, which is a drug delivery, 3D-printed, slow-release delivery platform attachable to any tissue with minimal systemic side effects. - Silkhaus Expands to Saudi Arabia after New Investment Round Summary: UAE-based proptech Silkhaus has closed a seven-figure growth round, led by Nuwa Capital and Oraseya Capital, with participation from Impulse International, Yuj Ventures, Nordstar, and other family offices. Founded in 2021 by Aahan Bhojani, Silkhaus offers a marketplace for short-term rentals across the UAE. The new funding will fuel Silkhaus’s expansion in Saudi Arabia, where it is now open for bookings for guests from around the world. - DeepSeek gets Silicon Valley talking Summary: Since Chinese AI company DeepSeek released an open version of its reasoning model R1 at the beginning of this week, many in the tech industry have been making grand pronouncements about what the company achieved, and what it means for the state of AI. R1 seemingly matches or beats OpenAI’s o1 model on certain AI benchmarks. And the company claims one of its models only cost $5.6 million to train, compared to the hundreds of millions of dollars that leading American companies pay to train theirs. --- (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! 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. Andrea Azzolari, Senior Associate @ Plug & Play - Saudi - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaazzolari/ - VC Firm Website: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/ 2. Ayat Al-Sabbag, Investment Principal @ Suhail Ventures - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayat-sabbagh/ - VC Firm Website: https://suhail.vc/ 3. Julien Plouzeau, Senior Partner @ Oraseya Capital - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienplouzeau/ - Company Website: https://www.oraseyacapital.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: - Saudi rent now, pay later firm Rize closes $35m in equity and debt funding Summary: Saudi Arabia-based proptech Rize has closed a Series A investment round worth $35 million in a mix of equity and debt. The round was led by Raed Ventures, with participation from SEEDRA Ventures through its second fund as well as Aqar Platform, JOA Capital, NAMA Ventures, and HALA Ventures. Founded in 2021 by Ibrahim Balilah and Mohammed AlFraihi, Rize adopts the rent-now-pay-later model, which allows tenants to pay their rent in flexible monthly installments. - MoneyHash, which provides single access to payment services in MENA, banks $5.2M Summary: US-based Egyptian fintech MoneyHash has secured $5.2 million in pre-Series A funding. The round is led by Flourish Ventures, along with Vision Ventures, Arab Bank's Xelerate, and Emurgo Kepple Ventures, with participation from Jason Gardner and existing investors, including COTU, RZM Investment, and Github founder Tom Preston-Werner. - Saudi agritech Arable closes $2.55 million Seed round Summary: Saudi Arabia-based agritech Arable has closed a $2.55 million Seed funding round, led by undisclosed investors. Founded in 2024 by Lawrence Ong and Christina Khalife, ARABLE creates hydroponic farms for vegetable production that are cost-effective and locally adjusted to the desert climate. Unlike many hydroponic technologies imported from the West—where conditions such as low sunlight and moderate temperatures are drastically different—Arable’s systems are engineered to thrive in the arid, high-temperature environment of Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region. - Halo AI closes $6 million Seed led by Raed Ventures, Shorooq Summary: Saudi Arabia-based AI-powered networking platform Halo AI closed a $6 million Seed funding round, led by Raed Ventures and Shorooq, along with other investors. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---