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:

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Jamie Lane, FWDstart.

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Available on:

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- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashersiddiqui/

- VC Firm Website: https://suknaventures.com/

2. Jamil Shinawi, Founding Partner @ Actual VC

- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamilshinawi/

- VC Firm Website: https://www.actual.vc/

3. Omar Rebhan, Founding Partner @ Saudi Angel Investors

- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orebhan/

- VC Firm Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saudi-angels/

#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

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In Today's Episode:

Summary: Saudi fund and studio specializing in deeptech Beta Lab has kicked off with a capital of $300 million on the first day of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) 2024. The fund aims to support the growth of startups and foster cross-border innovation between the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Beta Lab represents a partnership between Saudi Ministry of Investment, the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and MDI Ventures by Telkom Indonesia.

- General Atlantic announces Riyadh Office opening as firm expands in the Middle East

Summary: Global growth investor General Atlantic has opened a new office in Riyadh. With nearly $1 billion invested across the MENAT region — including stakes in eyewa, Property Finder, and Trendyol — the firm aims to deepen its support for local entrepreneurs in sectors like tech, healthcare, fintech, consumer markets, and climate tech.

- Arzan VC launches Revenya Capital to back MENA startups

Summary: Kuwait-based VC firm Arzan Venture Capital has partnered with Ahmad Takatkah to launch Revenya Capital, a revenue-based financing (RBF) firm focused on empowering tech startups in the MENA region. With an initial seed investment of $2 million from Arzan VC and Arzan Financial Group (AFG) and a credit facility from AFG’s network, Revenya Capital aims to fill the growing demand for non-dilutive financing options in the region.

Revenya Capital plans to work closely with venture capital firms to provide their portfolio companies with short-term, non-dilutive financing for various needs.

- NorthLadder completes $10 million Series B led by tali ventures

Summary: UAE-based device trade-in platform NorthLadder has closed its Series B at $10 million, led by stc Group’s tali ventures, Dutch Founders Fund and Crescent Ventures. Founded in 2021 by Mihin Shah and Sandeep Shetty, NorthLadder is a trade-in platform for pre-owned electronics with an automated assessment journey and home pickups. The funding will fuel NorthLadder's global expansion efforts and the development of its state-of-the-art trade-in platform. NorthLadder has recently established its European operations in Amsterdam and is poised to launch trade-ins with key partners further across Europe.

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(أحمد طقاطقه)

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