VC React Podcast (E10): Family Office VCs, VC Competition, eCommerce Mergers, Co-CEOs, Crowdfunding

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. Ali Al Majthoob, Managing Director @ MEVP
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alialmajthoob/ 
- VC Firm Website: https://www.mevp.com/

2. Hasan Zainal, Managing Partner @ Arzan VC
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasanzainal/ 
- VC Firm Website: https://arzanvc.com/

3. Tambi Jalouqa, Managing Partner @ Propeller 
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tambijalouqa/ 
- VC Firm Website: https://www.propellerinc.me/

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

• Gulf investors launch $200 million Waad Investment firm to support regional startups
  Source: Jawlah 
  Summary: A coalition of investors and GCC-based family offices have launched “Waad Investment," an investment firm with a targeted value of $200 million, led by investor Yaser AlGhamdi in collaboration with the AlMajed and AlMisfer family offices. Waad Investment aims to invest in growth-stage startups in the region, as well as offering a network of connections, mentorship, and guidance to enable them to launch products and expand locally, regionally, and globally. The alliance reflects the commitment of family offices in the GCC to creating a positive impact on the entrepreneurship ecosystem and startups.

• Egypt’s MaxAB and Kenya’s Wasoko complete merger of their B2B ecommerce platforms
  Source: TechCrunch 
  Summary: Two of Africa’s largest B2B e-commerce platforms, Wasoko and MaxAB, have finally completed the continent’s much-talked-about merger, TechCrunch has learned. The all-stock transaction, both companies say, marks “an evolution from B2B e-commerce companies to a multi-vertical ecosystem for Africa’s $600 billion informal retail sector.” Talks of a merger between Kenya-based Wasoko and Egypt-based MaxAB began last December. This merger, the first of its scale on the continent, involved integrating 16 subsidiaries across multiple countries, Daniel Yu, co-CEO of the combined entity, told TechCrunch in an interview. Given this complexity, the eight-month timeline is not unusual in the context of global mergers.

• UAE’s Myco raises $10m; plans expansion, blockchain migration
  Source: Gulf Business 
  Summary: UAE-based Web3 streaming platform myco has completed the first closing of its Series A funding of $10 million at a post-money valuation of $80 million. The round was backed by Daman Investments, Aptos Labs, B Digital, Mocha Ventures, Art3 Foundation, Ghaf Capital Partners, Mix Media Network, Factor6 Capital Partners, and Enjinstarter, along with other angel investors. About 88 accredited investors also participated in the round through Republic.com. Founded in 2021 by Umair Masoom and Somair Rizvi, myco is a content streaming app that integrates AVOD and SVOD capabilities within a decentralized environment. Following recent expansions into North America and Egypt, myco plans to use the fresh funds to expand into further markets, establish new partnerships and conclude a second closing on their Series A by early 2025.