VC React Podcast (E13): Growth Funds, Debt Funds, Mobility, EdTech, and Good News From Palestine!

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. Aboudi Al-Qattan, Principal @ Dash Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aboudi-al-qattan-8658abb3/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.dashventures.com/

2. Faisal Hakki, Managing Director @ AB Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisal-hakki/
- VC Firm Website: https://abventures.vc/

3. Mark Kleyner, Co-Founder & CEO @ Dream VC
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markkleyner/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.dream-vc.com/

4. 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:

• Ajeej Capital and Nuwa Capital launch $100m fund to boost tech companies in Middle East
  Source: The National News
  Summary: Amplify Growth Partners has launched a $100 million growth debt fund aimed at providing debt capital to technology-focused companies across the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENA) region.

• Merak Capital invests $82.2 million in Saudi tech-driven mobility platform SHIFT
  Source: Zawya
  Summary: Merak Capital has invested $82.8 million in SHIFT, a tech-driven mobility platform for people and products. SHIFT, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Jeddah, operates in 57 cities with over 12,000 vehicles, offering car-sharing, chauffeur services, rentals, and logistics. Corporate clients include Ikea, Flow, Noon, Amazon, Panda, and Saudi Aramco.

• Algerian edtech LabLabee closes $3.4 million Seed round
  Source: Tech Point
  Summary: Algeria-based edtech startup LabLabee has raised $3.4 million in Seed funding, led by Reach Capital, with contributions from Classera, Brighteye Ventures, e& capital, and business angels like Cedric Sellin and Mohammed Husamaddin.

• Ibtikar Fund II Announces Its Final Financing Closing
  Source: Ibtikar Fund
  Summary: Ibtikar Fund has closed its second venture capital fund, Ibtikar Fund II CV, at USD 25 million, with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) joining as a Limited Partner. This marks EBRD's first equity investment in a venture capital fund in the West Bank. Ibtikar Fund II plans to invest in up to 25 early-stage tech-driven companies in sectors like artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and fintech, empowering Palestinian startups to expand regionally and globally. Notable investors include the Bank of Palestine, the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Key investments include companies like DataQueue, Mental, and Vatrin.

• Global Investors Extend Line of Liquidity to High-Growth Palestinian Startups
  Source: Intersect Hub
  Summary: Intersect, a Ramallah-based tech hub and incubator, is pleased to announce the first close of a $5 million USD bridge financing facility that will extend the runway of Palestinian tech startups impacted by the ongoing war. This funding initiative, known as SAFE Palestine, will immediately provide urgently needed liquidity to 29 high-growth Palestinian startups, preserving over 300 existing jobs and creating new employment opportunities within the tech sector. The facility, which will provide equity and grants, is a response to challenges faced by startups, including the displacement, injury, or loss of employees in Gaza, supply chain and banking disruptions in the West Bank, and an already challenging macroeconomic fundraising environment for founders.

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