VC React Podcast (E16): Dual Funds, Pioneer VCs, Financing Revolution! Global VCs Are In, New IPOs!

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: VC React Podcast

• Spotify: VC React Podcast

• Apple: VC React Podcast

• Amazon: VC React Podcast

Guests:

1. Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner @ Nuwa Capital
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaledtalhouni/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.nuwacapital.io/

2. Michael Lints, Partner @ Golden Gate Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhlints/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.goldengate.vc/

3. Nour Tawfig, Investment Manager @ Mad'a Investment
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nour-tawfig/
- VC Firm Website: https://minvest.sa/

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

• Sawari Ventures to launch $200 million Sawari Ventures II fund
  Source: Jawlah 
  Summary: Egypt-based venture capital (VC) firm Sawari Ventures is preparing to launch its second fund, “Sawari Ventures II,” in early 2025, with a target of raising $200 million. Sawari Ventures II will build on the success of the firm’s first fund, expanding into new sectors and regions. The new fund will consist of two components — an Egypt-focused fund to mobilize local capital and an international fund targeting foreign investors and development finance institutions to support startups across Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, and West Africa.

• Abhi Raises $15M In Debt Financing To Expand 'On-Demand Pay' Services In UAE
  Source: Forbes Middle East
  Summary: UAE-headquartered fintech Abhi has secured $15 million in debt financing led by Shorooq Partners and Amplify Growth Partnership. Founded in Pakistan in 2021 by Ali Ladhubhai and Omair Ansari, Abhi is a fintech that focuses on financial inclusion for employees and SMEs throughout the MENAP region. The new funding will allow Abhi to scale its operations and further expand its earned wage access (EWA) to serve the blue- and white-collar working populations in the country.

• Saudi B2B fintech Mala secures $7 million pre-Seed
  Source: Wamda
  Summary: Saudi Arabia-based fintech Mala has closed a $7 million pre-Seed funding round, led by VentureSouq and Shorooq Partners, as well as M Capital, BECO Capital, Access Bridge Ventures, Waad Investment, Palm Ventures, and Silicon Valley-based fund D Global Ventures ("DGV"). Founded in 2024 by Musaab Hakami, Mala is a B2B platform that offers SMEs a procure-now-pay-later (PNPL) solution with flexible credit terms while ensuring suppliers receive immediate cash payments. The new capital injection will allow Mala to officially launch its services in KSA in Q4 2024.

• Dubizzle Prepares for IPO Worth Up to $1 Billion in 2025
  Source: Enta Arabi
  Summary: Dubai-based classified advertising company Dubizzle Group has appointed Emirates NBD, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and Morgan Stanley to lead its initial public offering (IPO) planned for 2025. While Citigroup was initially involved, it has since been replaced by Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, according to a source familiar with the matter. Preparations are already in progress for a potential IPO valued between $500 million and $1 billion.

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