VC React Podcast (E18): DeepTech and TelecomTech News, Revenue Based Fund, More Global VCs in MENA

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. Asher Siddiqui, General Partner @ Sukna Ventures
- 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/

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

• $300 million Beta Lab Fund launches to back Saudi, Asian deeptech startups

  Source: Enta Arabi
  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 strategic partnership between several influential entities in the fields of innovation and investment, including the 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

  Source: Zawya
  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

  Source: Wamda
  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

  Source: Jawlah
  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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