VC React Podcast (E20): 2025 Predictions, Small Acquisitions, VC Transparency, $81.5m Gaming Fund

VC React Podcast
Written By Ahmad Takatkah

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:

Available on:

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. Jamil Shinawi, Founding Partner @ Actual VC
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamilshinawi/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.actual.vc/

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

  • Eyewa now has 150 stores selling eyeglasses in the Mideast, and just raised $100M to add 100 more
    Summary: Eyewa has raised $100 million Series C round. The round, led by global growth investor General Atlantic, brings Eyewa’s total funding to $130 million since its 2017 launch.

  • Japan’s giftee acquires 91% stake in Dubai’s YOUGotaGift
    Summary: YOUGotaGift, a leader in digital gifting, has sold 91% of its shares to Japanese company giftee in a $26.6 million deal. This acquisition will enable giftee to expand in the GCC’s rapidly growing prepaid card market, projected to reach $20 billion by 2028. The existing management team will remain to ensure continuity and growth as the company enters this new phase. This is MEVP’s second exit in 2024 after Fresha, and shores up the DPI of its 2nd fund, MEVFII to 118%. MEVP was YOUGotaGift's largest shareholder owning 44% and backed the Company’s expansion to KSA and rest of the GCC for nearly a decade. The acquisition marks MEVP’s second exit to a publicly listed entity in Japan, after foodtech major Cookpad’s acquisition of Shahiya in 2014; and overall MEVP’s fifth exit to publicly listed Companies

  • Saudi’s Merak Capital launches $81.5m gaming fund
    Summary: Merak Capital launches an USD 80M fund and accelerator, Exel by Merak, to support 15-20 gaming startups across the MENA region.

  • Jada Fund of Funds Backs SEEDRA Ventures Fund II
    Summary: Jada Fund of Funds has committed to SEEDRA Ventures Fund II, an early-stage, sector-agnostic venture capital fund managed by SEEDRA Ventures. Following its first closing in Q2 2024, the fund has already made notable investments this year, backing SiFi, PIESHIP, and Rize.

  • Innovative Startups & SMES Fund (ISSF) Invests $5 M in Saqr Fund II
    Summary: The Innovative Startups & SMEs Fund (ISSF) has announced a $5 million investment in Vision Ventures’ Saqr Fund II. Saqr Fund II focuses on supporting early-stage startups through pre-seed, seed, Series A, and pre-Series B funding stages. This investment aligns with ISSF's mission to bolster Jordanian startups and strengthen the local ecosystem.

  • Watercycle Technologies enters MENA after securing $5.6 million Series A
    Summary: UK-based climatetech Watercycle Technologies has closed a $5.6 million Series A investment round led by Par Equity as part of a syndicate with Greater Manchester Combined Authority ('GMCA'), Aer Ventures and the University of Manchester Innovation Factory.

  • Locad Targets The Middle East After $9 Million Fund Raise
    Summary: Logistics specialist Locad will today announce it has raised $9 million of Series B finance, taking the total amount of funding raised by the start-up to more than $30 million.


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Ahmad Takatkah
Next

VC React Podcast (E19): More Global VCs In MENA, Talabat IPO, The AI Startup That Got Away, & More