VC React Podcast (E27): Good vs. Great, EdTech Wave In MENA, Revenue Based Financing, Cars, & Cake!

VC React Podcast:

Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, LPs, and Angel Investors, 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. Hasan Haider, Founder and Managing Partner @ Plus VC
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasanhaider/
- VC Firm Website: https://plus.vc/
- Good vs. Great Article: https://plus.vc/good-vs-great

2. Mohamad Khawaja, Founding Partner @ Fikr Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khawaja/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fikr-ventures/

3. Sameer Sortur, Founding Partner @ SquareCircle Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameersortur/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/squarecircle-global/

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

• Saudi EdTech Startup Ula Raises $28 Million in Series B Funding Led by Rua Growth Fund
  Summary: Saudi Arabia-based EdTech startup Ula.me has raised $28 million in a Series B funding round led by Rua Growth Fund, with participation from Jordan Capital & Investment Fund and Foursan Group. The investment will support Ula’s expansion in Saudi Arabia and the launch of an AI-powered digital learning platform designed to personalize education by analyzing student performance and individual needs. The company also plans to integrate augmented and virtual reality to create an interactive learning experience. Founded by Alaa Jarrar, Ula aims to bridge the gap between public and private education by offering high-quality, technology-driven learning solutions.

• Fintech Flow48 secures $69M Series A to expand into Saudi Arabia
  Summary: UAE-based fintech Flow48 has closed a $69 million Series A funding round in a mix of debt and equity. The round is led by Breega and has seen further investments from 212, Speedinvest, Daphni, Endeavor Catalyst, Evolution Ventures, and Plus VC, among others. Founded in 2022 by Idriss Al Rifai, Flow48 provides upfront financing to SMEs to facilitate their growth by transforming future revenues into upfront capital under flexible terms. With this new funding, Flow48 is set to further expand in its two key markets, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In November 2023, Flow48 closed its pre-Series A at $25 million, comprising a mix of equity and debt from some of the existing investors.

• UK’s Pinewood acquires Dubai-based automotive SaaS Seez for $46.2 million
  Summary: UK-based automotive intelligence platform Pinewood.AI has agreed to acquire Seez for $46.2 million in cash and shares. The share component is expected to grow over the following three years. Founded in the UAE in 2016 by Tarek Kabrit and Andrew Kabrit, Seez is an autotech company that provides car dealerships and OEMs with software solutions to improve their customer experience and increase sales. Last year, Seez raised a $4.2 million investment round, and ever since, it has expanded globally to 16 markets ranging from Mexico to Australia.

• Lola secures $1.3 million pre-seed to accelerate GCC expansion plans
  Summary: Lola, a Bahrain-based foodtech, has raised $1.3 million in a pre-seed funding round from Plus VC, Vision Ventures, and angel investors. Founded in 2023 by Othman Janahi, Lola offers a customisable cake ordering service for customers in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. This investment will fuel Lola’s expansion efforts in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region.

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