VC React Podcast (E29): QED's Investment In NymCard, Impact46's 10x IPO Exit, & Yango's CVC Fund!
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. Aboudi Al-Qattan, Principal @ DASH Ventures, and host of Beyond The Buzzer podcast
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aboudi-al-qattan-8658abb3/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.dashventures.com/
- Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondbuzzer
2. Hadi Halabi, CEO @ Stryde
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadihalabi/
- VC Firm Website: https://gostryde.com/
3. Tina Daher, Principal @ Shorooq
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-daher-a812ba114/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.shorooq.com/
In Today's Episode:
News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:
Saudi VC Impact46 announces 10x exit from Tadawul-listed Rasan
Summary: Saudi VC Impact46 has successfully exited Rasan. The exit delivered a 10x return on Impact46’s 2021 investment, with Rasan’s equity appreciating over 91% since its 2024 listing. The offering included approximately 17.16% of Rasan’s issued share capital, priced at $18.40 per share, reflecting a 4% discount to the March 12, 2025, closing price. The total offering size reached $245 million, with strong demand leading to multiple times coverage. Impact46, led by Founding Partner & CEO Abdulaziz Alomran, continues its track record of high-growth tech investments, following successful exits in Jahez, Tamara, and Lendo.NymCard Closes $33 Million Series B Funding
Summary: NymCard, an in-house finance platform, secured $33 million in Series B funding, led by QED Investors—its largest investment in the region and first in the Gulf. Existing investors Lunate, Dubai Future Fund, Mashreq Bank, Knollwood, Reciprocal, FJLabs, Endeavor, and Shorooq participated, alongside new investor Oraseya Capital. Operating in 10+ markets, NymCard powers banks, fintechs, telecoms, and corporations through card issuance, embedded finance, and money transfer solutions. Its nCore platform is the only fully self-owned processing and switching tech in the region, ensuring speed, control, and efficiency.Yango Group Launches $20M Fund For Tech Startups
Summary: Dubai-based Yango Group, a global technology and services company operating across ride-hailing, entertainment, payments, and navigation, has launched Yango Ventures, a $20M corporate venture fund targeting early-stage startups (Seed to Series B) in MENAP, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. The fund will focus on O2O, B2B SaaS, and fintech, with plans to expand capital as ecosystems develop. Yango Ventures aims for 10-20x returns on Series A deals, leveraging the company’s global network and deep expertise in scaling digital platforms. Unlike traditional corporate funds, it won’t seek control over portfolio companies but will offer strategic support upon request and collaborate with VC partners. This move marks Yango’s broader diversification beyond adapting global tech for local markets, strengthening its presence in 30+ countries. While no deals have been confirmed, discussions are ongoing.
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