VC React Podcast (E6): Big Series A Rounds, Enterprise AI for Decision Making, EdTech and AI Trends

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!

Host: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur.
Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on https://www.vcpreneur.com/

Co-Host: 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. Dr. Adil Alzarooni, CEO @ Al Zarooni Emirates Investments
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adilalzarooni/
- VC Firm Website: http://www.zeinvestments.com/

2. Faisal Hakki, Managing Director @ Arab Bank Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisal-hakki/
- VC Firm Website: http://www.abventures.vc/

3. Mohammed Al Rasbi, Founder & GP @ R&D Capital
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed-alrasbi/
- VC Firm Website: http://rd.co.om/

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

• Intelmatix raises $20M Series A to enable MENA businesses to tap AI for decision-making
  Source: Techcrunch
  Summary: Saudi Arabia-based deeptech AI company Intelmatix has closed a $20 million Series A funding round, led by Shorooq Partners and joined by Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), Saudi Technology Ventures (STV), Olayan Financing Company, Sultan Holdings, Zain Ventures, and Rua Growth Fund. Founded in 2021 by a group of MIT graduates led by Anas Alfaris, Almaha Almalki and Ahmad Alabdulkareem, Intelmatix provides both public and private sectors with accessible AI and advanced analytics that delivers technologies to improve operations, productivity, growth, and sustainability. In August 2021, Intelmatix raised an undisclosed investment round, led by STV and Sultan Holdings.

• Educatly Secures $2.5 M Funding to Enhance AI-Powered Education Solutions in MEA Region
  Source: Edge
  Summary: Egypt-based edtech Educatly has secured a new funding round of $2.5 million led by TLcom Capital and Plus VC. The round also saw participation from Egypt Venture (Egypt) and the HBAN syndicate (Ireland). Founded in 2020 by Mohamed ElSonbaty, Abdelrahman Ayman and Joan Manuel, Educatly democratises access to higher education opportunities. The funding will solidify Educatly presence in the Middle East and Africa, including key markets such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ireland. In 2021, Educatly raised a $1 million pre-Seed round from Falak Startups, Enterprise Island along with a group of angel investors.