VC React Podcast (E1): Tech IPOs in MENA, $8M Seed Startup Round, AI VC Fund, and more.

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. Khaled Talhouni
- LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaledtalhouni/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.nuwacapital.io/
- Portfolio companies: https://www.nuwacapital.io/portfolio

2. Sara Ebeid
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ebeid-55460810b/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.venturesouq.com/
- Portfolio companies: https://www.venturesouq.com/portfolio

3. Waleed Al Ballaa
- LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ballaa/
- VC FirmWebsite: https://suknaventures.com/
- Portfolio companies: https://suknaventures.com/ventures

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

• Rasan Goes Public
  Source: MENAbytes
  Summary: Saudi Arabia-based insurtech Rasan has announced its IPO, becoming the first insurtech company in the region to go public. The move aims to capitalize on the growing demand for digital insurance solutions and expand its market reach. Connect

• Connect Money Raises $8 Million Seed Round
  Source: Wamda
  Summary: Egypt-based fintech Connect Money secured $8 million in a seed round led by Disruptech Ventures and Algebra Ventures. The funding will support the launch of five new business verticals in North Africa. Connect Money offers a white-label card issuing platform for businesses to provide debit and credit cards without developing fintech infrastructure or regulatory licensing.

• SMPL Holdings Launches $10 Million Fund
  Source: Gulf News
  Summary: SMPL Holdings has launched a $10 million fund to support tech and AI startups across the MENA region. The fund aims to foster innovation and accelerate the growth of emerging technology companies in the area.