VC React Podcast (E2): On Acquiring Silicon Valley Startups, Global VCs In MENA, eSports.

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. Tamer Azer, Partner @ Shorooq Partners
- LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamerazer/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.shorooq.com/

2. Tarek Seif El Nasr, Head of Venture Growth @ Falak Startups
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tareknasr/
- VC Firm Website: https://falakstartups.com/

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

• WakeCap Acquires Crews by Core to Enhance Field Operations
  Source: Waya
  Summary: Saudi-based IoT platform WakeCap has acquired the AI-powered project delivery platform Crews by Core to create a comprehensive suite of hardware and software tools aimed at improving job site safety, productivity, and profitability for major construction projects globally. The combined technologies are already deployed across large sites and megaprojects in the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Japan. As part of the acquisition, WakeCap will establish an R&D headquarters in Silicon Valley, enhancing its position as a leading construction tech company. This move leverages Crews by Core's expertise in building significant Silicon Valley companies like PayPal, Waze, Google Chrome, and Palantir. Both CEOs, Di-Ann Eisnor of Crews by Core and Dr. Hassan Albalawi of WakeCap, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the potential to enhance construction project management in regions with large-scale developments such as Saudi Arabia.

• South Korean VC Hashed Ventures Expands to Abu Dhabi
  Source: Forkast
  Summary: Hashed Ventures, a South Korean VC firm, has partnered with Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 to explore investment opportunities in MENA's tech and crypto sectors. Managing $700 million in assets, Hashed aims to leverage Abu Dhabi’s strategic position and resources to scale its portfolio and attract South Korean tech startups to the UAE. This collaboration will provide Hashed with access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities, with CEO Simon Seo-Joon Kim highlighting the UAE’s crypto-friendly regulations as a key factor for expansion.

• Paris-based VC Breega Announces $75 Million Africa Fund
  Source: TechCrunch
  Summary: Paris-based VC firm Breega has launched a $75 million fund, Africa Seed I, to invest in early-stage startups across Africa, specifically mentioning Egypt and Morocco. Breega has secured commitments for about 70% of the capital in its first close. The firm supports startups from pre-seed to Series A stages and targets sectors like fintech, health tech, proptech, logistics, and edtech. Breega plans to invest $100,000 to $2 million in startups to tap into significant opportunities in these markets.

• Esports World Cup Fever in Saudi Arabia as Contest Kicks Off with Biggest Prize Pool
  Source:Al Arabiya
  Summary: The much-anticipated Esports World Cup (EWC) launched in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring the largest prize pool in industry history at over $60 million. Running from July 3 to August 25 at Boulevard Riyadh City, the event includes 1,500 elite players competing in 22 competitions across 21 leading games like League of Legends and Counter-Strike II. Organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation and backed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the EWC aims to boost the local gaming community, create 39,000 jobs, and contribute $13.3 billion to the nation's GDP by 2030 as part of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. This strategy, launched in 2022, underscores the importance of gaming in Saudi Arabia, where 67% of the population identifies as gamers, and aims to position the country as a global hub for esports.