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 FirmWebsite: 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 FirmWebsite: 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 #tech #investments #Entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #startups #vc --- 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 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. --- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---