VC React Podcast (E34): State-Owned or Built vs VC-Backed Tech? Is Saudi A New Global IPO Market?
VC React Podcast:Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, LPs, & Angel Investors, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. ---Hosts: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur. Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on https://www.vcpreneur.com/Jamie Lane, FWDstart. Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on https://archives.fwdstart.me/ ---Available on:Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@VCReactPodcastSpotify:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vc-react-podcastApple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-react-podcast/id1764834384---Guests:1. Arnav Danthi, Principal, @ Nuwa Capital- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnavdanthi/- VC Firm Website: https://www.nuwacapital.io/2. Amira Swilam, Partner @ Den VC- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amiraswilam/- VC Firm Website: https://denvc.com/3. Mo Salah, Partner at @ Pitlane Ventures - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisismosalah/---#startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #privatecredit #privateequity #finance #business #ipo #acquisitions #limitedpartners #revenuebasedfinancing #fintech #climatetech #edtech #accelerator #cvc #web3 #crypto #blockchain #defi ---Sponsors: 💸This week’s episode is brought to you by OCTA – the AI-powered accounts receivable platform trusted by 100+ companies like Careem, Lean Technologies, and ZenHR to automate collections, resolve disputes, and unlock financing with zero hassle. Visit: www.weareocta.com/fwdstart to get your first 6 months free.---News of the week brought to you by FWDstart.In Today's Episode:- UAE cybersecurity leader CPX acquires pioneering cyber-AI firm SpiderSilkSummary: Abu Dhabi-based CPX Holding has acquired spiderSilk, a UAE-born cyber-AI startup known for its flagship exposure management platform, Resonance, and autonomous SOC AI agents. Founded in 2019 by Rami El Malak and Mossab Hussein, spiderSilk has developed proprietary, AI-powered cybersecurity products used by both public and private sector clients across the region. The acquisition brings CPX’s service-led capabilities together with spiderSilk’s product-led innovation, creating a unified platform to scale into key markets like Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and North America. The company’s last raise was a $9M Series A back in 2023, led by Wa’ed Ventures. Global Ventures and Dara Holdings will remain part of the journey, supporting CPX’s leadership in driving the company’s continued growth.- Travis Kalanick’s CloudKitchens eyes IPO for Middle East unitSummary: Travis Kalanick’s CloudKitchens is reportedly exploring an IPO for its Middle East unit, with Goldman Sachs hired to assess a potential listing in the UAE or Saudi Arabia. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s PIF since a $400M investment in 2019, the ghost kitchen company operates under the KitchenPark brand in the UAE, Saudi, and Kuwait. The move puts it on a potential collision course with Dubai-based Kitopi, the regional category leader that became a unicorn in 2021 and has since expanded into physical dining spaces. No final decision has been made on timing or valuation, but the IPO could signal rising competition – and consolidation – in the Gulf’s cloud kitchen space..---(أحمد طقاطقه)---