Dr. Christiane Mueck

A new wonderful episode of the VC React Podcast, with our amazing guests: Hasan Haider and Jessica Al-Hussaini, who provided great insights on: • Extending funding rounds and how it shows maturity in founders • Why payment gateways might want to stay focused on one big market • A deep dive into revenue based financing & how it's different than venture debt.  • How Revolut's expansion to MENA could shake things up in the regional Fintech scene, and force existing players to enhance their products and services, and would this move by Revolut influence local VC's investment theses?  • A comparison of two fintech startups that started in the same year, a global one that became a decacorn, and a local one that is still at series B.  • Selling founder shares at secondary rounds • How MENA startups could strategize their expansion to the US market if they plan to. A big thank you to our guests, and as always, thank you Jamie Lane and FWDstart. --- VC React Podcast Available on: • 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗲: https://lnkd.in/gswEc6DJ • 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆: https://lnkd.in/gERdVmEc • 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲: https://lnkd.in/gFT3FsCB • 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻: https://lnkd.in/gkfNgF5K ---

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Today marks an exciting milestone as we become a truly global firm. Our iconic logo, the Golden Gate Bridge, was selected to represent our mission of bridging Silicon Valley with the rest of the world. We chose Qatar as the HQ for our new MENA fund because, like Singapore, Qatar has been building its economic prowess and on an international scale. With supportive government programs, a strong push for economic diversification, a pro-business environment, and substantial investment in the startup space, Qatar closely mirrors the environment we saw when we first started in Singapore over a decade ago. This fund, MENA Fund 1, is the first step in our twenty-year vision for the Gulf region. Establishing our MENA headquarters in Doha is more than just a business move; it is a statement of our belief in Qatar as a regional innovation hub. I am confident this announcement will pave the way for many international VCs to follow our lead, just as they did in Singapore. A huge thanks to my partner Michael Lints for his efforts to make this happen. Golden Gate Ventures is very supportive of his exiting move to Doha! And a very big thanks to the support from Hussain Abdulla and Yousuf Al-Jaida 🙇 Alongside our announcement, we have published an extensive report on why we believe Qatar is set to be a regional hub. *Download* a copy of the report “Qatar Rising: Where Ambition and Capital Converge”: https://lnkd.in/eZnrCXCc #venturecapital #mena #goldengatevc #goldengateventures #qatar #gcc #innovation #startups #founders #entrepreneurs #funding #vc https://lnkd.in/e4y9WX_W

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A Dubai-based fund-of-funds focused on backing emerging venture investors, has raised $5 million of the $10 million target for its debut fund. Amkan Ventures is connecting family offices in the Gulf region and emerging U.S.-based VCs — two groups unlikely to otherwise meet. A fund led by Female GP Raida Daouk El Jisr decided to raise a fund after helping a number of family offices and other institutions vet and invest in American venture firms and tech startups as a consultant and building out another prior employer's portfolio. #fundraising #investment #GCC #USfunds #venturecapitalists #limitedpartners #generalpartners #Funds #LPs #GPs #VCs #emergingfunds #fundmangergs

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In a recent article with Fortune Arabia, I shared insights on how fintech startups are revolutionising the Middle East and Africa - driving financial inclusion and sustainability. Fintechs are leapfrogging legacy systems, bypassing traditional banking systems with digital and mobile payment solutions accessible to millions and enabling SMEs to enjoy vital access to finance. Crucially, fintechs are also transforming economies and improving quality of life, especially for the underbanked communities – while also enabling environmental sustainability. At Global Ventures, we are proud of the diverse fintechs in our portfolio – all playing a part in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future across MEA. From Maalexi’s full-stack platform for SME agri-buyers and sellers, Mamo’s online payment processing platform for businesses, to Paymob’s gateway boosting accessibility, to Tabby enabling the regional BNPL space – we are excited to continue our role in boosting the region’s fintechs, and in turn, create a more sustainable and an inclusive future for all. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dGrXS4Uc

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Just arrived in Doha for the Qatar Economic Forum, where I’ll be speaking on a panel about Practical Artificial Intelligence with WHOOP founder Will Ahmed and Inceptio Technology founder Julian Zheren Ma.   The discussion, moderated by Bloomberg's Mallika Kapur, comes at a moment when AI is dominating both the public news cycle (thanks to GPT-4o’s heralded arrival this week) and the private conversations we’re having with investors and founders all over the world.   I’ll be sharing B Capital 's perspective on the most promising applications of AI in the short-term, the appropriate role for AI technologies within a long-term portfolio strategy, and why we’re optimistic about the AI innovations emerging from different regions, including the Middle East.   Hope to see you there or you can also watch here: https://lnkd.in/dmWPt9ch #QatarEconomicForum

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UAE and UN at the Forefront of AI Enablement for Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development The UNDP and the UAE have launched the AI4SD platform, to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the 22 Arab League member states. A key feature of the AI4SD platform is an open-source AI API, allowing developers and organizations to access AI models and tools for sustainable development projects. e& (formerly Etisalat) plays a crucial role in this partnership. They enhance initiatives like the Arab Knowledge Project, support financial inclusion projects in Egypt, and develop the Climate & Natural Disaster Crises (CNDC) Platform to improve climate resilience through AI. Together, this collaboration aims to empower policymakers and businesses while fostering sustainable development across the Arab states. Exciting times ahead for digital transformation! 🌍 This follows several other global initiatives, such as: . AI for the Global Goals by Google, providing $25m in grants to organizations leveraging AI for SDGs, . Cisco's AI Initiatives, which include a $1bn investment fund for developing secure AI solutions and launching the AI Unveiled series to empower organizations in crafting effective AI strategies. . The AI Hub for Sustainable Development, announced by the G7, promoting AI applications that address global challenges through collaboration, . Stream Ocean, employing AI for real-time monitoring of marine biodiversity, . Pano AI, utilizing AI technology to detect and classify wildfires in real time, All these initiatives highlight a growing commitment to harnessing AI for sustainable development and addressing pressing environmental challenges. #DigitalTransformation  #digitaleconomy #Telecom #AI #SustainableDevelopment #SDG https://www.ai4sd.org/

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💸 How does #VentureDebt work?! And why raise instead of VC? In recent years we have seen the emergence and rise of Venture Debt as an instrument across the MENA and wider emerging venture market space. As a key pillar of Private Capital and Private Debt, Venture Debt is often used as a preferred non dilutive source of liquidity to grow your company. As MAGNiTT continues to develop its Private Capital data, and ahead of our annual Venture Debt report launch tomorrow, the team shared an article detailing the mechanisms of Venture Debt. Are you looking to raise Venture Debt? Would love to hear from you below on why you're choosing Venture Debt over #VentureCapital. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dmkgJeCy #VC #Venture #Startups #MENA

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Summary: Despite Saudi Arabia's history of human rights abuses, there is a growing interest from U.S.-based investors to invest in startups in the Middle Eastern nation. General Catalyst is planning to invest in a fintech startup, Lean Technology, and other firms such as Coatue Management and Andreessen Horowitz have recently backed Saudi Arabian startups. Key takeaways: Despite concerns about the country's human rights record, some U.S. investors are showing a willingness to invest in Saudi Arabian startups, potentially driven by the country's large and growing market. General Catalyst investment in Lean Technology is a significant step in this trend, as it is the firm's first investment in a Middle Eastern nation. Other U.S. firms, such as Coatue Management and a16z, have also recently backed Saudi Arabian startups or expanded their presence in the country through investments in related industries (such as co-living). Counter arguments: There may be ethical concerns about investing in a country with a record of human rights abuses and suppressing dissent. The motivations behind these investments may also be driven by the goal of gaining access to the huge Saudi Arabian market, rather than solely supporting the growth of the country's startups. #venturecapital #vc #venture #startups

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Headed over to Asharq Business اقتصاد الشرق last week to dive into the latest data on #MENA and KSA’s VC landscape We covered some big topics, including the 42% drop in funding—but I want to hear your thoughts 👇 For those who’ve been fundraising this year, what’s been your biggest challenge in conversations with investors? 🤔 Comment your insights below, and these could shed light on how investors are approaching capital deployment in emerging markets, especially in today’s uncertain environment. Thank you to Sahar El-Mizari and Riham El Chayeb for having me share MAGNiTT‘s latest findings! We’ll be rolling out more analysis on this topic soon, so stay tuned for deeper dives into investor sentiment. Curious about #KSA’s VC scene? 📊 Don’t miss our latest report: https://lnkd.in/d93BDU_f #KSA #VCLandscape #InvestmentTrends #StartupEcosystem #MAGNiTT

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https://lnkd.in/d3b_KeZe "“Globally and regionally, the banking sector has an unfavourable relationship with early-stage startups,” said Racha Ghamlouch, co-founder of Digital Digest, a UAE-based digital economy news and market intelligence aggregator. “But we are seeing more debt-funds and venture debt funds investing in growth stage deals, which is filling that gap for later stage companies.” Where banks may be falling short, entrepreneurs are turning to the private credit market to meet their funding needs. Omar Al Yawer, senior executive at Abu Dhabi-based Ruya Partners, who was speaking on the sidelines of the Alternative Investment Management Summit in Dubai this week, said: “The reality is the Middle East has such a big funding gap that exists because the banks are only lending to the big family groups and government backed projects. “So the middle market’s been really left to grow at a turtle-like pace,” he said."

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👀 Excited to unveil the latest insights from our MAGNiTT H1 VC report on Emerging Markets! Join me for a deep dive into the trends shaping 2024: 🌍 Is there light at the end of the tunnel for Emerging Market VC? 📈 How do MENA investments compare to Global Venture trends? 💰 What's driving changes in market valuations today? 👥 Who are the key players investing right now? Don’t miss our webinar on Jul 17 at 3PM UAE! Secure your spot now 👉 Register Here: https://lnkd.in/dxJDhsAe Have burning questions about the future of startup funding? Share them below and join the discussion! 👇 #Webinar #H1 #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #EmergingMarkets #CEOInsights

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🌍 Are Foreign Investors Regaining Interest in MENA? 🚨 That's the question we've been exploring at MAGNiTT with our latest piece. Early 2023 saw major Silicon Valley players like Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global Management, and IVP visiting regional sovereign wealth funds, signaling potential interest. However, that interest didn’t fully materialize last year in the form of investments. This year tells a different story. In 2024, #MENA has experienced a 32% YoY increase in investor participation in the first half, driven largely by international investors. While late-stage investments remain cautious, these investors are contributing with smaller tickets. 🇦🇪 🇸🇦 Unsurprisingly, the #UAE and #SaudiArabia are the prime destinations for global investors in MENA. The UAE stands out, accounting for about 57% of the country's investors in H1'24. While familiar names like 500 Global and Antler continue to make big waves in the region, we've also seen new players such as India’s Cogitent Ventures, the UK’s Quadri Ventures, and Denmark’s A.P. Moller Capital making their first regional investments. MAGNiTT’s latest article dives into the numbers, explores the evolution, and discusses the main reasons behind this trend and what to expect next. Check it out here: Read More https://lnkd.in/dxqJ9iXR Got any guesses on which big leagues are eyeing their entry into the region? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #MENA #Global #InvestmentTrends #VentureCapital #Funding #UAE #KSA #Investors #Investment #Innovation

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Join Us at AIM Congress 2024 🚀 Discover the Future of Startups and Unicorns!🚀 Hello LinkedIn family, I'm excited to invite you to a must-attend panel at the upcoming AIM Congress in #AbuDhabi! Whether you’re a founder, an investor, or just startup-curious, this is one event you won't want to miss. 🌐 Session: Finding a Product Market Fit: 2024 – 2026 #Startups’ New Trends – Focusing on Personalizing Products 📅 Date: 9th May 2024 🕰 Time: 14:55 – 15:40 📍 Location: Room 6 Hall 5, #ADNEC - Abu Dhabi Why attend? 34% of startups fail due to a lack of product-market fit. Our discussion will dive deep into the importance of ensuring your product or service not only meets the market need but does so in a way that resonates personally with consumers. We will explore emerging trends, including the remarkable success stories of brands like Nike with their "Nike By You" service, and how B2B companies like Aritco are revolutionizing customization. Join me, Walied Albasheer, Haytham El-Azaizy, Ahmed Mahmoud Abdeen, Amr Aboelazm, Sama Salama, Rania Ayman as we unpack the strategies to not just find but dominate your product-market fit in a consumer-centric future. Learn how personalizing your offerings can potentially increase your sales by over 10%, and understand the real-world applications of AI and augmented reality in product customization. Don't miss this opportunity to network with pioneers and peers alike and gain insights that could change the way you think about product development and customer engagement. 🔗 Register now by scanning the QR code in the image or visit https://lnkd.in/dG24rvDk. Looking forward to seeing many of you there! #AIMCongress2024 #Startups #Innovation #ProductMarketFit #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital

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In Tahseen Consulting's #MENA+ #techpolicy insight, you'll read about the #UAE’s Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA)’s internally managed assets reaching 64%, #SaudiArabia launching the world’s biggest green hydrogen plant in 2026, Telecom Egypt and Vodafone agreeing a $600M #5G deal in #Egypt, #Pakistan’s #EV policy delays causing investor uncertainty, #Qatar inking 8 deals with #Turkey, #Lebanon losing $5B+ due to conflict, #Vietnam’s FPT Software getting NVIDIA #chips for #AI cloud services, Viettel Group launching the world’s first #OpenRAN #5G network, and Reliance Industries Limited and The Walt Disney Company completing their $8.5B JV deal in #India 🇦🇪 #UAE #VC funding may ▲ 3x to $2B+ this year 🇸🇦 #KSA Saudi Central Bank – SAMA issues #ewallet rules 🇪🇬 #EGYPT #MCIT, SAP partner on university digital transformation 🇵🇰 #PAKISTAN to work with #China on 2028 lunar mission 🇰🇼 #KUWAIT #Ecommerce to grow 12%+ / year to 2028 🌍 #GCC Fitch Group, Inc. gets approval for #Riyadh #RHQ 🇸🇬 #SINGAPORE businesses still bullish on the US despite tariff risks 🇹🇭 #THAILAND prepares to tap #nuclearenergy 🇮🇳 #INDIA #Telecoms raise concerns about the draft #cybersecurity rules

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The MENA Fintech Surge: How Can Local Startups Capitalize in 2024? For a long time, MENA startups were underdogs in the global venture capital arena. Just five years ago, our network funds from Europe and the US showed no interest in financing the MENA region. Now, the tables have turned: Western investors are increasingly drawn to the local startup scene. The global tech community is shifting its focus to the Middle East, exemplified by the Websummit—one of the world's largest technology conferences—being held in Doha, Qatar. This growing interest is evident across sectors but particularly pronounced in fintech. Unlike the global fintech sector, which has experienced halved funding, oversaturation, diminished returns, and disappearing unicorns, the MENA fintech scene seems to be moving in the opposite direction. In 2023, fintech startups from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey collectively raised almost $2 billion in funding. In 2023 alone, five companies surpassed the $1 billion mark. Within just two years, Pakistan’s financial startup Abhi saw its valuation grow to $90 million and expanded operations beyond Pakistan—a feat that many Western counterparts can only aspire to. And we are not just witnessing more deals; valuations have also skyrocketed. Just a few years back, MENA startups secured funding at valuations 30–40% lower than their western counterparts. Now, both industry data and Waveup’s experience with local clients show that the valuations in the region are holding steady or increasing, even as foreign fintechs face devaluations. As of 2023, an average EV/revenue multiple for SME lending fintechs in MENA stood at a staggering 29.19x, compared to an average of 8.88x for peers in other locations. This success story is unfolding right before our eyes. This wave will only grow bigger in the following years, and it's crucial that local startups and investors ride it. Original article by Olena Petrosyuk ,the co-founders of Waveup, an advisory firm for startups Repost by Salem Bagami Chief Executive Officer Digital Transformation Company & Managing Director 2080 Ventures Email: [email protected] Website: www.2080.ventures - #MENA #Fintech #VentureCapital #Startups #Innovation

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