Mahmoud AbuEbeid

🚀 Want to Rapidly Expand Your Business in Saudi Arabia? 🇸🇦 Exciting Announcement: The Scaleup Methodology Podcast Launch! 🎙️ We're thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking podcast that combines years of product development expertise with insights from Saudi Arabia's top entrepreneurs. Our mission? To equip you with proven strategies for scaling startups in this dynamic market. 🔥 Limited Sponsorship Opportunity 🔥 Here's what you get: ✅ 20-second promotional clip in every episode ✅ Exclusive access to our network of guests and featured companies ✅ Your brand featured in 5-10 social media reels per episode, generating ~500,000 impressions ✅ Super-hot leads handed to you on a silver platter: We share our engaged audience data, making re-targeting a breeze for your marketing team ✅ Exclusive invitation to our power-networking dinner: Connect directly with our podcast guests and fellow sponsors to forge valuable business relationships We're not just offering sponsorship; we're delivering a targeted marketing goldmine in the Saudi market. We identify and engage your ideal audience, you convert them into customers and partners. 🤔 Ready to supercharge your brand's growth, tap into the booming Saudi startup ecosystem, and build game-changing business connections? Drop a 🙋‍♂️ in the comments or DM me for more details. Limited spots available! #SaudiArabiaExpansion #ScaleupMethodology #BusinessNetworking #PodcastSponsorship #scaleupmethodology

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📊 A month of revitalization in MENA MENA startups raised $282M across 63 deals in September — 234% increase from August and a 607% surge compared to September 2023. Venture capitalists continue to favor early-stage investments, with Seed-stage startups securing $102M across 32 deals. Debt financing accounted for only 12% of the total volume. The largest deal was closed by Saudi Arabian startup SHIFT, raising $82.8M to expand its car-sharing platform. In second place was Syarah, an online marketplace for buying and selling cars, which raised $60M in a Series C round (including $20M in debt financing). The top three countries remained unchanged: 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: 23 startups raised $170.8M.  🇦🇪 UAE: 12 startups raised $73.8M.  🇪🇬 Egypt: 13 startups raised $25M. Despite geopolitical challenges, the MENA ecosystem continues to grow. In Q3 2024, startups raised $727M, a 192% increase year-over-year. The outlook for Q4 remains positive.

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UAE-based fintech Ziina زينة has raised $22 million in a Series A funding round, led by US-based Altos Ventures along with other investors including FinTech Collective, Avenir, Activant Capital, Y Combinator, FJ Labs, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), and Jabbar Internet Group. Founded in 2020 by Faisal Toukan and Sarah Toukan, Ziina helps individuals send and receive payments through its app with just a phone number, no IBAN or Swift Code required. It launched its digital wallet in February 2022. The new round will fuel Ziina’s expansion beyond a #payments solution to providing end-to-end #financial services for businesses and consumers, starting with the soon-to-launch ZiiCard. In June 2021, Ziina, fresh from completing YC’s first cohort that year and securing a $7.5 million seed, launched its #fintech app to 20,000 #retail customers, allowing them to send and receive #money. Three years later, the Dubai-based startup, which now counts 50,000 retail and business customers after expanding its offerings to meet the needs of micro, small, and medium-sized #MSME businesses in the #UAE Full TechCrunch article in comments

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UAE fintech Ziina زينة raises $22 million in Series A funding round led by Altos Ventures #uaefintech #fintechuae #fintech #fintechnews #finance #financialtechnology #technology #tech #technews #UAE #investinginfintech #investments #investors #investing #capitalraise #funding #capraise #VC #venturecapital

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Congratulations Faisal Toukan, Sarah Toukan and the amazing team at portfolio company Ziina زينة for raising a $22 million Series A from Altos Ventures! “In June 2021, Ziina, fresh from completing YC’s first cohort that year and securing a $7.5 million seed, launched its fintech app to 20,000 retail customers, allowing them to send and receive money. Three years later, the Dubai-based startup, which now counts 50,000 retail and business customers byafter expanding its offerings to meet the needs of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in the UAE, has netted $22 million in Series A funding led by Altos Ventures. Indeed, such sizable follow-on funding despite the global funding slowdown underscores investors’ confidence in the fintech company’s growth — the company claims 34% month-over-month growth in customers for the last year, and says its revenues have increased ten-fold over the same period. Co-founder and CEO Faisal Toukan told TechCrunch that three factors made Ziina particularly exciting to investors. They include the rapidly expanding SME segment in the UAE, its focus on product-led growth, and its recently acquired central bank license. Ziina originated as a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app for splitting bills, such as for group trips or rent. While the app gained traction with retail customers in the UAE, some who ran businesses sought to use the digital wallet to send and receive payments, too, according to Toukan. In response, Ziina organically expanded its platform into two segments: Ziina Personal for splitting bills among friends and Ziina Business for collecting payments. The first business feature allowed users to send payment links and get paid through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Mastercard and Visa. As demand from businesses increased, Ziina developed more products for them: a payment gateway (checkout) integrated with platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify for online payments, point-of-sale (POS) solutions for in-person payments using QR codes, and payments via social media. In addition to these features, Ziina added CRM functions so businesses can track customer details and interactions. The YC-backed startup continues to offer its P2P service, but it’s clear why most of its product focus is now on small businesses. The startup targets an underserved market of 560,000 SMEs in the UAE, which account for over 94% of all companies and contribute about 60% of the country’s GDP. The Series A round also included participation from Activant Capital, Avenir Growth, FinTech Collective, FJ Labs, Jabbar Internet Group, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP) and Y Combinator. This brings Ziina’s total venture raised to over $30 million since its inception in 2020.” #fintech #SeriesA #MENA https://lnkd.in/eWsYnKRF

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💡 Will We See More Tech IPOs in the Middle East? In The Perfect Pitch Podcast, Rabih I. Khoury, Chief Exit Officer at Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), highlights the current gap between the thriving tech ecosystem and the lack of reflection in our capital markets: "We have a very healthy and growing technology ecosystem that's not yet reflected in our capital markets. This lack of maturity needs to change—our capital markets should reflect our economy." While tech IPOs may be lagging, the conversation is clear: they will happen. It’s just a matter of time before the region’s tech companies achieve the scale to go public. As Rabih says, “We have to.” Wondering how to prepare your startup for a future tech IPO in the Gulf? Learn the key steps to position your company for a successful exit. Listen to the episode for more insights! 🎙️ 👉 https://lnkd.in/guGsJ5nx ᯤ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gaPdvrxv 🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://lnkd.in/guX-ZSyS ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ #LucidityInsights #TechIPO #VentureCapital #ExitStrategy #StartupExits #IPOReadiness #MENAStartups #GulfTech #CapitalMarkets #InvestorGrowth #VCInsights #TechEcosystem #FounderJourney #StartupFunding #MEVP #GCCBusiness #EntrepreneurialSuccess #TechInvestment #GCCStartups #MENAInvestment

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Astra Tech has become the first fintech in the MENA region to launch "Send Now, Pay Later," introducing yet another inclusive and innovative financial service to our expanding fintech portfolio. Botim #UltraApp users will soon be able to send money abroad and pay later in easy installments, offering much-needed financial flexibility during demanding periods like month-end. Our mission is to solve real problems through our products and services, and we identified the need for "Send Now, Pay Later" in the region, especially given the significant role remittances play for the UAE's large expatriate workforce and the support they provide to families abroad. By leveraging advanced credit infrastructure, we’re providing a faster, more accessible way for users—particularly underserved segments—to send remittances. We're proud to consistently launch features that have a clear purpose, contributing to the economic empowerment of our users and fostering broader economic growth. This new feature offers greater flexibility, enabling users to send money when it's most needed, with the convenience of paying later. #RemittancesMENA #SNPL #FinancialEmpowerment

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Rede Partners specializes in private markets Set to Open Dubai Office to Tap Mideast Investors : Seeing strong concentration of investors in Dubai: CEO : Advisory firm has raised €6 billion from the region to date “Dubai stands out as a very strong hub” due to its regulatory environment and connectivity “There is quite a strong concentration of investors in Dubai in particular. We’re also seeing a big increase in family offices that are based there” Sitting atop nearly $4 trillion in assets, the region’s wealth funds are evolving and seeking opportunities to co-invest with global money managers. These firms are now “encouraging their managers to develop activities in the Middle East to support the development of Middle Eastern markets” Rede Partners has raised over €100 billion since its founding in 2011, including €6 billion from Middle Eastern investors

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COTU Ventures Launches $54M Fund for MENA Pre-Seed and Seed Startups Founder and general partner Amir Farha highlights the region's potential: 'Today, businesses in MENA are slightly behind the curve, offering a significant opportunity for software solutions. We're particularly drawn to high-margin industries where technology can drive efficiency gains.' Farha also emphasizes COTU Ventures' commitment to filling the support gap in the region's startup ecosystem: 'MENA's early-stage landscape lacks dedicated support. We aim to become the go-to partner for founders.' This initiative aligns with the region's tech growth, spotlighted at Expand North Star, MENA's largest tech startup and investment event. Exhibit this year and be on the radar of top investors and be part of amazing initiatives: https://lnkd.in/dx6Dp7h7 *Reference: https://lnkd.in/dBH-HK2U #ExpandNorthStar2024 #NorthStar #FutureBlockchainSummit #FintechSurge #StartUpEvent #DubaiChamberofDigitalEconomy #GITEXGLOBAL #AI #GITEXImpact GITEX GLOBAL Largest Tech & Startup Show in the World Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy

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Dubai has just taken a bold step in entrepreneurship with the launch of Ignyte, a digital platform designed to support over 100,000 startups and facilitate $100M in deals and savings. Led by the DIFC and backed by the vision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Ignyte aims to cement Dubai as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurial growth. Now, the question is: What’s the most valuable feature of Ignyte? While the platform offers access to investors, mentorship, and an AI-powered marketplace, the real game-changer is access to investors. Here’s why: 1. Capital is the lifeblood of growth Without funding, even the best ideas stall. Investors provide the fuel that startups need to build, scale, and stay competitive. Ignyte’s ability to connect entrepreneurs with capital—potentially unlocking $100M in deals—creates immediate, tangible impact. 2. Smart money brings more than cash Good investors bring more than money; they bring networks, experience, and market insights. With the right partners, startups gain access to global markets and mentorship from people who know how to navigate early challenges and scale strategically. 3. Capital drives everything else Mentorship and AI tools matter, but they thrive on the back of solid financial support. Investor-backed platforms attract the best mentors, align marketplace dynamics with real market needs, and amplify startups’ ability to grow sustainably. In the end, capital unlocks everything. With financial backing, entrepreneurs can fully leverage mentorship and technology to build businesses that last. That’s how Dubai’s Ignyte positions itself—not just as a platform, but as a launchpad for global innovation. If you had to pick—what would matter most to your startup? Investors, mentors, or AI tools? https://www.ignyte.ae/ #Dubai #Ignyte #Innovation #Startup

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You are a startup and raising funds? Or SSO and want to support your startups raise funds? Check what happening in Saudi Register to the Betawaves live webinar on Nov 6th. Registration link in comments

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Riyadh-based VC firm Impact46 is set to have its second IPO with the upcoming Tadawul listing of local fintech Rasan. The Saudi firm was also an investor in the local food delivery startup Jahez which went public in early 2022. Impact46 led a $24 million investment round in Rasan in November 2021. It is the only publicly announced investment that the startup has raised to date. Impact46 invested in both Jahez and Rasan from its growth fund. Apart from these two, its growth fund is also an investor in Saudi fintech Hala. It is not clear how much of the $24 million came from Impact46 but it was the only investor mentioned in the statement by Saudi fintech at the time, hinting that it may have been the only investor in the round. Rasan which owns and runs different insurance and vehicle maintenance platforms including Tameeni, the largest online insurance aggregator of the Kingdom, announced its intention to go public earlier this week. It plans to float 30 percent shares of the company in the listing on the main Saudi stock exchange. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dXwQJPbW Abdulaziz Al Omran

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Saudi Arabia's IPO market is red hot, and fintech is leading the charge! Rasan's groundbreaking IPO, with a staggering $29 billion in orders, underscores the tremendous investor confidence in the Saudi fintech sector. This development could be a game-changer for Saudi Arabia's tech landscape, paving the way for a wave of new listings. What does this mean for the future of fintech in the Gulf region? Read more for insights and analysis: [https://lnkd.in/dUEgqncZ] #SaudiArabia #Fintech #IPO

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🌟 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia's tech scene is thriving, and we're proud to be part of it. Learn about our #FutureSpark #Web3 Accelerator in #Riyadh in this Arabian Business article: https://lnkd.in/et5yE2_t

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#SaudiArabia's capital, #Riyadh, has emerged as a leading startup ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, ranking fourth according to Startup Genome's Global Startup Ecosystem report. Alongside #Riyadh, #Jeddah and #Alkhobar were also recognized for their dynamic startup environments. #Riyadh notably made the global list of cities with four or more unicorns in the last decade, sharing this distinction with #Dubai. The Kingdom's proactive stance on artificial intelligence, evidenced by a $40 billion investment, further underscores its tech ambitions. In 2023, Saudi Arabia secured 52 percent of #MENA's total venture capital funding, leading regional venture funding activities with $1.38 billion, as highlighted by MAGNiTT. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dHc9-3db Startup Genome, Global Entrepreneurship Network, MAGNiTT #StartupEcosystem #Riyadh #Dubai #MENA #Top5 #Startup #Investment #Funding #VentureCapital #AI #Alkhobar #KSA #MiddleEast #NorthAfrica #GlobalStartup #CapitalInvestment #Founder #Innovation #Tech #Fintech #SaudiArabia #FintechnewsSaudiArabia #SaudiArabiaFintechnews #KSAFintechnews Post Credit: Arab News

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Saudi SMEs need more credit. On the other hand, Saudi retail investors want more investing options. Lendo | ليندو, which raised a $28M Series B last year, connects both. It enables Saudi investors to lend to Saudi SMEs, for a profit. Lendo is an interesting use case: (i) Part of a pioneering generation of Saudi fintechs, approved by the Saudi Central Bank (ii) Focused on local SME credit, at a time when other high-flying regional fintechs are doing consumer-focused BNPL (iii) Has to make sure its financial products are Shari'ah-compliant, something its Western competitors don't have to worry about The Realistic Optimist dove into these topics with Lendo's co-founder, Osama AlRaee. Read the full interview below. For Realistic Optimist paid subscribers exclusively. https://lnkd.in/gnaFWD-5

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The 24 Fintech event in Riyadh, has highlighted its focus on startups. Among the participants, 80 top global fintech startups showcased their innovations. A dedicated startup zone featured a well-funded pitch competition and mentorship programmes, spotlighting startups across major fintech verticals such as payments, lending, insurtech, and more. As Annabelle Mander of Tahaluf has stated, "By nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem, 24 Fintech has played a vital role in shaping the future of fintech in the region." Aspiring startups have benefited from tailored mentorship and the 24 Fintech Forge Pitch competition, with a grand finale offering over $250,000 in equity-free awards. This initiative has aimed to be a launchpad for young companies, particularly those developing solutions for the Saudi and GCC markets. 🌟 #24Fintech #FintechStartups #Innovation

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22,000+ restaurants use this app in Saudi Arabia. This is the story of Foodics - 3rd most-funded Saudi-born startup. It started in 2014, when a restaurant owner reached out to Ahmad Al-Zaini for help to digitize their business. With his co-founder, Musab Al Othmani, they built a cloud-based software for restaurant managers— helping F&B owners run operations smoothly and scale. Since then, Foodics has processed over six billion orders and raised $198 million. Here’s how they made it happen: 🟣 1/ Pivot to where the demand is. -Ahmad’s journey started with a tech consultancy called Alwans. Through consulting, he noticed that F&B was one of the least digitalized industries.  -Many restaurants were still using outdated systems. -They pivoted their efforts to focus on Foodics as a solution for restaurant owners. 🟣 2/ Adapt quickly to the landscape changes. -When COVID hit, cloud kitchens became essential, especially in high rent areas. -The team quickly developed Foodics PAY to support restaurants through the crisis. They also focused on building strong local connections, ensuring their clients could always get real, human support. This propelled the business even further. 🟣 3/ Build customer-obsessed features—and become the ecosystem. -Foodics started as a simple tool for restaurant management. -With each customer need, new features were added. -Today, it’s an all-in-one platform that serves every part of the F&B industry—from cafes to food trucks and cloud kitchens. With well-rounded features to boot. They've essentially created an ecosystem. Aligned with one vision: Make life easier for restaurants and enhance CX. 🟣 4/ Align the company with mantras and themes. From day one, Ahmad’s mission has been to help restaurant owners grow—from small food carts to full-fledged chains. To keep this focus, he tracks three mantras: ↳ Team communication around the company’s mission ↳ Product quality and how it’s received by customers ↳ Whether their solutions truly address challenges faced by stakeholders. Ahmad also monitors the company’s growth per employee to ensure they’re scaling sustainably. --- Ahmad’s vision of a one-stop-shop for restaurant management has become reality. Today, Foodics operates across 35 countries, positioned at the heart of fintech and foodtech. They're more than just a Point-Of-Service software company. Love reading inspirational stories like this where leaning into a key tech problem turned out to become a major success. What's your top takeaway?

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