Prashant K. (PK) Gulati

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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US interest rate cut could see funding taps turn on for GCC startups After nearly two years of rate hikes, the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.5% to 4.75-5%. What does this mean for startups and VC? Washington’s rate decisions heavily influence capital availability and cost. Lower rates make borrowing cheaper, encouraging investment in riskier assets like startups. Gulf Cooperation Council central banks followed suit due to dollar pegs. Philip Bahoshy, founder of MAGNiTT, highlights that the trend of rate cuts is key. Jerome Powell aims to control inflation while maintaining low unemployment, avoiding a US recession. Lower rates decrease capital costs, making VC more attractive. High rates, conversely, push investors towards safer options like real estate. Original post by arabnews عرب نيوز Repost by Salem Bagami Chief Executive Officer Digital Transformation Company & Managing Director 2080 Ventures Email: [email protected] Website: www.2080.ventures - #VentureCapital #Startups #EconomicTrends #Investment #Entrepreneurship

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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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*Industry X.0 COE- Sharjah Research Tech Innovation Park Invitation for JV Participation* https://lnkd.in/dvtQUjCN Invitation for JV Participation Sharjah Research Tech Innovation Park We are looking for a JV Partner to Participate in a ready to launch and operate Industry X.0 (Digital, Robotics, Decarbonization) Learning & Innovation Centre with ecosystem partners in a rapidly growing market. Investment $500,000 Model: Joint Venture at Sharjah UAE Who can invest: 1.Industrial advanced technology product or services company to expand in the region 2.Individual investors and industry 4.0 evanglist for better ROI in 3 years 3.Tech accelerators to expand in the region 4.Education institutions to introduce global learning programs for their students, research in industry 4.0 and IP development ROI Options: 1 Breakeven in 3 years with yearly income 2.3x buy back option from parent company in 5 years Contact Shashank Pradhan +919920190165 [email protected] https://lnkd.in/dvtQUjCN

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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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𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 2030 #KBAGG Group with interests in US focused Capital Market & Tech Investment Advisory, Clean Tech Partnerships and Climate Tech Venture investment, is all set to make a major foray into establishing 5 Global Clean Tech Cities across UAE, KSA and AFRICA Regions . 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨-𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬, planned to drive decarbonization of Urban mobility across Air, Ground and Water, by deploying EVs, FCEVs, eVTOLs, Drones, Yachts, Autonomous Vehicles with Solar powered EV charging stations and Green Hydrogen Fuel Delivery Stations, Automated Warehouses, Microfactories and more. The first Clean Tech city project is set to be launched in 2025 towards achieving Climate Goal 2030. If your company is interested to partner with our project in any of the above mentioned domains viz project advisory, micro-factory partnerships, distribution, operation, maintenance and execution. Please share your interests thru the link below https://lnkd.in/dhA-Aieu

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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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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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Build your warm connections with business people, #givefirst, and as Noor Sweid answer on Mariam Kvlividze, those 62 from 63 investment is through warm introduction… you may be in those possible for co-marketing (warm introduction is the co-marketing, I believe… why? your partners know that if you will grow your business will benefit their business even more because you already bring a lot of benefits, they make warm introduction for speed up, in the end it’s win-win situation!)

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Are we entering a new era of #PrivateCapital growth in #MENA? 👀 Well if my recent conversations, the latest MAGNiTT data and emergence of new funds, is anything to go by then one can note that Venture Debt has emerged as a hot topic of discussion across Emerging Venture Markets. Venture debt lending reached a record $757M in 2023 for MENA, marking its fourth consecutive year of growth. However, venture debt deals declined 48% in 2023, indicating a shift towards larger debt facilities. #SaudiArabia led the MENA venture debt market with 53% of total lending in 2023, followed closely by the #UAE. #FinTech dominated the landscape, comprising 79% of the total lending value. And US-based Goldman Sachs, which had no MENA venture debt deals from 2018 to 2022, led the market in 2023 in both deal count and capital deployed, notably contributing to Tamara's major rounds. Interested to learn more about Private Credit? MAGNiTT's got you covered: FY 2023 MENA Venture Debt report here: https://lnkd.in/dkZJJ938 Exploring Private Debt in Emerging Markets: https://lnkd.in/dS-nzFRN Venture Debt: A Non-Dilutive Funding Option for Startups in MENA: https://lnkd.in/dSJbj4ni #startups #venturedebt #investors #privatecredit

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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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Had a wonderful conversation with RJ Muriel D'sa on Talk 100.3 Dubai about my journey with Rukam Capital. From starting up as an ‘accidental VC’ to raising our first fund and supporting visionary founders, it’s been a fulfilling journey, to say the least. We talked about the basics of venture capital, the importance of trusting founders, and how empowering startups is at the heart of what we do. The founders we work with take the risks, spot the opportunities, and make our job exciting every day. #WomenInVC #StartupJourney #EmpoweringFounders #RukamCapital

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September 21 2024 – 5 Notable Articles To Read Article: OpenAI in Talks with UAE Investment Fund for $7B Fundraising Takeaway: MGX was launched this year by Mubadala Investment Co., a state-owned entity, and G42, a tech conglomerate partnered with OpenAI, which supplies AI services to businesses in the region. Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest supporter, also holds a seat on G42's board. Source: The Information Link: https://lnkd.in/dTc5r3cc Article: Danish Freight Firm DSV - Global Transport and Logistics Buys German Rival for €14.3B Takeaway: The deal makes the Danish company the world’s largest freight forwarder, with DSV surpassing private equity firm CVC in the race to acquire DB Schenker. Source: Bloomberg Link: https://lnkd.in/dFh_QCRb Article: Blackstone Said to Weigh Sale of $7B Consular Tech Firm Takeaway: Blackstone Inc. is exploring options, including the sale of its majority stake in VFS Global, a visa outsourcing and technology services company, following interest from potential investors, according to sources familiar with the matter. Source: Bloomberg News Link: https://lnkd.in/dkwebFta Article: Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala takes stake in Revolut Takeaway: Taking part in a share sale last month that valued the London-based fintech at $45B and earned at least $200M for its founder and CEO, Nik Storonsky. Source: Financial Times Link: https://lnkd.in/dcz4XJ9K Article: An ESG Backlash Erupts in Europe on World's Strictest Rules Takeaway: As valuations and competitiveness decline, companies are protesting, claiming that the U.S. is handling the climate issue more effectively. Source: Bloomberg Link: https://lnkd.in/d7GXi3jQ #news #business #research #ai

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Quick News (9/6/2024): Key Developments in Qatar's ICT and Economic Sectors Rasmal Ventures Launches First Home-Grown Qatari VC Fund: Rasmal Ventures, Qatar's first independent venture capital company, has launched its inaugural venture capital fund, Rasmal Innovation Fund LLC. Managed by a team with extensive VC experience, the fund aims for $100 million in investment commitments, with an initial closing of over $30 million. The fund will target innovative tech startups and scaleups in Qatar, the MENA region, and internationally, with a focus on sectors like climate and energy tech, fintech, supply chain logistics, B2B SaaS, and AI. (Source: Gulf Times) Qatar Electronic Systems Company (Techno Q) Listing on QSE: Techno Q will be listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange’s Venture Market on June 26, 2024. With a share capital of 84.5 million shares, the listing increases the number of companies on the QEVM to four. The reference price for the shares is set at 2.9 Qatari riyals. The company, established in 1996, operates in the #AV, hospitality, and lighting segments, and through its subsidiary, in ELV and #security systems. (Source: Qatar Stock Exchange) Potential Qatar-Sweden Joint Projects: Emerging technologies, particularly AI, large language models, and digitalization, present significant opportunities for joint innovation projects between Qatar and Sweden. Håkan Buskhe, CEO of Swedish private holding company FAM, emphasized the importance of innovation for small export-driven economies like Qatar and Sweden. He highlighted the potential for collaboration in areas such as smart city initiatives and food security technologies. (Source: Gulf Times) Qatar, an Emerging Hub for EVs and Hybrid Vehicles: Qatar is rapidly becoming a significant player in the promotion and sale of electric and hybrid vehicles in the Middle East. Qatar's rapid development of electric charging infrastructure and initiatives like the Qatar Geneva International Motor Show demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development and innovation in the automotive industry. (Source: Gulf Times) MENA Tech Startup Market Difficulty Report 2024: Does Your Startup Have Any Chance in MENA! The report provides industry data insights analyzing 30 sectors in the MENA region to identify which are easier or more difficult for startups. It examines the difficulty in raising capital, reaching customers, and market competition among startups, using data from the last six years up to January 2024. It is the first report in the region's history to address and provide solutions to these challenges. Full report can be accessed at https://lnkd.in/dTXDhS7z #Qatar #ICT #AI #VentureCapital #Quicknews #MENATechStartup

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🔍 Investors shift focus to early stage across MENA in H1 2024! 📊 Throughout H1’24, we’ve observed a significant shift in investor focus towards #seed and pre-#SeriesA deals. Notably, $1M-$5M round sizes in the MENA region have surged, tripling from 15% in 2020 to 45% in H1'24. Learn more in the full #MENA #H1report: https://lnkd.in/dXREk8hd The $5M-$20M round size in MENA has also increased to 14% in H1'24 from 10% in 2022, mirroring trends in #Africa and #SEA. However, big-ticket investments in the $20M+ range have declined, dropping to 3% in H1'24 from 4% in H1'23. 📉 Key drivers of this trend: - Valuations return to pre-pandemic levels, more attractive for investors. - Early-stage companies are now focusing on unit economics. - Time to exit coincides with a likely upswing in VC liquidity in the next 6-7 yrs. While there's a conservative stance on major tickets amid the slowdown, activity is definitely brewing in smaller to mid-size rounds! Have you been hearing the same on the street? Share your insights below! 👇 #fundinground #VC #venturecapital #investments #H1trends

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"We feel the Middle East has the potential to grow and export great businesses to the rest of the world, and that is why we decided to spend more time on the ground" Our Co-Founder & Managing Partner Rajul Garg talks to Entrepreneur Middle East on scaling in the US, hiring talent in India & Leo Capital's plans for MENA & the GCC. Read the full article below 👇 https://lnkd.in/gKNbZdZT

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A $2 million fund has been launched to bolster Jordan's startup ecosystem, supported by the Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF), Jordan's largest fund valued at $98 million. ISSF's investment in VentureSouq II aims to nurture MENA startups at the seed stage. VentureSouq is committed to reinvesting profits back into Jordanian companies at multiples of their initial investments, ensuring sustained growth in the local entrepreneurial landscape. VentureSouq focuses on sectors like fintech, climate tech, and logistics, boasting a portfolio of over 200 companies across 30 countries. Notable projects include UAE-based BNPL platform Tabby and Saudi Arabia's logistics innovator Trukker. The portfolio also features successful EdTech startups from MENA, such as Abwaab, offering online educational platforms, and Kido, managing a network of inclusive child care centers and schools. The MENA region is a hotbed for innovation, and we're seeing more and more exciting startups. Hredtech.vc are particularly interested in ventures that are addressing the unique challenges of the region's workforce, such as talent acquisition, education and development. If you're a founder in the MENA with a great hr or ed tech startup, we encourage you to reach out to us!

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