Amine Bounoughaz

Personal observations on the current status of our Tech ecosystem in MENA: 🤔 1- Many entrepreneurs still find it hard to navigate the entrepreneurial journey: how to start, how to raise funds, how to scale, whom to hire, how to structure? The bright side is that many entrepreneurs are just starting!! My two cents: surround yourself with the right people first. 😃 💰 2- Early-stage VC investments are estimated at over USD 3 billion per year. Although this number was zero 18 years ago when I started in this industry, I believe this $3 billion figure is still minute... just compare it to the size of the GDP and you’ll see the delta... my two cents: unless we accelerate exit velocity, we won’t grow further. M&A and local IPOs are a must. 🔔 🌳 3- Resilience, resilience, resilience: especially now! If you’re not patient (and by patient, I mean patient, resilient, an eternal optimist, and just wired this way - this is not for you...), there’s joy when olive tree farmers wait years to grow olive trees and make their oil... you’re a farmer, not a trader. Pick your side and never look back. 🫒 📉 4- Profitability… the days of high growth at any cost are gone... I still see many entrepreneurs behaving this way. We had an amazing 10 years of cheap money era... the run is over, accept it, and build a solid business first. 📈 🧍 🧍‍♀️ 5- Egos: It’s never about you; it’s about what you leave for the next person behind you. Your company is not yours, although you may have created it. You could be its temporary captain, but it’s never yours... it’s everyone’s company (customers, investors, employees, and co/founders or co-captains). Leave your ego at home. 🧍‍♂️ 🧍‍♀️

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When ChatGPT 3 was launched in November 22, May Ben Khadra & Hussein Sayed, CFA, CMT interviewed me on CNBC Arabia and asked me that educators are worried that students may use it to cheat - My response was, if so, then shouldn’t they be more worried that what they are teaching (or how they are teaching and testing) is becoming obsolete? Businesses are rushing to deploy AI, that is a fact today, and more so tomorrow. Are we preparing our students for a jobs as they will be doing tomorrow? Or as we were doing yesterday? People who are savvy in using AI fully understand that subject matter specialization is mandatory in the prompter. If I’m a legal expert of medium AI prompting expertise generating a contract using AI, the output will be superior to an AI expert with master level prompting capabilities. AI obsolves us from menial copywriting and researching task to focus on our subject matter expertise, prespective on the issue at hand, contextual problem solving and creativity & innovation. Instead of wasting their focus on trying to find AI generated output detectors, Educators should focus on preparing a new generation for future jobs. Thank you Hikmat Beaini, DBA and Canadian University Dubai for organizing this great initiative & hosting an amazing panel. https://lnkd.in/dXe8Sehg https://lnkd.in/dDTZCded #AI #Education #FutureOfWork

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🚀 MENA Startup Ecosystem Booms: A Goldmine for Consultants and Businesses Catch the Wave! 🌊 The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has roared back to life, with September 2024 investments surging 607% YoY and 234% MoM, hitting a total of $282 million. This resurgence opens up exciting new avenues for consulting firms looking to advise clients on funding strategies, growth planning, and market entry. 📈 Top Consulting Opportunities and Key Insights: 1️⃣ Saudi Arabia Back on Top: After a brief dip, Saudi startups bagged $170.8 million (60% of MENA’s total) across 23 deals, including SHIFT’s $82.8M mega round. Consultants should prepare to support Saudi clients with scalable business models and regional expansion strategies to capture the momentum. 2️⃣ Fintech and Early-Stage Focus: With fintech startups raising $102.5 million in September and a 355% QoQ jump in Q3, consulting firms can assist VCs and startups in regulatory navigation, partnerships, and capital efficiency strategies. *Seed deals dominated, with $102M injected into 15 startups, signaling an appetite for early-stage investments. Consultants specializing in startup development will find ample opportunities here. 3️⃣ Sector Expansion and New Ecosystems: E-commerce raised $63M and SaaS $10M in September, reflecting shifting investor sentiment. *Oman secured the 4th spot with $40M invested—consulting firms should explore emerging markets where competition is still low but potential is growing. 4️⃣ Gender Dynamics and Inclusivity: Male-led startups raised $260M in September, while female-led startups only managed $583K. This highlights a gap in gender inclusion that consulting firms could address by designing DEI strategies for VCs and accelerators. 🌍 Resilience Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty Despite geopolitical tensions, MENA startups raised $727 million in Q3 2024, a 192% YoY surge. Local investors stepped up where foreign VCs hesitated, leveraging high oil prices to drive investments. Consultants can help businesses position themselves to attract this capital by pivoting toward local partnerships and de-risking investments. 🔮 Looking Ahead to Q4 and 2025 With oil-rich nations benefiting from high prices, consulting firms should prepare for sustained growth through Q4 2024, with long-term impacts spilling into 2025. The time is ripe for advising businesses on regional growth strategies, cross-border investments, and accelerator programs that match the region’s bold investment appetite. Takeaway: The booming MENA startup scene🌟offers limitless opportunities for businesses and consultants alike. Now’s the time to act—partner with clients, guide growth, and seize the potential of this high-growth ecosystem. #Mohamed_Helmy #InsightsReveal #MENA #Consulting #Startups #Fintech #VentureCapital #ManagementConsulting #BusinessGrowth #InvestmentTrends

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🌟 The MENA Region: The World's Next Silicon Valley! 🌟 The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rapidly emerging as the world's next Silicon Valley, and I couldn't be more excited about the transformation unfolding before our eyes! 🚀 With a perfect blend of innovation, investment, and youthful energy, MENA is poised to revolutionize the startup ecosystem over the next five years. Here's why: Unparalleled Innovation: From fintech to healthtech, MENA's startups are pioneering groundbreaking solutions. The region's unique challenges drive creative problem-solving, resulting in cutting-edge technologies and business models. Investment Boom: Investors are recognizing MENA's potential, pouring billions into the region. This influx of capital is empowering entrepreneurs to scale their ventures, driving economic growth and creating jobs. Youthful Demographics: With a predominantly young population, MENA boasts a talent pool brimming with digital natives ready to disrupt traditional industries. Their energy and fresh perspectives are fueling a dynamic startup culture. Strategic Location: MENA's geographical position bridges East and West, making it an ideal hub for international trade and collaboration. This strategic advantage is attracting global partnerships and expanding market reach. Supportive Ecosystem: Governments and private sectors are collaborating to create a supportive environment for startups. From regulatory reforms to incubators and accelerators, MENA is becoming a nurturing ground for entrepreneurial success. 🌍 The impact of this transformation on the global startup world will be profound. We can expect: Increased Diversity: New voices and perspectives will enrich the global innovation landscape. Technological Breakthroughs: MENA's unique solutions will inspire advancements across industries. Economic Growth: The region's prosperity will contribute to a more balanced global economy. I'm thrilled to witness and be part of this journey. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or enthusiast, now is the time to engage with MENA's thriving startup scene! Let's connect and explore opportunities together! 💼✨ #MENATech #StartupRevolution #InnovationHub #GlobalGrowth #TechTrends #InvestmentOpportunities #DigitalTransformation #SiliconValleyOfTheEast #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfTech #MENAStartups #TechInnovation #BusinessGrowth

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How much Private Capital can fit in one room?! 👀 Just wrapped up an incredible week at the 8th Future Investment Initiative (#FII) in Riyadh FII Institute . Many thanks to our good friend and partner Ibrahim Neyaz for the kind invitation and great to connect with Mohammed Alariefy while there, both true pillars of the KSA Private Capital ecosystem. Key takeaways from the conference, especially for venture capital: 🌍 Global Investor Presence: It was fantastic to see heavyweights like General Atlantic, Andreessen Horowitz (A17), and New Enterprise Associates (NEA) among other major players bringing international attention to the region. 💰 Big Announcements: A lot of excitement around new capital commitments to the region, including Brookfield Asset Management new Private Equity fund, the formation of the new BIM Capital with SBI Digital Asset Holdings and the set up of Goldman Sachs Riyadh office, all signaling strong investor confidence in MENA’s growth potential. 🤝 Public Markets and Private Capital: Thought-provoking discussions on how public markets can drive the growth of private capital, a critical topic as the Kingdom continues shaping its economy for the future. (Mohammed ElKuwaiz) And, of course, even Elon Musk made a surprise appearance, adding to the buzz and momentum of the event! It was fantastic reconnecting with old friends and building new relationships in this buzzing capital market space. Can’t wait to see what’s next for MENA as the year unfolds and we look toward further growth in 2025. Onward and upward 💪 #Investment #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #MENA #Vision2030 #KSA #Riyadh #FutureGrowth

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🌟 Expand Your Horizons with Betawaves: Discover Saudi Arabia’s Startup Potential! 🌟 We’re excited to bring you the third session of our #StartupDestination webinar series, tailored for entrepreneurs ready to scale their ventures in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 📅 Save the Date: December 11th ⏰ Time: 4 PM to 6 PM (CET) This session is your ultimate guide to expanding and thriving in Saudi Arabia, featuring top industry experts and invaluable insights into: ✅ Saudi market opportunities for international startups. ✅ Proven go-to-market strategies for success in KSA. ✅ Navigating startup support programs, accelerators, and legal frameworks. ✅ Understanding the Saudization journey and its impact on businesses. ✅ Real success stories from startups already thriving in KSA. 💡 Whether you’re exploring expansion or looking to refine your strategy, this webinar is packed with actionable advice to take your business to the next level in KSA’s vibrant startup ecosystem. 🔗 Don’t miss out! Register now via the link in the first comment. Let’s unlock the opportunities together! 🚀 #Startups #KSA #Webinar #GlobalExpansion

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The sixth episode of Rally Cap VC's podcast is out 🗣️🎙️🔊 Amir Farha is a prominent figure in MENA VC, managing the largest solo-GP fund in the region [$54m]. He previously co-founded the first and largest early-stage VC firm in the Middle East [BECO Capital, $500m AUM]. Timestamps: (1:49) Building a second VC firm (3:02) What does 'strong founder' even mean? (4:29) Investing in underdogs (6:15) Aren't we all improvising? (7:05) The evolution of Amir 1.0, Amir 2.0, Amir 3.0 (11:18) Aren't VCs just monetizing access? (13:26) Raising $50m as a solo-GP (15:16) KSA/UAE/Egypt, too many startups, beyond the VC model (17:57) Unconventional founder moves in nascent markets (20:34) Unhealthy obsession: psychological cost of succeeding in VC?

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Angel investors are a catalyst for economic growth. Innovative founders have the potential to revolutionise industries and boost the economy. However, in the MENA region especially, startups in the very early stages struggle to raise capital. This is where angel investors are essential in helping these founders go from 0 to 1. Angel investors shape the economy in many ways: → Bridging the funding gap: angel investors are willing to take calculated risks and provide pre-seed funding. This is essential for enabling startups to develop and validate their innovative ideas. → Economic growth: startups develop new products and services and ways of thinking. This is turn drives competition and boosts the economy. → Job creation: startups create jobs and attract global talent, especially in emerging sectors. → Global competitiveness: a thriving startup ecosystem enhances a country’s overall competitiveness. Angel investors are the drivers of this ecosystem and that is why they are so important to the economy. The MENA region needs more angel investors to support visionary entrepreneurs with the capital and resources they need to build successful businesses. That is why I founded truffl ventures.

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Quite an interesting panel yesterday about Lebanon's decentralization and its impact on the economy. Some insights 👇🏼 📈 Lebanon is seeing an impressive 7.5% month-over-month growth in online businesses. 💄 40% of those new businesses are in beauty and fashion. 👩🏼 The share of women-led businesses in the e-commerce space is significantly higher than in any other industry. (-Omar Sabra) 🌍 Decentralization is happening across borders: Lebanese expats are acting as if they're still living in Lebanon, closely cooperating with Lebanese startups and talents. (-Christina Chehade) 🔌 Some big businesses in Lebanon are currently spending up to 40% of their revenue on their power bill. Demand for industrial-level solar energy panels and storage batteries has surged in the past year. (-George Abboud) 🛣 In Lebanon and the region, people wanted for years to break away from mainstream narratives. Podeo | بوديو is allowing this with its podcast platform hosting 95% of the MENA-grown podcasts. 🗺 People are looking for hyperlocal views on topics: there's a growing audience for locally-flavored podcasts. (-Stefano Fallaha) 📷 The map below shows Supportful's distributed team presence across Lebanon ❤️ Thanks Hani Azzam, Viaka, and Ramzi Farah for making this session happen!

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MENA startups raise $282 million in May 2024, recording 413% MoM growth ⤴ According to Wamda Capital the investment value experienced a substantial surge in May 2024. A total of 40 MENA startups managed to raise $282 million, which is a staggering 413% increase compared to April's $55 million. This growth was mainly driven by debt financing, which accounted for almost $140 million of the total amount raised.

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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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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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Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem has affirmed its leading position in the funding space, capturing over 53 percent of the region’s venture debt financing in 2023, according to MAGNiTT’s latest report. The venture data platform revealed that Saudi startups raised a total of $400 million in venture debt last year, a 602 percent growth compared to $57 million in 2022. Venture debt is a type of financing for early-stage companies that complements equity funding. It includes growth capital for expansion, equipment financing for asset acquisition, and accounts receivable financing for managing cash flow. The Middle East and North Africa region saw a total of $757 million in venture debt financing in 2023, a 262 percent year-on-year growth. The UAE followed Saudi Arabia with a total of $353 million in financing in 2023, a 222 percent yearly increase. Egypt came in third with $4 million, an 86 percent annual drop. Fintech emerged once again as the sector of choice for investors, accumulating $601 million in financing, a 325 percent yearly increase. #MENA #GCC #Investment #fundraising #Startups #Venturedebt #privatequity #Venturecapital #Saudiarabia #UAE #Egypt

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In Tahseen Consulting's #MENA+ #techpolicy insight, you'll read about the #UAE’s dubizzle acquiring DriveArabia.com, #SaudiArabia’s #startups raising $3.3B from #VCs, Fitch Ratings upgrading #Egypt outlook to positive, #Pakistan establishing a National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency, #Morocco's bourse targeting 3-5 listings per year, 2x-ing foreign investors, construction of the $3B #Oman - UAE rail beginning soon, the Philippines tightening #AML, #CFT rules, companies embracing unified emissions standards in #Vietnam, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) asking #digitallending #fintechs to cut growth in #India. 🇦🇪 #UAE #Dubai Council to boost competitiveness, quality of life 🇸🇦 #KSA Citic group to establish industrial city, logistics zone 🇪🇬 #EGYPT, #Libya exploring joint free trade zone 🇵🇰 #PAKISTAN #Saudi #CrownPrince may visit next week 🇰🇼 #KUWAIT considering nationalization quotas for government contracts 🇲🇦 #MOROCCO Lozera to set up #datacenter, #AI hub 🇹🇷 #TURKEY S&P Global ▲ sovereign rating to B+ 🇹🇷 #TURKEY, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan discuss #defense cooperation 🇹🇭 #THAILAND 100 #Saudi companies explore investments 🇮🇩 #INDONESIA to get SpaceX #Starlink in next 2 weeks 🇮🇳 #INDIA Budget #EVs to see rising competition from #Chinese players like BYD, MG MOTOR - Autobernard, Leapmotor

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GP program with a special focus on the Middle East and Africa!

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The mega regional opportunity? We talk about it with Walid Mansour, co-founder and co-ceo of Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP) on gguttalks Why does it matter? · Smart investments. · A young workforce. · A growing venture capital scene. The region is set for incredible growth. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious, exploring opportunities in this vibrant area could be your next strategic move. Listen on Spotify, Apple, Substack or watch on youtube. ggutt.substack.com #podcast #gguttalks #venturecapital

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