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Abu Dhabi ADQ, Oman Investment Authority (OIA), and represented by ITHCA Group are launching a new $180 million focused-technology fund to advance digital economy in Oman, Middle East & North Africa region.  Thee new $180 million focused-technology fund (Jasoor Fund) will invest in Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and startups in sectors including fintech, edtech, healthtech, cleantech, food and agriculture & logistics. Read - https://lnkd.in/g8TY5dsq follow Caproasia | Driving the future of Asia Abu Dhabi ADQ, Oman Investment Authority (OIA), and represented by ITHCA Group are launching a new $180 million focused-technology fund to advance digital economy in Oman, Middle East & North Africa region.  The new $180 million focused-technology fund (Jasoor Fund) will invest in Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and startups in sectors including fintech, edtech, healthtech, cleantech, food and agriculture & logistics.  Announcement (23/4/24): “ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, today announced the launch of a USD 180 million technology-focused fund, Jasoor Fund (the Fund), with Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and represented by ITHCA Group. This commitment is part of broader framework agreement signed between both parties in 2022.  The Fund aims to bolster the digital economy in the Sultanate as well as the wider MENA region by supporting high-growth technology companies in sectors such as FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, cleantech, food and agriculture, and logistics. Its core focus will be on innovative technology companies established in the Sultanate, in addition to technology startups in other countries in the region. It will undertake investments high-growth technology companies at various stages of development that have established business models.  In 2022, ADQ and OIA identified investment opportunities worth over USD 8 billion in key sectors of Oman’s economy. The partnership aims to contribute to increased economic cooperation and trade between both nations.”

Latest Private Equity, Venture Capital, and Debt Deals in Africa Sahel Capital's Investment in Uganda's Sukuma Commodities South Africa-based Sahel Capital has invested $1 million in Sukuma Commodities (SCL), a Ugandan enterprise focused on exporting green coffee. This investment aims to support SCL’s supply chain and processing for European coffee traders and roasters. T-Vencubator's Investment in Egyptian Fintech Egyptian venture capital incubator T-Vencubator has invested in Tafweela, a fintech startup based in Egypt. The investment will fuel Tafweela’s expansion within the fintech sector, supporting financial accessibility and innovation across Egypt. T-Vencubator’s role will include strategic guidance and resource allocation. Partech Leads Funding Round for Beacon Power Services (BPS) Partech led a funding round in Beacon Power Services (BPS), joined by investors including Finnfund, GAIA Impact, and Proparco. The investment round also included new investors Clermount, Global Brain, and On.Capital. This support will enhance BPS’s initiatives in sustainable power solutions across Africa. AAIC Investment's Support for BIMA Health Tech AAIC Investment has backed BIMA, a health tech platform providing affordable insurance and digital health services in emerging markets. The investment, through AAIC’s Africa Innovation and Healthcare Fund (AHF2), aligns with the fund’s mission to address healthcare gaps in Africa. BIMA will use the capital to expand its digital healthcare services. AgDevCo's Latest Investment in Kenyan Agriculture AgDevCo, a specialist agricultural investor, has invested in Agventure, a Kenyan farmer-owned enterprise. Agventure promotes regenerative agricultural practices in non-irrigated cereal systems. This investment supports AgDevCo's commitment to sustainable agriculture in Africa.

Oman Investment Authority has launched a new Future Fund Oman with $5.2 billion AUM to grow economy & attract international investors with around $1 billion to be deployed yearly over next 5 years, of which 90% is allocated for new & existing large-scale projects in Oman, 7% to fund SMEs and 3% to invest in startups.  Read - https://lnkd.in/g4rfAd-2 follow Caproasia | Driving the future of Asia Oman Investment Authority has launched a new Future Fund Oman with $5.2 billion AUM (Assets under Management) to grow economy & attract international investors with around $1 billion to be deployed yearly over next 5 years, of which 90% is allocated for new & existing large-scale projects in Oman, 7% to fund SMEs and 3% to invest in startups.  The Future Fund Oman will partner investment with private sectors, businesses, foreign investors, SMEs & startups, with special focus on 8 sectors – tourism, manufacturing, green energy, fisheries, agriculture, ports & logistics, mining, information & communication technologies. This focus is intended to rejuvenate these vital sectors and contribute significantly to Oman’s broader economic objectives. In realization of its role to diversify the economy, the Fund will not be looking to invest in any oil and gas and real estate projects.  H.E. Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, OIA’s President, highlighted that the Fund acts as a catalyst for economic diversification and is a reliable partner for investors worldwide. Additionally, it has a strategic focus on empowering the private sector, attracting FDI, empowering SMEs, and fostering venture capital.  Interested investors can apply directly on https://lnkd.in/gwRDrseb for easy access to financing information. Create an account, answer questions, and submit the Investment Opportunity Form for consideration. Application review may take up to three months with regular updates on status. Required documents vary based on project phase and nature. The Fund will adhere to OIA’s quality standards, which have already positioned the Authority in second place globally in the Governance and Sustainability Development Index between 2022 and 2023. Governed by an Investment Committee and an Advisory Committee, the Fund ensures strategic alignment with broader economic objectives while overseeing investment decisions.”

Oman Investment Authority has launched a new Future Fund Oman with $5.2 billion AUM to grow economy & attract international investors with around $1 billion to be deployed yearly over next 5 years, of which 90% is allocated for new & existing large-scale projects in Oman, 7% to fund SMEs and 3% to invest in startups. Read - https://lnkd.in/gZ4SKnHv follow Caproasia | Driving the future of Asia Oman Investment Authority has launched a new Future Fund Oman with $5.2 billion AUM (Assets under Management) to grow economy & attract international investors with around $1 billion to be deployed yearly over next 5 years, of which 90% is allocated for new & existing large-scale projects in Oman, 7% to fund SMEs and 3% to invest in startups.  The Future Fund Oman will partner investment with private sectors, businesses, foreign investors, SMEs & startups, with special focus on 8 sectors – tourism, manufacturing, green energy, fisheries, agriculture, ports & logistics, mining, information & communication technologies. This focus is intended to rejuvenate these vital sectors and contribute significantly to Oman’s broader economic objectives. In realization of its role to diversify the economy, the Fund will not be looking to invest in any oil and gas and real estate projects.  H.E. Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, OIA’s President, highlighted that the Fund acts as a catalyst for economic diversification and is a reliable partner for investors worldwide. Additionally, it has a strategic focus on empowering the private sector, attracting FDI, empowering SMEs, and fostering venture capital.  Interested investors can apply directly on https://lnkd.in/dT3A-nVV for easy access to financing information. Create an account, answer questions, and submit the Investment Opportunity Form for consideration. Application review may take up to three months with regular updates on status. Required documents vary based on project phase and nature. The Fund will adhere to OIA’s quality standards, which have already positioned the Authority in second place globally in the Governance and Sustainability Development Index between 2022 and 2023. Governed by an Investment Committee and an Advisory Committee, the Fund ensures strategic alignment with broader economic objectives while overseeing investment decisions.”

OMAN INVESTMENT AUTHORITY LAUNCHES $5.2 BILLION 'FUTURE FUND OMAN' TO DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INVESTMENT DIVERSIFICATION The Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has introduced the 'Future Fund Oman,' with an initial capital of $5.2 billion allocated over a five-year period. This initiative aims to bolster the country's economic development and attract international investors by funding national investment projects and promoting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Notably, 10% of the fund's capital will be dedicated to supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and investing in startups. Over the next five years, the Future Fund Oman plans to deploy approximately $1 billion annually, with 90% of its capital directed towards direct investments in new or existing large-scale projects in Oman. Additionally, 7% of the fund will be allocated to support SMEs, while the remaining 3% will be earmarked for investments in startups. The Future Fund Oman has identified eight critical sectors for investment, including tourism, manufacturing, green energy, fisheries, agriculture, ports and logistics, mining, and information and communication technologies. By targeting these sectors, the fund aims to rejuvenate key industries and contribute significantly to Oman's broader economic objectives. With a focus on diversifying the economy, the Future Fund Oman will refrain from investing in oil and gas and real estate projects. Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, President of OIA, emphasized that the fund serves as a catalyst for economic diversification and aims to empower the private sector, attract FDI, support SMEs, and foster venture capital. Furthermore, the Future Fund Oman will adhere to OIA's quality standards, which have already positioned the Authority in second place globally in the Governance and Sustainability Development Index for 2022-2023. #investments #oman #startups #startupecosystem #innovation #sustainability

Thank you, STARTUP ECONOMIST, for this insightful article. 💚 Recently, with Synergotron, as a TOP100 finalist (among 16.000 applicants) during the Entrepreneurship World Cup (#EWC2024) competition at #Biban24 in Riyadh, we had the opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia's dynamic startup ecosystem. This event was organized by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and MonshaatSA, the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority of Saudi Arabia, dedicated to supporting and developing the SME sector. Saudi Arabia's startup ecosystem is experiencing remarkable growth, with the Kingdom ranking third in the Middle East and 65th globally. Notably, Saudi startups have raised an average of $5,166,095, reflecting the increasing investor confidence in the region. In September 2024 alone, the MENA startup ecosystem witnessed significant growth, with 60 startups raising a total of $328.3 million from 36 investors. Saudi Arabia emerged as the leading country in funding, securing $165.34 million, underscoring its dominant position in the region's startup landscape. Participating in #Biban24 provided invaluable insights into the cultural nuances of conducting business in Saudi Arabia. Building strong local partnerships and understanding the regulatory framework are crucial for success. By fostering a diversified economy and reducing reliance on oil revenues, Saudi Arabia is creating a conducive environment for innovation in sectors such as technology and healthcare. The Kingdom's commitment to advancing novel, clean and sustainable technologies aligns seamlessly with Synergotron's mission and commitment to pioneering technologies and products that empower health through the synergy of innovation and nature’s essence. We are excited about the prospects within Saudi Arabia's thriving startup ecosystem and look forward to contributing to its vibrant future. #Synergotron #Healeex #Health #HealthTech #StartupEcosystem #SaudiArabia #Vision2030 #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #EWC2024 #Biban24 #GEN #Monshaat

Mr. Channtry NAM, a prominent figure in Cambodia's startup & SMEs investment landscape, recently shared his insights during an interview with the ERIA: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia and the JETRO - Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) at the Regus Center in Exchange Square, Phnom Penh, 3rd September 2024. As a fund management representative of OBOR Capital, non-executive director at Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA), and Investment Director at ADMIT GROUP, Channtry brings a wealth of experience in fostering startup and SME growth in Cambodia. Supporting SMEs through Strategic Initiatives; During the interview, Channtry discussed several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the investment landscape for startups and SMEs in Cambodia. He highlighted his involvement in projects supported by Khmer Enterprise and Harvest III USAID, including: 1. SMEs Fundraising Program: This initiative aims to provide SMEs with the necessary resources and strategies to successfully raise funds. 2. Venture Co Program: Focused on training investors, this program equips participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate the investment landscape effectively. 3. SMEs Financial Valuation Program: This program helps businesses understand their financial worth, enabling them to make informed decisions about fundraising and investments. 4. Cambodia Export Development Program: Supported by Harvest III USAID, this initiative promotes Cambodian agri-food products in global markets, expanding opportunities for producers, processors and SMEs. Insights on the Investment Landscape; Channtry emphasized the current state of the startup and SME investment landscape in Cambodia. He noted that while there are challenges, the potential for growth is significant. Key takeaways from his discussion include: • Cross-Border Collaboration: Channtry stressed the advantages of fostering cross-border partnerships, which can enhance resources, expertise, skill transfer, technology advancement, innovation, increase foreign interest, for local startups and SMEs. • Impactful Project Design: Designing projects that support SMEs in fundraising and knowledge-sharing is crucial. By connecting SMEs with experienced investors, the ecosystem can thrive. • Government Support: Channtry acknowledged the impactful role of government initiatives in providing both financial and non-financial support. Government Bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia, Khmer Enterprise, and the Techo Startup Center are vital in nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Role of International Development Agencies; In addition to local government support, Channtry highlighted the involvement of international development agencies such as Cambodia Harvest III USAID, Swisscontact , and Oxfam in Cambodia. These organizations play a pivotal role in promoting and building the ecosystem through various projects that align with Cambodia's economic development goals.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s Domestic Focus: Implications for Startups On November 5, 2024, Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), valued at $950 billion, is increasingly concentrating on domestic investments as part of the nation’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. This shift has significant implications for the startup ecosystem within the country. Historically known for high-profile global investments, the PIF is now channeling substantial resources into local companies. Approximately $251 billion has been allocated to about 100 domestic firms, aiming to stimulate economic growth and job creation within #SaudiArabia. This strategic pivot underscores the government’s commitment to reducing reliance on oil revenues and fostering a more diversified economy. The PIF’s focus on domestic investments presents both opportunities and challenges for startups: * Increased Funding Opportunities: Startups may benefit from enhanced access to capital, as the PIF seeks to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship within the kingdom. * Regulatory and Operational Hurdles: Despite the influx of capital, startups may encounter challenges such as bureaucratic complexities and a business environment that often relies on personal connections. Additionally, the country’s fiscal stability remains vulnerable to oil price fluctuations, which could impact the PIF’s ability to sustain investments. The PIF’s domestic investment strategy marks a pivotal shift in Saudi Arabia’s economic development approach. Startups that adapt to this new focus and align with national goals are well-positioned to capitalize on the emerging opportunities within the kingdom’s evolving startup ecosystem. https://lnkd.in/gxyMV6ga

The Impact Investors Council (IIC) was featured in an article by the Financial Times, detailing the efforts of India's venture capitalists to verify the impact of their investments. GIRISH AIVALLI, CEO of IIC, emphasized the importance of third-party assessments in building trust with foreign investors by ensuring funds are used as intended. He noted that such verifications help attract family offices, philanthropists, and limited partnership entities by providing assurance of the fund's impact alignment. Mark Kahn, Managing Partner at Omnivore, highlighted the significant role of venture capital in addressing structural inequalities, focusing on agrifood businesses and being actively involved with 11.4 million smallholder farmers to generate substantial economic value. He pointed out India's low startup costs and nimble ecosystem as key advantages for building thriving enterprises. Ambika Narayanan, Vice President at Lok Capital, underscored the firm’s commitment to making an impact while ensuring strong financial returns. She discussed Lok's rigorous due diligence process to avoid predatory lenders and the importance of balancing impact with profitability to sustain future investments. Paige Nicol, Director of Europe and Asia at BlueMark, addressed the challenges of defining and verifying impact, emphasizing that verification provides a trustworthy signal to investors about the integrity of impact-focused funds. We extend our gratitude to Calum Kapoor for highlighting these critical insights and for bringing attention to the significant strides made by India's impact investment sector. Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/dZAajEnv

🇮🇩 Indonesia's Danantara will potentially become the 4th largest sovereign wealth fund in the world!   1982 Ventures Herston Elton Powers was recently interviewed by DealStreetAsia on Indonesiaʼs move to set up a mega state-owned investment company (Danantara), which will subsequently manage assets worth nearly $1 trillion. "We expect Danantara to create a new wave of opportunities for entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. With that said, venture capital requires a unique skillset, a high risk tolerance, and a long-term perspective. Danantara will need to build an expert team and find the right partners to navigate the VC world effectively." "With the right leadership and vision, it has the potential to reshape the country's economic landscape and inject rocket fuel into Indonesia's startup and VC ecosystem." According to DSA's reporting, Danantara will eventually have assets under management (AUM) worth $982 billion. These assets will be derived from SOE entities, which will be gradually incorporated into Danantara. Danantara will consolidate Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) $10.8-billion AUM and assets from seven SOE entities, bringing the total AUM to $600 billion. The seven SOE entities include, namely PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk., PT. BANK NEGARA INDONESIA (Persero) Tbk. (BNI), PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, PT PLN (Persero), PT Pertamina (Persero); Telkom Indonesia, Mining Industry Indonesia MIND ID 💡 A few thoughts below: Danantara is poised to be a game-changer. Danantara has the potential to become an investment powerhouse like Temasek and other major SWFs. Danantara should play a critical role in driving strategic investment to foster innovation and economic growth, while enhancing governance and transparency of SOEs.  If Danantara is established with the proper infrastructure (i.e. independence, governance and professional talent) it could inspire more confidence among global investors. This is a bold move by Indonesia. Danantara could become a magnet for global capital and support the government in achieving its FDI targets. Ensuring transparent and professional governance will be essential for the long-term success of this bold initiative. We're watching Danantara closely. We expect Danantara to start cautiously, focusing on strategic sectors and building its portfolio gradually. This should increase investment into sectors such as infrastructure, technology, renewable energy, and healthcare. Scott Krivokopich Amiyandra . Jenny Goh Muhammad Mairaj Khalid James Kim Allen L. Orient Growth Ventures Genting Ventures Trihill Capital STAR Capital Sinarmas Mining AC Ventures Alpha JWC Ventures East Ventures Tech in Asia Bloomberg News CNN Indonesia BNI Ventures BRI Ventures MUFG Singapore FinTech Festival Blue Future Partners FMO - Dutch entrepreneurial development bank DEG IFC - International Finance Corporation DailySocial.id - Indonesian Startup Media & Research Northstar Group