VC React Podcast (Episode #11)

With 24 Fintech having taken place in Riyadh this week, it’s no surprise that this week's episode of the VC React Podcast is dominated by fintech funding, acquisitions, and announcements held in reserve by startups. We certainly appreciate their commitment to thematic alignment — it made my job easier in preparing our agenda!

In all seriousness, it’s been a crazy week.

On the acquisition front, Tabby acquired Tweeq, a Saudi digital wallet licensed by SAMA, as part of their expansion beyond BNPL. Not to be outdone, Tamara announced they've received preliminary approval from the SAMA for a consumer finance license. Additionally, UAE-based open banking platform Tarabut acquired London-based fintech Vyne to offer instant, bank account-linked payments to businesses across various sectors, starting with their first customer in Bahrain in a few weeks.

We also discussed Ziina, a YC-backed fintech providing digital payments and financial management solutions for retail and business customers, which raised $22 million in a Series A round led by Altos Ventures. Lastly, Malaa, a fintech simplifying financial management by allowing users to track expenses, credit scores, and investments across multiple accounts, raised $17.3 million in a Series A round led by SNB Capital.

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This week Ahmad and I were delighted to be joined by the excellent:

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Hasan Haider (Founder and Managing Partner @ Plus VC (+VC))

Karim Samakie (Advisor @ Fintech Saudi)

Kevin Holliday (Managing Director @ C3 - Companies Creating Change)

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We covered:

📌 Tabby to acquire Saudi digital wallet Tweeq in move to expand services beyond BNPL

📌 Tarabut acquires UK payments platform Vyne ahead of new MENA regulatory requirements

📌 UAE’s Ziina Raises $22M In Series A Funding To Shift From Payments To Full Financial Services

📌 Saudi fintech Malaa secures $17.3 million Series A

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