VC React Podcast (Episode #16)

In this week's episode, we kicked off with a discussion on the optimal VC model for firms in the region to pursue, inspired by Sawari Ventures' new $200 million fund to back Egyptian and African startups. We reflected on the sometimes differing approaches taken by OG VC firms like Sawari Ventures (2010), MEVP (2010), Wamda (2010), BECO Capital (2012), and iMENA (2012) – and what first-time fund managers in the region can learn from them.

Next, we discussed the evolution of blended financing in regional VC firms, with Shorooq Partners and Amplify Growth Partnership (a collaboration between Nuwa Capital and Ajeej Capital) teaming up to back Pakistan-founded Abhi with $15 million in debt financing. Khaled breaks down the backstory of Amplify Growth and why this partnership came together.

When a major pre-seed round drops, we’re all ears, so we dedicated time to chatting about “procure now, pay later” startup Mala. Founded earlier this year by Musaab Hakami, former GP at VentureSouq’s fintech fund and one of the region’s most prolific angel investors, raising $7 million from eight investors is no small feat. We get into some factors that make Mala such an attractive investment.

And last but not least, with confirmation that Dubizzle Group and Talabat look set to IPO in Dubai soon, we assess both companies' prospects and ask what impact the exchange they're listing on could exert.

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This week Ahmad and I had the pleasure to be joined by:

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Michael Lints (Partner @Golden Gate Ventures)

Khaled Talhouni (Managing Partner @ Nuwa Capital)

Nour Tawfig (Investment Manager @ Mad'a Investment)

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We covered:

📌 Sawari Ventures to launch $200 million Sawari Ventures II fund

📌 Abhi Raises $15M In Debt Financing To Expand 'On-Demand Pay' Services In UAE

📌 Saudi B2B fintech Mala secures $7 million pre-Seed

📌 Dubizzle Prepares for IPO Worth Up to $1 Billion in 2025

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