VC React Podcast (Episode #23)

In this week's episode of the VC React Podcast, we explored 500 Global’s new MENA fund, BioSapien’s $7M pre-Series A, and Silkhaus’ Saudi expansion. We also discussed DeepSeek AI’s breakthrough and its ramifications for other emerging tech ecosystems, as well as Silicon Valley.

We started with 500 Global, which announced a new early-growth stage fund focused on MENA startups beyond the seed stage. Backed by Jada Fund of Funds, SVC, and Sanabil Investments, the fund aims to fill the funding gap for later-stage startups with checks of up to $10M. We debated whether this could help bridge the region’s Series B funding shortfall, which currently accounts for just 2% of deals.

Next, we turned to BioSapien, the UAE-based biotech startup founded by Khatija Ali MD, that extended its pre-Series A round to $7M, securing backing from Golden Gate Ventures’ MENA Fund. BioSapien is pioneering 3D-printed drug delivery patches that release chemotherapy directly onto tumours, reducing side effects. We discussed whether MENA’s infrastructure is ready to support biotech innovation at scale and if the region can position itself as a hub for clinical trials.

We then covered Silkhaus, the short-term rental platform that raised a seven-figure growth round to expand into Saudi Arabia. With KSA’s short-term rental market growing at 46% per year, we examined whether Silkhaus can compete with traditional hotels and global platforms like Airbnb while maximizing ROI for property owners.

Finally, we explored DeepSeek AI, the AI company that emerged seemingly out of nowhere with a model rivaling OpenAI, Meta, and Google—developed for under $6M. The announcement sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley, wiping $600B off NVIDIA’s market cap. We looked at how DeepSeek’s rise challenges assumptions about AI dominance and whether OpenAI’s claims of data exfiltration could signal a new front in AI geopolitics.
‍

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

Ahmed Al-Thukair, GP @ Stealth-mode Deeptech Saudi Fund

Ali Zewail, Venture Partner @ Endure Capital

Hadi Halabi, Co-Founder & CEO @ Stryde

‍

‍

‍And a reminder, if you haven't subscribed yet, join readers from Endeavor, 500 Global and Antler, getting a FWDstart twice weekly 👇