Mohammed Mahfoudh

📢 The Middle East Council on Global Affairs explores the impact of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) on MENA economies. With countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Qatar launching CBDC initiatives, experts discuss the potential benefits for financial inclusion, efficiency in cross-border payments, and economic stability. Geopolitical motivations and the need for a robust digital infrastructure are highlighted. The council emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement in shaping the future of money in the region. For more insights, read the full article [here](https://lnkd.in/emh7dda3).

٢٣

١ تعليق واحد

Are #secondaries the solution to #MENA's Exits? In a recent conversation with Basil M. from Key Capital, we discussed the emerging potential for IPOs, secondaries and exits in the market. Secondary funds, which target shares in early stage investment rounds at a discount, can stimulate market participation by providing liquidity to existing shareholders without diluting company equity. These investments enable early investors to exit, allowing founders to clean up their cap table and receive a potential fresh injection of capital. Of course, the secondaries market in the #MENA region is still emerging, but given the global increase in secondary investments, perhaps it’s not too long before it becomes more commonplace in the region. Check out my full conversation with Basil M. for more MAGNiTT insights: https://lnkd.in/gT5X5Q7D PS: Great recent pod from the Unreasonable Podcast discussing just this and the impact in the South East Asian Venture space. Well worth a lisen! CC: Hian Goh, Vishal Harnal and Michael Blakey #webinar #exits #IPOs #venturecapital #startups

٧٢

٥ تعليق

Great initiative by Dubai Financial Market to help any kind of business raise funds. For me the most important point to note here is the option to raise funds via debt. Excited to know more about the platform. #innovation #funding #capital #finance

٥

Interesting article about the reality of the M&A market. https://lnkd.in/dErjh9hg Good work on the stats Omar Billeh!

٢٥

٢ تعليق

Today marks an exciting milestone as we become a truly global firm. Our iconic logo, the Golden Gate Bridge, was selected to represent our mission of bridging Silicon Valley with the rest of the world. We chose Qatar as the HQ for our new MENA fund because, like Singapore, Qatar has been building its economic prowess and on an international scale. With supportive government programs, a strong push for economic diversification, a pro-business environment, and substantial investment in the startup space, Qatar closely mirrors the environment we saw when we first started in Singapore over a decade ago. This fund, MENA Fund 1, is the first step in our twenty-year vision for the Gulf region. Establishing our MENA headquarters in Doha is more than just a business move; it is a statement of our belief in Qatar as a regional innovation hub. I am confident this announcement will pave the way for many international VCs to follow our lead, just as they did in Singapore. A huge thanks to my partner Michael Lints for his efforts to make this happen. Golden Gate Ventures is very supportive of his exiting move to Doha! And a very big thanks to the support from Hussain Abdulla and Yousuf Al-Jaida 🙇 Alongside our announcement, we have published an extensive report on why we believe Qatar is set to be a regional hub. *Download* a copy of the report “Qatar Rising: Where Ambition and Capital Converge”: https://lnkd.in/eZnrCXCc #venturecapital #mena #goldengatevc #goldengateventures #qatar #gcc #innovation #startups #founders #entrepreneurs #funding #vc https://lnkd.in/e4y9WX_W

٦٣٠

٦٥ تعليق

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!

٧

٢ تعليق

If you want to learn about the angel investing landscape in the MEA region, come join me, Maha Mandour (COREangels MEA ) and Ayman El Tanbouly ( Exits MENA ) later today. Register at the link. #investing #angelinvesting #angels #mea #mena #middleeast

٤

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

٨

Tether, the largest digital asset issuer, and Fuze, a platform facilitating digital asset transactions in the Middle East, have joined forces to push for digital asset education. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), they aim to advocate for the mainstream adoption of digital assets like #Bitcoin and #stablecoins such as Tether.to (#USDT). This strategic partnership will focus on educational programs across Turkey and the MENA region, emphasizing the benefits of digital assets and ensuring compliance with #regulatory frameworks. By empowering financial #institutions and #businesses with knowledge about the real applications of #digitalassets, Tether and Fuze are paving the way for wider adoption and usage. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, highlighted the transformative potential of the collaboration, while Mo Ali Yusuf, Co-Founder and CEO of Fuze, emphasized the importance of educating stakeholders at all levels for the future of #finance. Together, they aim to set a new standard for digital asset adoption and create a globally informed and empowered society. The only way to attract people to the #blockchain industry and make them enthusiastic is through education and #financialliteracy. While giveaways, airdrops, and prizes may grab attention, the real focus lies in providing comprehensive #education about #cryptocurrencies and #blockchain technology. As we care about our present, we must also invest in our future by providing the newest #technologies for the next generation to study and explore. https://lnkd.in/eY2v-Rwp

٩

🌟 Inspired by the recent $1.1 billion investment deal between Qatar's Power International Holding by Moutaz Al-Khayyat and Kazakh national telecom operator MTS, by Zhaslan Madiyev I decided to continue my LinkedIn series: 🔹 Navigating Gulf Region Investments: Insights for Startups 🔹 This deal is a stellar example of the strategic mindset of Gulf region investors. Unlike the EU or USA privet investors and VC&PE markets, where investments are predominantly driven by private interests and IRR, Gulf VC&PE investors focus on diversifying their wealth globally to align with national economic goals. This holistic approach intertwines their investment decisions with the long-term prosperity plans of their countries. At Rahim Invest, we are particularly enthusiastic about ESG-DeepTech investments for Gulf family offices. This commitment to ESG-DeepTech reflects the long-term dedication of our clients. When tasked with scouting for ESG-DeepTech opportunities, we meticulously compare all options to build a comprehensive portfolio in this specific direction. In contrast, the EU and USA investment cultures often face challenges like greenwashing and transient ESG ventures due to their IRR-centric approach.  I feel it's my mission to foster better understanding among people. For me, peaceful minds and clarity in investment decisions epitomize ESG investments that's why I highly recommend following Michael Lane for insights who daily works on making a bridge between Western and Eastern business cultures as a President of Swiss Business Council United Arab Emirates That's it for today's tips! Stay tuned for more insights! 🌱✨ #GulfInvestments #ESG #DeepTech #InvestmentStrategy Doha News Power International Holding

٢٣

١ تعليق واحد

Our entrance to Abu Dhabi through the Hub71 program has helped to spur Netki's current phase of growth. The UAE and broader MENA region is looking to do digital assets correctly an an environment that both encourages their growth and regulates their use. NetKi's DeFi Sentinel (https://lnkd.in/dc4qGrK4) is the perfect fit for startups looking to enter and grow in the region.

٣٦

٤ تعليق

This growth should continue.

١

A Dubai-based fund-of-funds focused on backing emerging venture investors, has raised $5 million of the $10 million target for its debut fund. Amkan Ventures is connecting family offices in the Gulf region and emerging U.S.-based VCs — two groups unlikely to otherwise meet. A fund led by Female GP Raida Daouk El Jisr decided to raise a fund after helping a number of family offices and other institutions vet and invest in American venture firms and tech startups as a consultant and building out another prior employer's portfolio. #fundraising #investment #GCC #USfunds #venturecapitalists #limitedpartners #generalpartners #Funds #LPs #GPs #VCs #emergingfunds #fundmangergs

٣١

١ تعليق واحد

A great piece by Wamda ومضة on the breakdown of VC investments for H1 2024 in MENA. Some key takeaways: - B2B was the most funded category in June 2024 - SaaS was the second most funded category after Proptech, beating also Fintech investments (Proptech $200m, SaaS $164m, Fintech $156m) - B2B is the fastest growing category, with a 153% growth rate in comparison to 2023 ($187m vs $473m) This is exactly the reason Leo Capital has a fund thesis in MENA to focus on investing in early stage B2B companies across different sectors. MENA as a market is relatively large enough, but building out software or solutions for businesses that will reach scale, will most probably happen in other markets like the US. Our aim of helping some of these companies get to that scale with different GTM strategies, will remain the focus. #startups #VC #MENA Rajul Garg Shwetank Verma Ravi Srivastava Dinesh Singh Henry Goodwin Raeeza Tameez Jitesh Luthra Madhusmita Das Pavitar Raheja

٢٢

٢ تعليق

The #UAE ranked second worldwide for #Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (#FDI) projects: In 2023, the UAE achieved an impressive 1,280 greenfield FDI projects, trailing only behind the United States. This represents a remarkable 36% year-on-year growth, elevating the UAE from fifth place in 2022 to second place globally. #Dubai led the charge, retaining its position as the top city globally with 1,036 projects, a 32% increase year-on-year. #AbuDhabi also made significant strides, ranking 6th with 172 projects, marking a substantial 74% growth. Total FDI capital inflows into the UAE surged by 33% year-on-year, reaching USD 15.08 billion. Dubai attracted the largest share with USD 6.81 billion, followed by Abu Dhabi with USD 4.48 billion and Sharjah with USD 2.75 billion. These achievements underscore the UAE's dynamic and attractive investment landscape, reinforcing its position as a global investment hub. #BearBull #MFO#Dubai #AbuDhabi #Sharjah #Investment #GreenfieldProjects #EconomicGrowth #GlobalBusiness #SustainableDevelopment Source: World Investment Report 2024

١٤

Abu Dhabi Royal Sets Up A New $27 Billion Holding Company 2PointZero, below is the other top 10 Investment Holding Companies in Abu Dhabi👇 A New firm called 2PointZero - will be transferred into Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company (ADX:IHC) Led by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the new firm will invest across sectors ranging from financial services, alternative & mining. Here are another 10 Holding Companies in Abu Dhabi totalling close to an estimated $300bn - Alpha Dhabi Holding - Chimera Capital Holding - Yas Holding - National Holding - ADQ - Al Ain Holding - Ethmar International Holding إثـمار الدولية القابضه - Ittihad International Investment LLC - Royal Group LLC Who is coming to Abu Dhabi? Ps - Check out Abu Dhabi Family Office Summit on there 30th May: www.adfosummit.ae Sorry one last thing - for all of you saving the world, in the picture you will see the logo of a new $1bn fund in the UAE called Positive Zero See you at work tomorrow. #familyoffice #uae #investment #abudhabi

٢٨٠

١٧ تعليق

In Tahseen Consulting's #MENA+ #techpolicy insight, you'll read about the #UAE’s Network International enabling #UPI payments at 60,000 merchants, #SaudiArabia ▲ its retirement age to 65, #Egypt launching #eSim services, #Pakistan #privatizing 10 state-owned entities, CoinDCX entering the #MENA via its BitOasis acquisition, #Tunisia seeking #5G partners, Paxos partnering with #Singapore’s DBS Bank to launch its gold-backed #stablecoin PAXG, #Indonesia inaugurating its 1st #EV battery plant with LG Electronics and Hyundai Motor Company (현대자동차), and #China’s #smartphone makers seeking #India manufacturing, distribution partnerships. 🇦🇪 #UAE Lunate eyes $5B in fresh funds for acquisitions 🇸🇦 #KSA to host International Telecommunication Union's Global Symposium for Regulators 🇪🇬 #EGYPT New cabinet sworn in, rising pressure to address economic, diplomatic challenges 🇵🇰 #PAKISTAN #OTT providers to register, localize data under draft framework 🌍 #GCC #Space industry valued at $10B+, investments ▲ 🌍 #MENA e&, ADNOC Group planning 5G network for the #energy industry 🇹🇷 #TURKEY #Inflation ▲ ~72% YoY in June, slows for 1st time in 8 months 🇹🇷 #TURKEY Istanbul airport to boost capacity to 120M / year 🇹🇭 #THAILAND BYD opens #SoutheastAsia’s 1st #EV plant 🇮🇩 #INDONESIA's Superbank gets $73M from Grab, Singtel, 카카오뱅크 Kakaobank 🇮🇳 #INDIA-led GPAI may become global #AI body for under #OECD

٧

٣ تعليق