#1 Weekly Highlights from Startup3lMashi ستارتب على الماشي
Your Gateway to Innovation: Trends, Opportunities, and Insider Insights
Welcome to Your Weekly Dose of MENA’s Startup Ecosystem! ✨
Embark on a journey through the vibrant heart of MENA's innovation with this week’s edition of Startup 3l Mashi ستارتب على الماشي! We’re bringing you the freshest news, hottest trends, and golden opportunities from across the MENA region.
Ready to dive deep into the ecosystem that never sleeps?
Here’s What’s Sparking Interest This Week:
Weekly Roundup
In the News
Trendy, Trendy, Trendy
In Focus: UAE
Upcoming Programs
Cool Events
Interesting Stuff
Fasten your seatbelts for a turbo-charged tour of this week's hottest startup headlines across MENA.
The Digital Hotelier secures a $1M Seed round from Plug and Play and Bahrain’s Hope Ventures, plus angel investors
Saudi PropTech Rize | رايز raises a $2.9 million Seed round from Seedra Ventures, Hala Ventures, JOA Capital, and others
LuLu Group is preparing for a $1 Billion IPO, ready to make waves in the retail sector
Kazyon acquires a 50% stake in KSA's Dukan, expanding its discount retail empire
AD Ports’ Maqta Gateway acquires a 60% stake in Dubai Technologies, enhancing digital logistics solutions
Bookr.co from Kuwait raises a bridge round from Plus VC, advancing in the service industry
CAMB.AI raises a $4 million seed round, innovating in the dubbing platform space
Iraqi fintech Wayl secures a $150,000 pre-seed round, marking a step forward in financial solutions
Al Bustan Nurseries مشاتل البستان acquires a 10% stake in نباتاتي | Nabataty, growing its presence in the green sector
The scoop on who’s making waves, breaking ground, and rewriting the startup rulebook in our vibrant ecosystem
MENA on the Rise: Startups across MENA secured a whopping $86.5 million in funding this January 2024, showcasing the region's booming potential
Africa's Bright Sparks: Not far behind, African startups bagged $83 million in the same period, signaling a vibrant continental upswing
Egypt's Economic Evolution: In a landmark move, the IMF and Egypt have aligned on key aspects of a comprehensive economic reform program, setting the stage for transformative growth
Free Zone Expansion: Egypt is pushing economic frontiers with plans to establish 11 new free zones, aiming to turbocharge the economy
Kurdistan's Startup Reform: The Kurdistan Regional Government is rolling out significant reforms to energize its startup ecosystem, promising a new era of innovation
Saudi's VC Leap: Backed by the Saudi PIF, MSA Capital is on track to raise $1 billion for Middle East startups, marking a monumental bet on the region's entrepreneurial spirit
Cross-Border Collaboration: Saudi Arabia and Jordan have inked a groundbreaking cooperation deal to bolster support for SMEs, highlighting a commitment to entrepreneurial growth across borders
Explore the key trends fueling innovation and growth in the MENA startup ecosystem
IPO Wave: 2023 witnessed an unprecedented surge in IPOs across MENA, with 48 companies going public and securing a staggering $10.7 billion. The region's markets are on fire!
Klub’s Milestone: Marking a new era, Klub launches a groundbreaking AED 1 Billion Credit Fund, fueling Middle East startups towards unprecedented growth
The GenAI Revolution: Discover the 5 transformative ways GenAI is set to redefine our work lives in 2024. The future of work is here, and it’s AI-driven
Takefluence by Mitgo: Introducing a game-changing platform for creators and brands in MENA, Takefluence revolutionizes how collaborations unfold, setting new standards for digital influence
Saudi Expansion: GCC companies are making strategic moves into Saudi Arabia, tapping into vast market potential and fostering regional synergy
Tunisia’s Trailblazer: Unpacking the lessons and impacts of Tunisia’s Startup Act, a pioneering legislation driving startup success in North Africa
Travel and Tourism Resurgence: GCC’s travel and tourism sectors tread a steady path to recovery and growth, signaling robust industry health
Insurance Sector Boom: With a projection to hit $44.4bn by 2028, the GCC insurance sector is soaring to new heights, underpinned by economic diversification and digital transformation
This week, we spotlight the United Arab Emirates, a dynamic center of innovation where technology, entrepreneurship, and ambition converge.
Venture Growth: Dubai's VC arm sets an ambitious goal to back 100 startups in the next five years, signaling strong support for emerging talents
Nurturing Innovation: A deep dive into the UAE's thriving landscape of accelerators, incubators, and venture studios, showcasing the support network propelling startups to global stages
Green Mobility on the Rise: A 59% increase in EV charging sessions in 2023 underscores Dubai's commitment to sustainable transportation
AI's Influence: Exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping Dubai’s businesses and daily life, from smart services to operational efficiency
Real Estate Boom: Dubai's real estate market hit record-breaking performance in 2023, highlighting its appeal as a global investment destination
Sports and Innovation: Emirates' new partnership with the NBA, including title sponsorship, marries sports with global branding opportunities
Climate Tech Frontier: The UAE is positioning itself as a potential Silicon Valley for climate technology, fostering innovation for a sustainable future
Intellectual Property Revolution: The launch of a new intellectual property system in the UAE marks a significant step towards fostering innovation and protecting creators
FDI Insights: A look at the trends and predictions for foreign direct investment in the UAE as it continues to attract global attention
Startup Spotlight: UAE-based Faceki introduces groundbreaking methods to combat online fraud and impersonation, enhancing digital security
Gear up for a selection of the hottest accelerators and initiatives aimed at propelling startups to new heights
Beban Season 4 - Casting Call
Dive into the heart of entrepreneurship with Beban, the first reality TV show and private-public investment platform in the region designed to connect ambitious entrepreneurs with regional investors. Ready to catapult your startup into new markets? Apply for Season 4 now!500 Global Scale-Up Program - Egypt Chapter
Is your startup gearing up for the next growth phase? Batch 2 of the 500 Global Scale-Up Program in Egypt offers a 7-week intensive journey for Pre-Series A and Series A startups, complete with bespoke strategies and world-class mentorship. Don't miss out!
Innovate for Tomorrow Challenge by Dubai Holding
Join forces with Dubai Holding to tackle pressing sustainability challenges in the UAE. 'Innovate for Tomorrow' is not just a competition; it’s a call to action for global innovators passionate about making a difference. Learn more and accept the challenge today!
Entrepreneurship World Cup 2024
Think your startup can address some of the globe’s most critical issues? The Entrepreneurship World Cup is on the hunt for companies like yours. This is your platform to shine on a global stage
Join a pioneering climate innovation ecosystem dedicated to decarbonization and supporting a net-zero future. At Hub71+ ClimateTech, startups find the tools and technologies to drive meaningful environmental impact. Explore how you can contribute
UNDP Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator
Transform your SME into a beacon of sustainability with the UNDP Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator. If going green and sustainable business practices are on your agenda, seize this opportunity to make a significant impact
Step into Riyadh’s Seed Program designed for startups ready to take off. With funding between $140K-$190K, strategic mentorship, and a wealth of resources, FLAT6LABS Riyadh is where your venture can truly grow. Apply for Cycle 3 and prepare for takeoff
Explore additional programs and opportunities here
Dive into a curated selection of must-attend events tailored for entrepreneurs, innovators, and community builders across the MENA region
Community Building Media Bootcamp - In5, Dubai, 13 February
A hands-on workshop designed to amplify your media and community-building skillsRiyeda Conference - Tunisia, 13-15 February
A premier gathering for entrepreneurs looking to network and discover new business strategiesLiveCraft: Mastering the Art of Dynamic Content Creation for Market Growth - AstroLabs, Dubai, 16 February
Learn the secrets to creating engaging content that drives growthFinance Essentials for Startup Funding - AstroLabs, Dubai, 19 February
A workshop focusing on the financial fundamentals every startup needs to secure fundingNavigating the MENA Region’s Startup Ecosystem: A Comprehensive Guide - AstroLabs, Dubai, 21 February
Unlock the potential of the MENA startup ecosystem with expert insightsSTEP Conference - Dubai, 21-22 February 2024
Join one of the largest tech festivals in MENA for a deep dive into the latest in technology and startupsA Generative AI Exploration for Entrepreneurs Masterclass - Zoom, 25 February 2024
Explore the possibilities of Generative AI for entrepreneurship in this insightful masterclassGetting Ready for Web Summit Qatar - With Casey Lau - Doha, 25 February, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Gear up for the Web Summit with insights from Casey Lau, Head of Asia at Web SummitWeb Summit Qatar - Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), Doha, 26-29 February 2024
A brand new event connecting international entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders in techLEAP24 - Riyadh, 4 March 2024
A forward-thinking conference on future technologies and innovations shaping our worldRiseUp Summit - Egypt, 16 March 2024
Connect with startups, investors, and mentors at this pivotal summit for the MENA startup community
For a comprehensive list of upcoming events and to secure your spot, visit our events page
Dive into this treasure trove of reads, podcasts, and resources curated to spark your curiosity and elevate your startup game
Global Acquisition Insights: Negotiating A Global Acquisition For Your MENA Business? Here's What You Need To Know
VC Funding Secrets: What do Mena venture capitalists look for when funding start-ups?
Unlocking Success: The Power of MENA's Entrepreneurial Networks
Beyond Startup Phase: Strategies to Grow Out of The Startup Stage
AI Website Mastery: The Top 10 AI Website Builders & Generators of 2024
Next-Gen Wearables: Entering the Era of Face-Wearable Computers
Boosting Social Impact: 5 Innovative Ways To Amplify Your Startup’s Social Impact
Understanding AI-Language Models: Everything You Want to Know About the Fundamentals of Large Language Models for Artificial Intelligence
As we close this edition of our newsletter, remember that the MENA startup ecosystem is vibrant, ever-evolving, and ripe with opportunities. Your journey to innovation and success is a collaborative one, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Thank you for joining us in this edition. Your passion and dedication to the startup ecosystem are what drive us forward. Stay curious, stay inspired, and above all, keep pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Until next time, keep soaring!
The Startup3lMashi ستارتب على الماشي Team