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MENA ECOSYSTEMS

Saudi VC Fund STV Partners With Meta to Support Local Tech Startups

24 May 2022
The news comes as digital transformation and futuristic technologies come to the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. [...]
Algeria Venture & AIF to Launch New $10M VC Fund for Local Startups

Algeria Venture & AIF to Launch New $10M VC Fund for Local Startups

18 May 2022
The news comes as more and more international VCs divert their gaze towards a booming African ecosystem. [...]
UAE & South Korea Sign Partnership to Empower SMEs

UAE & South Korea Sign Partnership to Empower SMEs

09 May 2022
The two parties have signed an MoU that paves the way for the exchange of information and research, while paving the way for easy cross-market expansion. [...]
SMEs Won $1.8 Billion in Contracts at Expo 2020 Dubai

SMEs Won $1.8 Billion in Contracts at Expo 2020 Dubai

05 May 2022
64% of these SMEs were from the UAE, while the rest composed companies from the US, the UK, Australia, India and France. [...]
Crown Prince of Dubai Launches $100M Funding & Venture Debt Fund

Crown Prince of Dubai Launches $100M Funding & Venture Debt Fund

04 May 2022
The ‘Venture Capital Fund for Startups’ will look to empower startups that have the potential to go global, especically out of the fintech sector. [...]
Hong Kong’s SparkLabs FIntech Enters Pakistan With New $5M Fund

Hong Kong’s SparkLabs FIntech Enters Pakistan With New $5M Fund

01 May 2022
The SparkLabs Pakistan Fund I will look to invest in three startups, before following up with a fund six times its size. [...]
KSA's KAUST Targets Seed Stage Deeptech Firms With New Innovation Fund

KSA's KAUST Targets Seed Stage Deeptech Firms With New Innovation Fund

23 Apr 2022
The university’s fund comes as part of ongoing efforts to develop the country’s innovation economy, but it faces an uphill struggle. [...]
Dubai’s SHUAA Capital Launches $250M Venture Debt Fund

Dubai’s SHUAA Capital Launches $250M Venture Debt Fund

10 Apr 2022
The asset management and investment banking platform will target tech-enabled startups across the GCC with a form of investment that is still finding its place in the regional ecosystem. [...]
Global Ventures & Egypt’s Top Banks Launch New ‘Nclude’ Fintech Fund

Global Ventures & Egypt’s Top Banks Launch New ‘Nclude’ Fintech Fund

21 Mar 2022
Aiming to invest in and back impactful fintech innovations, the fund has already announced that it has invested in four Egyptian startups. [...]
World Blockchain Summit Returns to Dubai on March 23rd & 24th

World Blockchain Summit Returns to Dubai on March 23rd & 24th

20 Mar 2022
The 22nd edition of the event will bring together vestors, government representatives and enterprises for inspirational keynotes, panels, network opportunities, showcases and pitch competitions. [...]
Egypt’s National Council for Women to Launch Entrepreneur Programme

Egypt’s National Council for Women to Launch Entrepreneur Programme

15 Mar 2022
With financial empowerment for women at the core of its goals, NCW is set to launch a programme that aims to better equip female business owners in a number of different areas. [...]
249Startups Launches Sudan's First Equity Fund ‘Rhino Investments’

249Startups Launches Sudan's First Equity Fund ‘Rhino Investments’

14 Mar 2022
The fund is geared towards cultivating a youth-empowering and socially responsible innovation hub and will be launched alongside an accelerator. [...]
Dubai to Establish First Law Regulating Crypto & NFTs

Dubai to Establish First Law Regulating Crypto & NFTs

14 Mar 2022
The Dubai Virtual Asset Regulation Law aims to protect investors and foster responsible dealings between individuals and businesses. [...]
Cairo Ranked as 'Top Business City in Africa' by Germany's Statista

Cairo Ranked as 'Top Business City in Africa' by Germany's Statista

13 Mar 2022
The 'Global Business Cities Index in 2022' ranked Cairo just ahead of Algiers and Johannesburg. [...]
Flat6Labs & Taibah Valley Partner to Support Tech Entrepreneurs in KSA

Flat6Labs & Taibah Valley Partner to Support Tech Entrepreneurs in KSA

20 Feb 2022
An MoU will look to kick off a number of initiatives to create opportunities for entrepreneurs working on the 4th Industrial Revolution technologies in the KSA. [...]
Central Bank of Egypt to Launch 'Innovation & Financial Tech Centre'

Central Bank of Egypt to Launch 'Innovation & Financial Tech Centre'

10 Feb 2022
The hub will look to make itself part of the regional fintech ecosystem, while 50 startups will be chosen across the two new incubators. [...]
Egypt to Launch Incubator for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

Egypt to Launch Incubator for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

06 Feb 2022
The selected entrepreneurs will have the chance to develop their innovative ideas that tackle the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Egypt and subsequently build up their own startups. [...]
International Finance Corporation Channels $20M Towards Egyptian SMEs

International Finance Corporation Channels $20M Towards Egyptian SMEs

03 Feb 2022
Invested through the country’s largest private equity fund manager, Ezdehar, the funds will target high-growth sectors including consumer and retail, business services, education, healthcare and more. [...]
Abu Dhabi's Chimera Capital Closes New VC Fund at $10 Billion

Abu Dhabi's Chimera Capital Closes New VC Fund at $10 Billion

27 Jan 2022
The multi-stage fund’s backers include a mix of leading institutional investors with ticket sizes expected to range from hundreds to tens of millions. [...]
Fawry Launches New ‘Fawry Yawmy’ Fund to Transform Egypt’s Debt Market

Fawry Launches New ‘Fawry Yawmy’ Fund to Transform Egypt’s Debt Market

24 Jan 2022
Co-founded with Misr Capital, the new fund will primarily serve individual retail investors, a feat only possible thanks to Fawry’s expansive retail presence across Egypt. [...]
GoDaddy Teams-Up with Egyptian Fintech Fawry to Support Digitisation

GoDaddy Teams-Up with Egyptian Fintech Fawry to Support Digitisation

22 Jan 2022
This new tech-based collaboration is aimed at helping startups step into the world of digitisation and digital payments. [...]
SEMD Programme to Support Immigrant Entrepreneurs in 3 MENA Countries

SEMD Programme to Support Immigrant Entrepreneurs in 3 MENA Countries

18 Jan 2022
SEMD has partnered with a number of local social entrepreneurship support systems including ACTED in Jordan, Alfanar in Egypt, and Changelabs in Lebanon. [...]
Saudi Railway & Uber Launch New Service to Improve Rail Travel

Saudi Railway & Uber Launch New Service to Improve Rail Travel

01 Jan 2022
The new partnership is looking to promote use of public transportation by having Uber fill in the gaps. [...]
MITEF Arab Startup Competition Announces Semi-Finalists

MITEF Arab Startup Competition Announces Semi-Finalists

29 Dec 2021
This is the first time Al Madina Al Munawara holds a competition of this scale, marking a momentous milestone in the region’s budding entrepreneurial ecosystem. [...]
CIB Launches ‘Growing Together’ Initiative for Small Enterprises

CIB Launches ‘Growing Together’ Initiative for Small Enterprises

25 Dec 2021
The initative will provide small businesses with non-financial solutions to establish a sustainable business model, as well as banking services and funding opportunities. [...]
Abu Dhabi’s ADQ Opens New Cairo Office to Increase Investment in Egypt

Abu Dhabi’s ADQ Opens New Cairo Office to Increase Investment in Egypt

19 Dec 2021
The prolific investor has already completed two acquisitions of Egyptian companies this year. [...]
UAE's Global Ventures Closes in on $100 Million Target for Second Fund

UAE's Global Ventures Closes in on $100 Million Target for Second Fund

17 Dec 2021
The Dubai-based VC plans to inject even capital in up to 30 companies across the region. [...]
Central Bank of Egypt to Support ‘Financially-Distressed’ SMEs

Central Bank of Egypt to Support ‘Financially-Distressed’ SMEs

16 Dec 2021
A new CBE announcement intends to ease the red tape around SMEs, giving small businesses an extended time frame to bounce back before being officially classified as ‘financially distressed’. [...]
C3 I.D.E.A Accelerator is Targeting Impact-Driven Startups Across MENA

C3 I.D.E.A Accelerator is Targeting Impact-Driven Startups Across MENA

11 Dec 2021
A collaborative effort between Companies for Change and Accenture, the accelerator will look to empower entrepreneurs contributing to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access goals across the region. [...]
Bringing in the Harvest: Vested Summit 2021 to Celebrate & Strategise

Bringing in the Harvest: Vested Summit 2021 to Celebrate & Strategise

10 Dec 2021
This year’s conscious tech summit marks ten years of fruitful returns in emerging markets, but also a critical point for the next decade - something relfected in the theme, 'Harvest'. [...]
Startups Without Borders to Host Hybrid Summit Live from Cairo & Rome

Startups Without Borders to Host Hybrid Summit Live from Cairo & Rome

06 Dec 2021
Hosted in partnership with Meta, UNDP, Edventures, ZOHO, and AUC V-Lab, the summit will feature panels, workshops and masterclasses from experts in Europe, USA and MENA. [...]
UAE-Based VentureSouq Officially Launches $50M MENA FinTech Fund I

UAE-Based VentureSouq Officially Launches $50M MENA FinTech Fund I

24 Nov 2021
The fund will look to startups working in and around strategic sub-sectors including PropTech, InsurTech, digital banking and payments infrastructure. [...]
PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator Comes to MENA

PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator Comes to MENA

23 Nov 2021
Through grants, mentorship and opportunities the accelerator will nurture the new generation of entrepreneurs and startups dedicated to promoting sustainable practices around the world. [...]
E-Learning Platform MindValley to Enter MENA via Injaz Egypt Deal

E-Learning Platform MindValley to Enter MENA via Injaz Egypt Deal

21 Nov 2021
The self-proclaimed 'personal growth learning platform’ currently serves 15 million users in 80 countries. [...]
Dubai Launches Dh1 Billion Future District Fund to Boost Tech Sector

Dubai Launches Dh1 Billion Future District Fund to Boost Tech Sector

20 Nov 2021
he fund is dedicated to supporting emerging companies in the technology sector while incentivizing successful digital companies to enter Dubai’s financial markets. [...]
Inside Gemini Africa's Radical CinemaTech Track

Inside Gemini Africa's Radical CinemaTech Track

17 Nov 2021
We sit down with Gemini Africa Chairman and CEO, Adly Thoma, to find out more about the company's CinemaTech Track, which sits on the cusp of starting a global revolution in cinema. [...]
KSA to Launch World’s First Non-Profit City to Back Entrepreneurship

KSA to Launch World’s First Non-Profit City to Back Entrepreneurship

17 Nov 2021
This ambitious undertaking is envisioned by the Kingdom to serve as a model for the development of the non-profit sector globally while promoting sustainable development and fueling entrepreneurship. [...]
Oman’s Phaze Ventures Targets Early-Stage MENA Startups with $30M Fund

Oman’s Phaze Ventures Targets Early-Stage MENA Startups with $30M Fund

16 Nov 2021
The global fund is aimed at supporting early stage technology startups across MENA, North America and Europe. [...]
Applications Are Now Open for ‘Google For Startups’ Accelerator Africa

Applications Are Now Open for ‘Google For Startups’ Accelerator Africa

15 Nov 2021
The programme, designed to help startups scale their businesses across the continent, will run from March through May 2022. [...]
Talabat & Egypt’s Ministry of Comms to Launch Programming Academy

Talabat & Egypt’s Ministry of Comms to Launch Programming Academy

14 Nov 2021
The mutually beneficial agreement will help fuel both Talabat’s growth in the digital rapid commerce market in Egypt and build the digital capabilities of the Egyptian youth through technical training [...]
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Week Month Year

Algeria Venture & AIF to Launch New $10M VC Fund for Local Startups

The news comes as more and more international VCs divert their gaze towards a booming African ecosystem. [...]

UAE Fintech Pemo Raises $12 Million Seed Round for MENAP Expansion

With the launch of its all-in-one spend management platform coinciding with the raise, the startup now has KSA, Egypt and Pakistan in its [...]

The Cairo Angels Makes Undisclosed Investment Kenyan Fintech FlexPay

Through its Cairo Angels Syndicate Fund, the Egyptian group’s investment marks its first in Africa. [...]

Moroccan Auto-Marketplace KIFAL Auto Acquired by Nigeria’s Autochek

The deal comes as part of the Nigerian startup's M&A-focused expansion plans across North Africa. [...]

Saudi VC Fund STV Partners With Meta to Support Local Tech Startups

The news comes as digital transformation and futuristic technologies come to the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. [...]

Egypt Chosen Among Six African Nations to Host Unicorn Group Incubator

The Lagos-based Unicorn Group is seeking nnovative ideas, startups and early-stage companies in tech and tech-enabled sectors. [...]

SWVL Continues World Expansion With Acquisition of Turkey’s Volt Lines

The acquisition of the transportation-as-a-service operator comes as the fourth for SWVL since August 2021, as it continues its aggressive [...]

MENA Fintech for School Fees zenda Raises $9.4M for India Expansion

The startup has its eyes firmly set on $70 billion in annual transactions in a lacking school fees payment ecosystem in India. [...]

UAE Cybersecurity Firm Comae Acquired by Canada's Magnet Forensics

Founded in 2016, Comae uses cloud-based memory analysis to recover evidence from device memories. [...]

UAE’s MBRIF Opens Applications for Latest Innovation Accelerator

Since launching in 2018, some of the programme’s notable alumni have include Rizek, Sarwa and Hawa Water. [...]

Meet the 12 Startups Chosen for Google’s Second MENA Accelerator

The second round has seen the tech giant cherry-pick 12 startups from six countries, covering automotive, agriculture, fitness, fintech, [...]

How Nawy is Using Tech to Unlock Real Estate Investment for the Masses

StartupScene sits down with members of the founding team of a proptech startup that is looking to break down barriers and inject innovation [...]

What I Did Next: Malak Fouad Looks at Life’s Pivotal Moments

Seasoned storyteller, Malak Fouad, speaks to StartupScene about her philosophy and trajectory, two things she she channels in her podcast [...]

9 of Cairo's Coolest Co-Working Spaces

From 20th century villas to garden rooftoops, these are Cairo’s most unique co-working spaces, places prime for entrepreneurs to kick-start [...]

Hakawati Launches New Podcast Series ‘Startup Confessionals’

The Beirut-based podcast network’s latest project will see founders from across the MENA region open up about their entrepreneurial [...]

Algeria Venture & AIF to Launch New $10M VC Fund for Local Startups

The news comes as more and more international VCs divert their gaze towards a booming African ecosystem. [...]

UAE Fintech Pemo Raises $12 Million Seed Round for MENAP Expansion

With the launch of its all-in-one spend management platform coinciding with the raise, the startup now has KSA, Egypt and Pakistan in its [...]

The Cairo Angels Makes Undisclosed Investment Kenyan Fintech FlexPay

Through its Cairo Angels Syndicate Fund, the Egyptian group’s investment marks its first in Africa. [...]

Moroccan Auto-Marketplace KIFAL Auto Acquired by Nigeria’s Autochek

The deal comes as part of the Nigerian startup's M&A-focused expansion plans across North Africa. [...]

Saudi VC Fund STV Partners With Meta to Support Local Tech Startups

The news comes as digital transformation and futuristic technologies come to the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. [...]

Saudi VC Fund STV Partners With Meta to Support Local Tech Startups

The news comes as digital transformation and futuristic technologies come to the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. [...]

Moroccan Auto-Marketplace KIFAL Auto Acquired by Nigeria’s Autochek

The deal comes as part of the Nigerian startup's M&A-focused expansion plans across North Africa. [...]

UAE Fintech Pemo Raises $12 Million Seed Round for MENAP Expansion

With the launch of its all-in-one spend management platform coinciding with the raise, the startup now has KSA, Egypt and Pakistan in its [...]

The Cairo Angels Makes Undisclosed Investment Kenyan Fintech FlexPay

Through its Cairo Angels Syndicate Fund, the Egyptian group’s investment marks its first in Africa. [...]

UAE Electronics Platform NorthLadder Scores $10M Convertible Note

The startup, which facilitates the frictionless trade of second-hand electronics will look to expand geographically, with KSA in its [...]

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