MEA Tech & Startup Digest: Issue #96

Welcome to the 96th edition of “The CTO Show’s MEA Tech & Startup Digest”! 🎉

 In this edition, we explore significant ecosystem developments, record-breaking investment rounds, and innovative initiatives shaping the MENA and African tech landscape. From major IPO updates to strategic partnerships, we're covering the developments that are defining our region's technological future.

Whether you're one of our 2,231 subscribers or new to our community, we're excited to share these valuable insights into tech, startups, and entrepreneurship.

Let's dive into this week's rich insights!

🌟 Feature Stories: Market Milestones

• Türkiye's Tech Ecosystem Thrives

• Investment surge reaches $558.8M in Q2 2024, quadrupling previous quarter
• $4.7B total investment attracted over past four years, producing seven unicorns
• Q3 2024 sees 146 deals, with gaming, fintech, and AI leading sectors 🔗 Read More 🔗 Read More 🔗 Read More

• Nice One Beauty Updates IPO Details Saudi e-commerce leader aims to raise $322M, offering 34.65M shares at SAR 32-35, targeting $1B+ valuation. 🔗 Read More

💡 Major Private Equity Moves

• Aliph Capital 's Dual Victories

• Acquires 25% stake in SANIPEX GROUP, enhancing GCC's luxury lifestyle sector
• Receives major SVC investment for $250M GCC-focused growth fund 🔗 Read More 🔗 Read More

🌍 Ecosystem Development Initiatives

• Yandex Partners with İTÜ Çekirdek Tech giant collaborates to strengthen Türkiye's startup ecosystem through comprehensive support program. 🔗 Read More

• BEBKA Wins Global Recognition Türkiye's development agency receives Startup Ecosystem Stars 2024 award in Paris. 🔗 Read More

• African Entrepreneurs Fill YC Gap New accelerators launch as Y Combinator reduces African presence, led by Flutterwave co-founder. 🔗 Read More

⚽ Sports Tech Innovation

• Rio Ferdinand Invests in Koora Break Former Manchester United star backs Saudi platform reaching 800M monthly visitors. 🔗 Read More

• Grintafy Technologies Gets Web3 Boost Adaverse backs Saudi sportstech platform for blockchain-based talent discovery. 🔗 Read More

💰 Latest Funding Rounds

• Aanaab Secures $7M Series A Saudi edtech platform receives Dallah Investment funding for educator development. 🔗 Read More

• Playgama Raises $3M UAE gametech startup revolutionizes HTML5 gaming distribution. 🔗 Read More

• Nowlun.com Closes $1.7M Seed Egyptian digital freight platform enhances logistics efficiency. 🔗 Read More

• ENAKL Raises $1.4M Moroccan urban mobility startup advances sustainable transport solutions. 🔗 Read More

• Zuzzuu Receives Investment Maxis Ventures backs Turkish digital sales platform at $10M valuation. 🔗 Read More

• Fascano Secures Funding Omani foodtech receives backing from Oman Future Fund for hospitality solutions. 🔗 Read More

🚀 Innovation & New Initiatives

• Reality TV Meets VC Gulf embraces startup funding through Shark Tank Dubai and upcoming shows. 🔗 Read More

• Startup Sync Launches Egypt's first platform connecting entrepreneurs with Edfa VC Fund. 🔗 Read More

• QDB's Strategic Investments Qatar Development Bank backs AI startup Nybl and fintech Wahed. 🔗 Read More

🔍 Fund Updates

• Jada Fund of Funds Backs Jadwa Fund Commitment to GCC Private Equity Fund I targeting SAR 1.5B raise. 🔗 Read More

• RAIVEN CAPITAL 's DIFC Fund New fund focuses on AI and IoT innovations in emerging markets. 🔗 Read More

🎙️Episodes Recap:

#417 Revolutionizing Productivity: Yohann Abitann on AI-Powered Executive Assistants

In this exciting episode, Mehmet speaks with Yohann Abitann, founder of NewMail AI, about tackling one of the most pressing challenges for executives today: email overload. Yohann shares his fascinating journey, from studying at NYU and working at Stanford Research Institute to developing an AI-powered executive assistant designed to transform productivity for leaders.

#418 From Technical to Fundable: Pitch Deck Insights with Sergio Yankovenko

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we explore the critical components of a successful pitch deck with Sergio Yankovenko, a seasoned digital consultant who has helped startups raise over $560 million. Sergio reveals his approach to transforming technical ideas into fundable business propositions, discusses how to avoid common pitch deck pitfalls, and offers strategies for tailoring your deck to different investor types.

🔗 Useful Resouces: 

-      iAccel Gulf Accelerator: iAccel Gulf Business Incubator (“iAccel GBI”) is a Global Accelerator Network (GAN) certified accelerator that aims to help early-stage tech startups turn their innovative ideas into successful businesses in MENA Region.

-      Wows Global: This investment portal offers you the tools and support to connect with investors, manage your stakeholder relations, and navigate your financing requirements effectively. Start by listing your company and get guided  towards your financing goals. Join and gain the attention of the biggest investors in the ASEAN & MENA regions.

Connect & Grow with Us

• Share Your Story 🎙️: Got insights in tech, startups, or entrepreneurship? Reach out and let's feature your journey on "The CTO Show With Mehmet."
• Support & Collaborate ❤️🤝: Love our content? Support us here and keep the insights coming.
• Spread the Word 🌟: Know a tech & startup enthusiast? Invite them to our community for weekly doses of innovation and insight.

Thank You 🙏: Your engagement drives our shared journey forward. Here's to another week of innovation and growth!

Best, Mehmet