Aaleem Jiwa, CFA, MBA

💰 Looking for funding? 🚀 Oraseya Capital is rapidly becoming one of the most active VCs in the region, and a key driver of this momentum is our in-house startup program, SANDBOX. At SANDBOX, we invest $150,000 in pre-seed to seed-stage tech founders tackling significant challenges with innovative solutions. We believe that business is personal, and we focus on building long-term relationships with the companies we invest in, aiming to support founders all the way through to - and including - Series B. In this way, SANDBOX serves as a gateway to a lasting partnership with Oraseya. We’re currently seeking our next cohort of startups (our sixth cohort!). If you know of a startup with an innovative product, beyond the MVP stage, and a clear nexus to UAE, please encourage them to apply. 🗓️ Applications close January 5th 2025, and we aim to kick off the program in mid-February 2025. Use this link to apply: https://lnkd.in/dXQY5Y8D Let's make it happen! #venturecapital #funding #OraseyaCapital #SANDBOX #UAEStartups #preseed #seed Omar Khan Sanam Foroughi Anna Karenina (Karen) Marcos Julien Plouzeau Elliott (Els) Denham Asad Sheikh Nelson Andrés Correa

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A new flood of fresh funds is reshaping the venture capital landscape! 🚀 Recent highlights include TVM Capital Healthcare’s $250M Afiyah Fund LP, SVC's $30M investment into General Atlantic’s private equity fund, Golden Gate Ventures' $100M MENA-focused fund launch, and Investcorp's $570M fund closure. These announcements signal a broader trend of escalating financial commitments within the industry. MEA funds are heating up! 🌡️ Our data reveals a 74% YoY increase in the number of MEA-based funds being financed as of May 20th, 2024. Since Q4’23, there has been a notable surge in regional funds securing capital, with international investors also establishing localized funds. Stay informed with the latest trends in VC activity: https://lnkd.in/dP6ZkmCd By MAGNiTT Repost by : Salem Bagami Chief Executive Officer Digital Transformation Company & Managing Director 2080 Ventures Email: salem@2080.ventures Website: www.2080.ventures #VC #Funds #Investing

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"Sovereign wealth funds out of the Middle East are emerging as key backers of Silicon Valley’s artificial intelligence darlings. Oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar have been looking to diversify their economies, and are turning to tech investments as a hedge. In the past year, funding for AI companies by Middle-Eastern sovereigns has increased fivefold, according to data from Pitchbook. MGX, a new AI fund out of The United Arab Emirates, was among investors looking to get a slice of OpenAI’s latest fundraise this week, two sources told CNBC. The round is set to value OpenAI at $150 billion, said the people, who asked not to be named because the discussions are confidential. Few venture funds have deep enough pockets to compete with the multibillion-dollar checks coming from the likes of Microsoft and Amazon. But these sovereign funds have no problem coming up with cash for AI deals. They invest on behalf of their governments, which have been helped by rising energy prices in recent years. The Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC, countries’ total wealth is expected to rise from $2.7 trillion to $3.5 trillion by 2026, according to Goldman Sachs. The Saudi Public Investment Fund, or PIF, has topped $925 billion, and has been on an investing spree as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” initiative. The PIF has investments in companies including Uber, while also spending heavily on the LIV golf league and professional soccer. UAE’s Mubadala has $302 billion under management, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has $1 trillion under management. Qatar Investment Authority has $475 billion, while Kuwait’s fund has topped $800 billion. Earlier this week, Abu Dhabi-based MGX joined a partnership on AI infrastructure with BlackRock, Microsoft and Global Infrastructure Partners, aiming to raise as much as $100 billion for data centers and other infrastructure investments. MGX was launched as a dedicated AI fund in March, with Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala and AI firm G42 as founding partners. UAE’s Mubadala has also invested in OpenAI rival Anthropic, and is among the most active venture investors, with eight AI deals in the past four years, according to Pitchbook. Anthropic ruled out taking money from the Saudis in its last funding round, citing national security, sources told CNBC.  Saudi Arabia’s PIF is in talks to create a $40 billion partnership with U.S. venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. It also launched a dedicated AI fund called the Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence, or SCAI."

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UAE-based fintech Ziina زينة has raised $22 million in a Series A funding round, led by US-based Altos Ventures along with other investors including FinTech Collective, Avenir, Activant Capital, Y Combinator, FJ Labs, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), and Jabbar Internet Group. Founded in 2020 by Faisal Toukan and Sarah Toukan, Ziina helps individuals send and receive payments through its app with just a phone number, no IBAN or Swift Code required. It launched its digital wallet in February 2022. The new round will fuel Ziina’s expansion beyond a #payments solution to providing end-to-end #financial services for businesses and consumers, starting with the soon-to-launch ZiiCard. In June 2021, Ziina, fresh from completing YC’s first cohort that year and securing a $7.5 million seed, launched its #fintech app to 20,000 #retail customers, allowing them to send and receive #money. Three years later, the Dubai-based startup, which now counts 50,000 retail and business customers after expanding its offerings to meet the needs of micro, small, and medium-sized #MSME businesses in the #UAE Full TechCrunch article in comments

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Steel Atlas Ventures Aims to Link Western Startups with Saudi Investment in $10M Debut Fund Steel Atlas, a New York-based venture firm founded by Cameron Porter and Talal Attieh, has raised its first $10 million fund to connect Western technology startups with Saudi Arabian investment opportunities. The firm, established last year, plans to invest between $750,000 and $1.25 million per startup, focusing on climate-tech, industrial, and AI sectors. Steel Atlas’s portfolio currently includes innovative firms like nuclear energy company TRANSMUTEX, supply chain tech provider GenLogs, and alternative battery tech company Group1.ai, all aiming to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification program. “Our portfolio investments are less than a year old and we are therefore still actively working with them in the region,” the firm said. “We view this alignment as being driven by two increasingly important factors: global geopolitical realignment and mutual technological interests,” Porter stated, referring to Saudi Arabia’s role as a “counterpoint” to Iran. Backers of the fund include private investment firms such as Christian Angermayer’s Apeiron Investment Group and Magnus Rausing’s Untitled. The Saudi government’s commitment to advancing industrial, climate, and AI technologies aligns with Steel Atlas’s goals, with Saudi funding providing potential capital reliability and scale-up locations for Western startups amid a sluggish U.S. market. Steel Atlas is also planning a Middle Eastern holding company to invest in regional industrial projects tied to its portfolio technologies. While not mandating Saudi deployment, the firm foresees Saudi Arabia’s market as a significant opportunity, anticipating developments in nuclear and supply chain tech soon. ✅ Looking to raise capital for your #VCfund and increase the international pool of your LPs?   🤝 Need warm #LP introductions?   📝 Selling #secondaries to increase liquidity?   🧐 Looking for co-investments (Series A/Series B)?   ▶ Please use G+QUANT's link for inquiries and fund decks, or send an inquiry to info@gplusquant.com #VentureCapital #SaudiInvestment #ClimateTech #AI #IndustrialInnovation #Vision2030 #SteelAtlas #TechFunding

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5 key takeaways in the VC market from my trip to the UAE 🇦🇪 I recently returned from an engaging trip to the United Arab Emirates, a journey filled with client meetings, strategic partnerships, and groundwork for our upcoming launch in the DIFC. This visit has been nothing short of enlightening, offering a deeper understanding of the burgeoning VC and private equity landscape in the region. Here are my 5 key takeaways: 1. Investor Queries One prevalent question among investors is why seek funding in the UAE when markets like the UK and US are well-established? The answer lies in the unique strategic opportunities the UAE market offers, particularly in bridging Eastern and Western economic corridors. 2. Value to the Region UAE investors are particularly interested in how foreign businesses plan to integrate locally. Questions arise about setting up physical offices, serving regional customers, engaging in local M&A activities, and the broader impact these companies aim to have within the UAE. 3. Investment Dynamics There's a cautious approach among local investors who prefer not to lead investment rounds initially. They often seek reassurance through the presence of a lead investor, reflecting a risk-averse attitude typical of emerging markets. 4. Sustainability and Innovation Post-COP28, there's a noticeable increase in the emphasis on sustainability, supported by new regulations from entities like the Dubai Development Authority to ensure new developments adhere to stringent energy efficiency and sustainability standards. 5. Emerging Trends Alongside sustainability, sectors like AI and FinTech have seen significant interest and growth. These areas are rapidly becoming central to the UAE's economic diversification plans. While the UAE's economy and market are relatively nascent, the rapid development, entrepreneurial spirit, and favorable business regulations are positioning it as a formidable force in the VC and PE arenas. The UAE is not just a place to invest, but a thriving hub for initiating and scaling innovative businesses. As we plan our expansion into this vibrant region, we're excited about partnering with local investors and founders who share our vision for groundbreaking ventures. The UAE's dynamic market is ripe with opportunities, and we are committed to being a part of its growth story. If you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or industry stakeholder interested in the UAE market, I would love to connect and explore potential collaborations. #VCUAE #PrivateEquity #Innovation #Sustainability

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Considering a career in startups or VC? Starting today, I'm available for 1:1 calls on @Intro to help startup founders and aspiring VCs think through the path ahead. As the founder + managing director of Red Sea Ventures, we invested early in companies like Allbirds (IPO), Sweetgreen (IPO), Nest (acq. Google), Casetext (acq. Thompson Reuters), and Prose to name a few. What topics can we cover? ✔️ Finding product-market fit ✔️ The different paths to funding ✔️ Determining how much you need to raise ✔️ Building a VC firm ✔️ Careers in VC ✔️ Celebrity partnerships Honored to be alongside world-class Experts like Chris DeWolfe (co-founder of MySpace (sold for $675M), Scott Saunders (founder of Happy Money, valued $1B+) & Geraldine Martin-Coppola (former President of Goop). I’ll be donating 100% of the proceeds to Seeds of Peace

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Ever wondered how to get more involved in your local startup ecosystem? Look no further! Join Techstars virtually on April 18th to learn from the Early Childhood Authority of Abu Dhabi and Stanley Black & Decker on how they've built resilient, sustainable niche tech ecosystems. This is the perfect opportunity to gain insight and knowledge on how to build a successful startup ecosystem. Register now using the link below! #techstars #ecodev #ecosystem #preseed #startups Link to register: https://lnkd.in/gUuSgvC3

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Private Equity Surpasses Public Equity as the Top Asset Class for Middle East Family Offices! 🇵🇸 📈 According to Dr. Rebecca Gooch at Deloitte, private equity now accounts for 30% of the average family office portfolio in the Middle East, surpassing public equity, which stands at 25%. This shift underscores a significant trend in the investment landscape. Key Insights: ➡ The three largest asset classes—private equity, real estate, and public equities—make up 77% of their portfolios. ➡ For 2024, Middle East family offices plan to allocate more to private equity funds, private debt direct lending, private equity direct deals, and developed market equities. ➡ Conversely, they intend to allocate less to real estate, developing market equities, and hedge funds. From my experience working with family offices, this trend is driven by a quest for higher returns and greater control over their investments. Private equity offers the potential for outsised gains, which is particularly attractive in today's volatile markets. Family offices in the Middle East are leveraging their resources to tap into unique opportunities in private markets. This strategic shift not only diversifies their portfolios but also positions them to capitalise on innovative and high-growth sectors. As we move into 2024, the focus on private equity and direct deals will likely accelerate, providing a robust foundation for long-term wealth generation and impact investing. Have you noticed similar trends in your investment strategies?

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Now live: Our market map of the World Chain ecosystem. The part two of Web3 x AI written by my colleague Abdul Al Ali is a must-read for founders tackling digital human identity in the frontier of an AI world. Abdul explores how World Chain, #SamAltman’s human-first blockchain, is setting a new standard by bridging on-chain and off-chain identity, creating a blockchain that enhances verified human engagement in an AI-dominated world. Why It Matters for Web3 Builders: As AI agents and bots continue to blur online rap and synthetic interactions, authentic digital identity is more important than ever. Proving real personhood forms the foundation for our AI future. World Chain’s infrastructure, grounded in “Proof of Personhood,” is redefining what it means to be human on the blockchain. By prioritizing real users, World Chain paves the way for sustainable and impactful community interactions. Key Highlights from the Market Map: Combating Deepfakes: The biometric World ID feature safeguards authenticity by verifying creators, a strong countermeasure to rising deepfake risks. Ensuring Authentic Airdrop Distribution: By filtering bots from airdrop distributions, World Chain reinforces genuine community engagement and ecosystem trust. Human-First Infrastructure: Unlike blockchains designed exclusively for AI, World Chain strikes a balance between human and AI interaction, protecting the integrity of verified identities. For founders pioneering at the intersection of #Web3 and #AI, our blog insights on World Chain’s human-centric approach offer a valuable perspective on the future of digital identity. #WorldChain https://lnkd.in/emDVqcy7

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✨ Breaking: Artesian Venture Partners Announces New Fund.- Artesian (Alternative Investments) Artesian Venture Partners, a partner of the WAVC initiative, focuses on venture capital investments in early-stage startups across various sectors, including health sciences and renewable energy. https://lnkd.in/dvfKFtkf Please share to let other #Founders know For the ❤️ of Startups #Fusion42 #Startups #Venturecapital

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🚀 UAE-Based Startups! 🚀 The deadline for the SANDBOX Investment Program has been extended to January 12, 2025, 23:59. If you’re a UAE-based startup in the pre-seed to seed stage looking for funding, this is not a chance to be missed. By joining our next batch, you’ll go through Oraseya Capital’s detailed due diligence process, receive valuable mentorship, expand your network, and gain publicity. Plus, you could secure a $150k investment from Oraseya Capital. The SANDBOX program is just the beginning of a long-term relationship with Oraseya Capital, where we like to come in early and continue investing in our winners, all the way through to Series B. If that sounds interesting, use the link below to submit your application: 🔗 sandboxaccelerator.com 🔗 #Startups #UAE #Investment #Mentorship #Networking #Funding #SANDBOXProgram #OraseyaCapital

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🚀 Highlight of Token 2049: Meeting Stefan Kimmel from M2 🚀 I had the pleasure of meeting Stefan Kimmel, CEO of M2 Exchange, at TOKEN2049 last month. I also had the opportunity to interview him on my podcast, where we discussed the convergence of TradFi and DeFi in the #MiddleEast. In this enlightening episode of the Web3 with Sam Kamani podcast, Stefan shares his journey from traditional finance to leading a major crypto exchange. 𝐖𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨: ✅ The pivotal role of trust and regulation in crypto mass adoption in the Middle East ✅ The unique challenges and opportunities for crypto in the Middle East region ✅ The differences between decentralized and centralized exchanges ✅ The impact of institutional investment and ETFs on the crypto industry ✅ How real-world assets and stablecoins are shaping digital investments Stefan also discusses M2's mission to bridge the gap between digital and traditional finance in the Middle East, offering a regulated, secure, and user-friendly platform for both retail and institutional investors. 🎧 Tune in for an insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of crypto in the Middle East and the future of digital asset investment. 🔗 Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gUQyKqzj

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🌳 Is #MENA #ClimateTech on the upswing? When stripping away the impact of 2022’s mega deals, MAGNiTT's data reveals that #ClimateTech funding in #MENA saw a 40% YoY uptick in 2023 coupled with a steady deal flow. This goes against the wider VC space which saw a 23% decline in funding and a 34% in deal flow. The lion's share of MENA's ClimateTech funding, a substantial 94%, was concentrated in the #UAE and #SaudiArabia. The #UAE continued to lead the region by both capital deployed and transactions, experiencing an impressive 118% YoY increase in non-mega ClimateTech funding. This is likely in part due to last year’s #COP28 which positioned the UAE as the hotspot for ClimateTech activity in MENA. In fact, the UAE had attracted a significantly higher number of deals in 2023, more than doubling the figures observed in 2022. Curious to learn more about this steadily growing sector? Access our full Climate Tech #MarketMap report here: https://lnkd.in/d7EksvyS #climatechange #techstartup #venturecapital #funding

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#SanFrancisco, #California, #USA 🇺🇸 2024. You in club space SHACK15, what’s your next move as a A+ player? In UAE 🇦🇪 we know as fact that 80%+ of all UAE FDI aka Foreign Direct Investment is from USA 🇺🇸… at crunch/DUBAI – Dubai's StartUPs and people we know that #banksystem of United States of America is the main source of cash flow in the region… Your truly Chief Visionary Officer Aleksei Dolgikh. Scout Venture Capitalists, Private Equity & Family Offices thought 💭 there’s VCs somewhere… Searching through… Bingo SHACK15 Ventures, haha, see there’s only ventures without #capital smart way actually to attract LPs money and long term co-working renters… maybe 🤔 The team: Mariane Bekker, Director of Engineering and Founder at Women Founders Bay, is also a LinkedIn Top Voice. She’s all about diversity in venture capital and startups. Why does every LinkedIn Top Voice think they're an astronaut with that rocket emoji? Are they launching ideas or heading for Mars? David Schuster is a CEO and Venture Partner who's all about disrupting industries and making businesses grow. He’s got this whole “thought-leader” vibe going on. Why is it that every “disruptor” seems to talk more than they actually disrupt? It sounds exhausting just thinking about all that leading. Ryan Cunningham Co-Founder at SHACK15 Ventures and ex-Uber, is now deep into AI and tech investments. With Uber on his resume, I’m guessing he's driven into some pretty crazy pitches. Do you think his investments arrive on time, or are they like waiting for your Uber when you’re already late? Bogdan Cristei 🇷🇴🇪🇺🇺🇸 also a Co-Founder at SHACK15 Ventures, has a collection of flags—Romania, EU, and U.S. He’s a global guy in more ways than one. But seriously, do people think more flags on their profile mean more funding opportunities? What’s next, waving a white flag in meetings? Christina Leigh Morgan Director at Adobe and angel investor, is growing products while spreading cash around. Adobe, product growth, and angel investing? Sounds like she’s got startups under control with one click. What’s her next move, investing in a Photoshop filter for failed pitches? Kevin Weekly PhD is a machine learning guru who builds from “0 to 1.” It sounds like he’s creating something out of nothing. But does anyone else wonder—what exactly is a 0 to 1 builder? Is he working on startups or just pressing the reset button?

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Slow down in Venture across the board in Emerging Markets! As predicted, VC funding and deal flow continues to decline across the Middle East, Arica and South East Asia. If you haven’t yet had the chance to access MAGNiTT's latest report on Q1 figures, then this article might just be for you: https://lnkd.in/duwpEqf7 My two cents based on MAGNiTT’s data: 1. Venture funding to remain flat until the US FED decreases interest rates (which I don't see happening before Q4 if at all) 2. Dry powder is available as funds make announcements regionally...but raising funds and deploying takes time. Unlikely to translate into active investments before Q4’24-Q1’25 3. Deal activity in SEA and MENA likely to converge at some point in line with global trends (CB Insights 8th consecutive decline in funding globally!) 4. Underdog industries might see some investment with healthcare, and energy, to report increases in YoY deal flow while star industries like FinTech and e-commerce may decline With VC funding looking more and more baron, and a continued focus on early stage over late stage, start up founders will need to remain vigilant and frugal. Interesting to see how Emerging Ecosystems will develop in the coming quarters with seasonal lulls and international interest. You can forecast and benchmark quarterly investment activities across countries and regions using our analytics tool accessible via subscription: https://lnkd.in/d2J6TdYQ #VentureCapital #EmergingMarkets #MENA #InvestmentTrends #Entrepreneurship

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The global #AI market is poised for significant growth, reaching an estimated $2.7 trillion by 2032. This underscores AI's crucial role in shaping future economies. At GITEX Global, attendees witnessed breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing, advanced robotics, and biotechnology. These innovations address complex challenges across various industries. The event emphasized the importance of international collaboration to drive AI advancements. The UAE's commitment to innovation is evident through its support for tech initiatives like GITEX Global and AI Everything Global 2025. With over 1,800 startups and leading tech firms participating, GITEX Global served as a platform for showcasing the latest AI innovations and fostering collaboration. #Technology #Innovation #FutureOfWork

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