VC React Podcast (Episode #26)

In this week’s episode, we explored a rare surge of recent startup acquisitions in MENA. We broke down Salla’s acquisition of Sweply to launch Salla Ads, examined Foodics’ new $100M M&A fund, and analyzed Dubizzle’s push into Egypt ahead of its IPO. We also looked at Qatar’s growing deeptech ambitions, with Builders VC and other global VCs expanding into the region, and debated whether Doha can compete with Dubai and Riyadh as a startup hub.

With Saudi Arabia’s ad spend set to hit SAR 9.5B, we debated whether Salla is following in Amazon and Shopify’s footsteps by building an integrated ad ecosystem with its acquisition of Sweply – and whether this strengthens its case for an IPO. We also considered whether Salla or Zid is more likely to dominate Saudi’s e-commerce market and if their future lies in the public markets or as an acquisition target for a global player.

Next, we covered Foodics’ $100M fund for fintech, AI, and transformative tech acquisitions, alongside its investments in Norma, Add, and Arzaq Plus. We asked: Is Foodics eating VCs’ lunch – pardon the pun – or is this a natural evolution toward becoming a Saudi tech giant?

We also looked at Mush Social acquiring Pubbles, questioning whether MENA has room for a homegrown social media success, and explored why T2 is expanding into expense management with its acquisition of Moola.

On the IPO front, we discussed Dubizzle’s acquisition of Hatla2ee, strengthening its grip on Egypt’s automotive classifieds market ahead of its $500M–$1B IPO, and explored how Dubizzle can differentiate itself and expand further.

Beyond acquisitions, we turned to Qatar’s growing deeptech ambitions, with Builders VC expanding into the region through a strategic partnership with QIA. As Qatar attracts major players like Human Capital, Utopia, and Golden Gate Ventures, we debated whether Doha is emerging as a deeptech hub and how its strategy compares to Saudi and the UAE. At this rate, could Y Combinator be next to set up shop in Qatar?

This week, Ahmad and I had the pleasure to be joined by:

• Dana Qtaishat, Investment Manager @ AB Ventures LP

• Feras Al Safwan, Investment Manager @ Wa'ed Ventures,
  and Host of "بودكاست في الريادة"

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