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Yango Group launches $20m VC fund to back startups across MENA, Africa, and Latin America

Yango Group launches $20m VC fund to back startups across MENA, Africa, and Latin America

The fund will focus on O2O (online-to-offline), B2B SaaS, and fintech, aiming for high-growth opportunities without taking control stakes.

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane
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NymCard raises $33m in Series B led by QED to scale banking infrastructure across MENA

NymCard raises $33m in Series B led by QED to scale banking infrastructure across MENA

Founded in 2018 by Omar Onsi, NymCard is a Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) provider that enables fintechs, banks, and enterprises to issue and process payment cards, provide embedded lending, and facilitate digital transactions without relying on traditional banking infrastructure.

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane
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Gulf sovereign wealth funds are betting big on biotech – why?

Gulf sovereign wealth funds are betting big on biotech – why?

QIA just backed Latigo Biotherapeutics’ $150 million Series B, meanwhile ADIA participated in Lila Sciences’ $200 million seed round. This isn’t just a passing interest – there’s a very clear pattern emerging across Gulf SWFs.

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane
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ClearGrid emerges from stealth with $10M to modernise debt collection in MENA with AI

ClearGrid emerges from stealth with $10M to modernise debt collection in MENA with AI

Dubai-based ClearGrid has emerged from stealth with $10 million in pre-seed and seed funding, aiming to modernise debt collection and recovery with AI-driven automation.

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane
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Aramco Ventures doubles down on direct air capture with investments in Spiritus and Ucaneo

Aramco Ventures doubles down on direct air capture with investments in Spiritus and Ucaneo

Established in 2012 and headquartered in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Aramco Ventures manages multiple VC programmes with a total allocation of $7 billion. ​

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane
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Saudi VC Impact46 announces 10x exit from Tadawul-listed Rasan

Saudi VC Impact46 announces 10x exit from Tadawul-listed Rasan

The offering included 17.16% of Rasan’s issued share capital, priced at $18.40 per share, with a total size of $245 million, covered multiple times.

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane
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BNPL Tamara receives SAMA license for consumer finance

BNPL Tamara receives SAMA license for consumer finance

This approval makes Tamara one of 65 licensed finance companies in Saudi Arabia, enabling it to serve a broader customer base and diversify its financial products.

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane
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Saudi-Based Ninja Eyes $1B+ Valuation in New Funding Round

Saudi-Based Ninja Eyes $1B+ Valuation in New Funding Round

The quick commerce platform, which operates in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, is aiming for an IPO by 2027.

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane
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🛒 UAE’s Talabat acquires instashop from Delivery Hero for $32 million

🛒 UAE’s Talabat acquires instashop from Delivery Hero for $32 million

Effective February 25, 2025, InstaShop will be consolidated into talabat’s financial accounts while continuing as an independent brand within talabat’s grocery and retail vertical.

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane
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UK’s Pinewood.AI acquires Dubai-based autotech AI Seez for $46.2 million

UK’s Pinewood.AI acquires Dubai-based autotech AI Seez for $46.2 million

Founded in 2016 by Tarik and Andrew Karabit, Seez initially launched as a “Shazam for cars,” attracting almost three million users before shifting to an automotive marketplace model.

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane
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🇶🇦 QIA’s $1B fund of funds draws global VCs to Doha

🇶🇦 QIA’s $1B fund of funds draws global VCs to Doha

Five global firms, Builders VC, Utopia Capital Management, B Capital, Deerfield, and Human Capital are opening new offices in Doha.

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane
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Saudi BNPL Tabby raises $160M Series E at a $3.3B valuation, becoming MENA’s most valuable fintech

Saudi BNPL Tabby raises $160M Series E at a $3.3B valuation, becoming MENA’s most valuable fintech

It is now the second most valuable internet company in the region, trailing only Talabat. Notably, Tabby reached this milestone in just five years—its seed round was in November 2019.

Jamie Lane
Jamie Lane