February saw the launch a new investment platform, Nuwa Capital, the creation of KSA’s Ministry of Investments and a number of growth stage funding rounds in the region. Here’s a roundup of the month’s startup ecosystem highlights.
You can download a PDF version via this link: GCC Startup Ecosystem News Roundup – 2020-02
HEADLINES
- Nuwa Capital Investment Platform launched: The fund targets final commitment of up to $100 million and focuses on Direct To Consumer (DTC), Fintech, Mobility & Logistics and Enterprise segments. Managed by Khaled Talhouni. Al Faisallah Group joins as anchor investor.
- KSA creates Ministry of Investment: KSA promotes Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), its state entity governing investments, into a full ministry, now known as Ministry of Investment.
- District 2020 launches Scale2Dubai: The global entrepreneurship program aims to enable global innovators & startups to scale their businesses in Dubai; benefits include a soft landing program with two years of free working space, and support in visa & business setup.
INVESTMENTS
| Startup | Sector / Industry | Location | Amount & Round | Investors |
| Kitopi | F&B | UAE, USA | $60M Series B | led by Knollwood and Lumia Capital, incl. BECO, Global Ventures, et al |
| Vezeeta | Healthcare | Egypt | $40M Series D | led by Gulf Capital incl. Saudi Technology Ventures |
| SellAnyCar.com | Transport | UAE | $35M undisclosed round | led by Sanabil Investments et al |
| Okadoc | Healthcare | UAE | $10M Series A | Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Ithmar Capital Partners et al |
| Elmenus | F&B | Egypt | $8M, Series B | led by Global Ventures and Algebra Ventures |
| Seez | Transport | UAE | $6M Series A | Crealize (Germany), Wamda, Phoenician funds, et al |
| Liwwa | Finance | Jordan | $6M undisclosed round | led by Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank FMO, et al |
| Eat App | F&B | Bahrain | $5M Series B | led by 500 Startups and Derayah VC |
| Tamatem | Gaming | Jordan | $3.5M undisclosed round | led by Wamda, incl. Modern Electronics & North Base Media |
| Homzmart | E-commerce | Egypt | $1.3M Seed | MSA Capital, Oman Technology Fund, EquiTrust |
| MarkeetEx | E-commerce | Oman | $1M Seed | undisclosed private investors in Oman and USA |
| Garment IO | Manufacturing | Egpt | $450K Seed | Egypt Ventures, 500 Startups |
| Addenda | Finance | UAE | Undisclosed amount, Bridge round | AB Accelerator Program by AB Ventures |
| Bosta | Logistics | Egypt | Undisclosed amount, Series A | DPDgroup (France) |
| Chefz | F&B | KSA | Undisclosed amount, Seed | Vision Ventures, Impact 46, and Ocean X |
| Raqamyah | Finance | KSA | Undisclosed amount, Seed | Impact46 Seed Fund |
STARTUP NEWS
- Cafu founder unveils new property tech startup “Urban”, a mobile/web application bringing the rental journey online.
- Dubai Economy establishes KYC Blockchain Consortium in partnership with 6 UAE banks to allow freelances and entrepreneurs in Dubai to open bank accounts instantly.
- Emirates signs 3 year deal with blockchain loyalty solution Loyyal. Loyyal’s solution is now in production with Emirates Skywards.
- Careem and RTA launch 800 rental bikes across 78 locations in Dubai for public use starting 29th February.
- Social media monitoring platform Crowd Analyzer acquired micro-influencer marketing platform Task Spotting. Financial details were undisclosed.
- Jordanian content startup Mawdoo3 acquired Relevant Network, an Amman-based affiliate marketing company that helps brands and businesses in MENA.
- Delivery Hero’s MENAT regional revenue in 2019 jumps by 126% to $775 million, with the region continuing to be the company’s largest market.
- Mobile wallets, Careem Pay and Noon Pay were granted initial approval in Saudi by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA).
INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
According to Magnitt’s 2019 Saudi Arabia Ventures Capital Snapshot report
- 71 venture deals took place in Saudi Arabia in 2019, up 92% from 2018
- $67M was invested in Saudi-based startups in 2019, up 35% from 2018.
- 41 institutions invested in Saudi-based startups in 2019, up 58% from 2018
- E-commerce and Delivery & Transport remain top industries
- Across the MENA, KSA ranks 3rd in terms of highest number of deals and total funding in 2019.
- Newly established accelerators and other public and private initiatives spur the growing startup and venture capital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
VC NEWS
- Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) expands the scope of the $146 million (AED535 million) Ventures Fund to participate in Series B and beyond funding rounds, invest in established regional and global funds and collaborate with global accelerators.
- Saudi Telecom Ventures (STV) hires Ivan Jakovljevic from Google to lead STV’s portfolio growth and firm development.
- Mubadala Investment Company to look into significantly increasing their investment in life sciences and medical technology sector.
- Private equity company Carlyle Group to open regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi via its partnership with Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners
- Saudi Telecom Company (STC) to acquire Vodafone’s entire 55% stake in Vodafone Egypt for $2.39 billion. The sale marks Vodafone’s exit as telecom operator in Egypt. The remaining 45% stake is owned by Telecom Egypt.
COWORKING
- Hub71 announces opening of first WeWork in the UAE, spanning 3 floors with a total of 1,200 desks.
- Hub71 adds 4 more startups in their Incentive Program, bringing the total to 39.
- Hub71 partners with Aldar and ADCB under the former’s Corporate Engagement Program, to provide mentorship, launch global challenges and collaborate with startups on creating proof of concepts.
ACCELERATORS / INCUBATORS
- Intelak selects 4 winning startups from their latest cohort: Sherpa (Canada), Troop Travel (Spain), Mobimatter (UAE) and Seafood Souq (UAE).
- TechStars announces the Inaugural Class of the TechStars Hub71 accelerator comprising of 10 startups. The program is located at WeWork X Hub71. Demo Day is scheduled for 20th April 2020.
- Krypto Labs shortlists 16 startups for their 3-month program, The Bridge. 50% of selected teams include an Emirati member.
- Business accelerator TRIBE Labs (Kuwait), to invest US$1 million in a bid to promising startups who will be part of their acceleration program.
EVENTS
- 01 March: Detecting Fraudulent Transactions using Blockchain at Dtec, Dubai
- 19 March: Techstars Startup Weekend Ras Al Khaimah
- 02 April: Fintech Retreat 2020, Egypt