VC React Podcast:
Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, LPs, & Angel Investors, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, funds, and investment rounds.
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Hosts:
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Available on:
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Guest:
1. Akmal El Hak, Angel Investor, and CFO of Pearl Semiconductor
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akmal-el-hak-8bb2211/
- Company Website: https://www.pearlsemi.com/
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#startups #vc #tech #ai #investments #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #venturedebt #business #ipo #acquisitions #fintech #edtech #accelerator #web3 #crypto #blockchain #defi
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Sponsors:
💸This week’s episode is brought to you by:
- OCTA – the AI-powered accounts receivable platform trusted by 100+ companies like Careem, Lean Technologies, and ZenHR to automate collections, resolve disputes, and unlock financing with zero hassle.
Visit: www.weareocta.com/fwdstart to get your first 6 months free.
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News of the week brought to you by FWDstart.
This Week On The VC React Podcast:
📊 Saudi is about to lift the cap on foreign ownership of public companies — does this invite long-term institutions, or fast-moving hedge funds?
🔄 In private markets — Tadawul and STV are teaming up to launch a private trading platform for startup shares. But can a true private stock exchange actually work… when most attempts globally have failed?
🤖 Over in Abu Dhabi, Presight and Shorooq just launched a $100M AI Global fund. Local capital is now going global — chasing innovation anywhere, not just locally. Is that smart, or risky?
💳 Debt is having a moment — Erad gets a $33M debt facility from Stride Ventures. Why is MENA suddenly becoming the hottest place for private debt?
🟦 And finally — open banking hype turns into reality. Saudi fintech Spare just raised $5M, powering players like Tap, Tamara, and Zid. Is this the Stripe of open banking… or a utility company everyone will have to plug into?
---(أحمد طقاطقه)---