Hello there,

Welcome to another edition of 🔍 Startup Researcher - Middle East, your essential digest delivering the latest news and premium insights on startups and venture capital across the region 🌍

If you haven't subscribed yet, now's the perfect time. Don't miss the opportunity to supercharge your understanding and stay ahead in this dynamic world.

Let's delve into the core sections of our weekly newsletter:

• 📰 Important News

• 💸 Top Funding Rounds

• 💰️ Notable Exits

• 🏦 About Investors

• 📈 Deep Dive Bites

• 🤝 Diversity Spotlight

• 🚀 Startup Of the Week

• 💼 Investor of the Week

• 🤑 Opportunity Radar

📰 Important News

• UAE telecom giant e& has signed a $1 billion partnership with AWS to enhance cloud services across MENA.

• Core42 and AMD have partnered to enhance cloud security and AI performance in the UAE, particularly for sensitive data management.

• The UAE has launched the Global Trade Technology Accelerator in collaboration with the WEF to support startups in modern trade technology.

• The Ajman Chamber has launched the Ajman Investment Platform to provide data and promote investment opportunities in the emirate.

• Khazna Data Centers has announced plans to construct a 100 MW AI-optimized data center in Ajman, UAE, featuring 20 data halls.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• Abhi, a UAE-based fintech firm, secured $15 million in debt financing to expand its embedded finance solutions.

• PiP World secured $10 million in seed funding from Exinity to enhance its educational gaming platform aimed at improving global financial literacy.

• Jetapult has invested $4.5 million in Saudi game studio UMX to fuel its growth and expand its gaming portfolio.

• Saudi Arabian edtech company AILA has secured $1.15 million in pre-seed funding to enhance its AI-driven educational platform.

• Jaras Hospitality raised $670,000 in pre-seed funding to enhance its hotel management platform.

💰️ Notable Exits

• Tafaul, a Saudi marketing and PR firm, has acquired Jawlah, a startup-focused platform, to support the growing startup ecosystem in MENA.

• Tawaref has acquired Amaana.ai to enhance its AI-driven solutions for startups across the MENA region.

🏦 About Investors

• SVC has invested $15 million in Vision Ventures' Saqr Fund II to boost early-stage startups in Saudi Arabia.

• Moonbase Capital has launched a $15 million search fund to invest in scalable SMEs across emerging markets including the Middle East.

📈 Deep Dive Bites

Qatar's entrepreneurial landscape is evolving rapidly, with innovative startup studios leading the charge. From Escape Venture Studio's impressive 53% IRR to QFC-Hashgraph's $50 million commitment to DeFi solutions, these powerhouses are reshaping the nation's tech scene. Dive into the full article to discover how these studios are transforming ideas into market-ready ventures, supporting regulatory-compliant fintech, and connecting MENA startups to global opportunities.

🚀 Startup Of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

Abhi

Abhi, a UAE-based fintech company founded in 2021 by Omair Ansari and Ali Ladhubhai, has secured $15 million in debt financing. The funding round was led by Shorooq Partners and Amplify Growth Partnership. Abhi plans to use this capital to expand its embedded finance solutions, with a focus on their flagship Early Wage Access (EWA) service. The EWA service allows employees to access their earned wages before payday, providing greater financial flexibility and reducing reliance on high-interest loans. This aligns with Abhi's mission to improve financial inclusion and well-being for workers across the region.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

Vision Ventures

Vision Ventures, a Dammam-based venture capital firm established in 2016, has received a $15 million investment from Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) for its Saqr Fund II, which aims to support early-stage startups in Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region. The fund, targeting a total size of $90 million, focuses on providing financial backing to startups from pre-seed to pre-Series B stages across various sectors, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. This investment aligns with SVC's strategy to enhance venture capital activity in the region and strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Vision Ventures is dedicated to empowering innovative entrepreneurs with ambitious plans to scale their businesses globally.

 🤑 Opportunity Radar

Action for Women’s Health

Apply for the Action for Women's Health open call and secure funding to enhance women's mental and physical health globally. With a total fund of $250 million, selected organizations will receive flexible funding ranging from $1 million to $5 million. This initiative is designed for organizations focused on serving women and improving health outcomes while centering equity in their approach. To participate, complete the Organizational Readiness Tool and familiarize yourself with the Open Call Rules. Don't miss the chance to scale your impact and contribute to women's health—submit your application by January 10, 2025.