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

• 📋️ Curated Lists

• 📈 Deep Dive Bites

• 🎙️ Expert Insights

• 🤝 Diversity Spotlight

• 🚀 Startup Of the Week

• 💼 Investor of the Week

• 🤑 Opportunity Radar

📰 Important News

• The Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone has launched the "Soul" incubator to support emerging tech startups by offering mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities to foster innovation.

• startAD and the Arab International Women’s Forum have partnered to empower Emirati women with resources, mentorship, and networks to lead innovative ventures and drive global economic growth.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• Mush Social raised $1.2 million in Pre-seed funding to develop a social media platform that rewards user engagement with points and virtual assets.

• Warburg AI has secured $250,000 in Seed funding to enhance its AI-powered financial services platform.

• Brands.io has secured Seed funding to enhance its platform offering premium domain names for AI startups and to expand in the EMEA region.

💰️ Notable Exits

• The Public Investment Fund acquired a 54% stake in MBC Group for $2 billion from Al-Istidama Holding.

🏦 About Investors

• PIF and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority have launched a $1 billion fund to support localization efforts in Saudi Arabia.

• PIF has also signed MoUs worth $51 billion with top Japanese financial institutions to strengthen global financial ties.

• Saudi Venture Capital invested $20 million in BECO Capital’s Booster Fund IV to support early-stage startups across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.

• Revenya Capital has launched in MENA to provide startups with non-dilutive revenue-based financing solutions.

📋️ Curated Lists

Qatar’s startup scene is thriving in 2024 with significant funding rounds fueling growth in key sectors. From fintech innovations to expanding delivery services, these ventures are set to reshape the region’s digital landscape. Dive into the article to explore how these companies are driving Qatar’s entrepreneurial momentum.

🚀 Startup Of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

Mush Social

Mush Social, an emerging social media platform, raised $1.2 million in a Pre-seed funding round led by Nifal Consulting, with additional support from Nahr Al-Jazeera Holding and several angel investors. The platform stands out by integrating a unique “Map” system, where users can earn points and acquire virtual assets that may lead to financial rewards, offering a more interactive and financially rewarding social media experience. The investment will help advance the technology needed to scale this innovative approach and expand globally. Founded by Abdulhadi Al-Asimi, Mush Social aims to disrupt the social media industry by providing tangible returns for user engagement, setting itself apart from traditional platforms.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

BECO Capital's

Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) has invested $20 million in BECO Capital's Booster Fund IV, a move designed to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem and promote early-stage innovation across the Gulf. Led by Co-Founder and Managing Partner Dany Farha, BECO Capital focuses on supporting high-growth startups from seed to Series A in sectors ranging from fintech to real estate. This investment aligns with SVC’s mission to bolster the Kingdom's entrepreneurial landscape and Vision 2030 objectives, which aim to diversify the economy and position Saudi Arabia as a global tech hub. Through this partnership, BECO Capital and SVC aim to provide not only capital but also mentorship and industry connections, helping Saudi founders scale locally and expand across the region.

 🤑 Opportunity Radar

Techstars Anywhere Accelerator

Apply to the Techstars Anywhere Accelerator by Nov 20th, 2024, to elevate your startup from anywhere in the world. This innovative remote-first program, designed for companies across various industries, offers access to top-tier mentorship, funding of up to $120,000, and a worldwide network of investors. With three in-person meetups throughout the Americas, you'll gain valuable insights and connections to help you succeed. The accelerator kicks off on Mar 10th, 2025, and culminates in a Demo Day on Jun 5th, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a dynamic community of entrepreneurs and accelerate your business journey.