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- MEA Tech & Startup Digest: Issue #102
MEA Tech & Startup Digest: Issue #102
Mehmet Gonullu
January 19, 2025
Welcome to the 102nd edition of The CTO Show With Mehmet Gonullu ’s MEA Tech & Startup Digest!
This week's digest is packed with game-changing moves across the MENA region. From Saudi Arabia's AI revolution to Nigeria's ambitious $5B tech funding initiative, plus a brand new "Worth Checking Out" section that'll keep you ahead of the curve.
Whether you're one of our 2,304 subscribers or new to our community, we're excited to share these valuable insights into tech, startups, and entrepreneurship.
Grab your coffee and let's unpack what's making headlines!
I’ve signed up for the Early-Stage Virtual Conf on Jan 30.
Read these VC stories at the bottom of the PDF, starting on page 2, to explore the core motivations of investors based on experience attracting hundreds of Family Offices, Funds of Funds, VC & PE funds, Angel syndicates to virtual events. And then:
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🌟 Feature Stories: Major Moves
• Saudi Arabia's Deep Tech Evolution
· Saudi's deep tech startup ecosystem shows remarkable growth, with 50% of startups focusing on AI and IoT
· This aligns perfectly with Vision 2030's technological transformation goals 🔗 Read More
• Nigeria's Tech Sector Boost
· Government launches Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk
· Aims to increase startup funding from $1B to $5B over three years
· Tech sector GDP contribution targeted to rise from 14-18% to 21% 🔗 Read More
💰 Notable Funding Rounds
• Growth & Series
· Sigma Capital launches $100M Web3 innovation fund 🔗 Read More
· Abu Dhabi's Further Ventures leads $16M investment in Dfns 🔗 Read More
• Early Stage & Seed
· Kenya's Purple Elephant Ventures raises record $4.5M seed 🔗 Read More
🤝 Strategic Moves & Acquisitions
• Regional Expansions
· Egypt's Raseedi acquires Kashat to broaden fintech offerings 🔗 Read More
· Bank Alfalah invests in UAE fintech Jingle Pay with 9.9% stake 🔗 Read More
· Nawy acquires ROA to launch innovative property solutions 🔗 Read More
· Uktob.ai rebrands as Teammates.ai following funding success 🔗 Read More
🔍 Worth cheching out:
- Boardy , the AI-powered networking platform that made headlines with its innovative approach to connecting professionals, has recently secured an impressive $8 million in seed funding. Leveraging voice technology, Boardy utilizes AI to analyze user profiles and identify compatible connections within its network. The platform then proactively initiates calls between users, fostering meaningful conversations and introductions. I gave it a try and it was super cool conversation 😀
🎙️Episodes Recap:
“We’re not just building skills; we’re building futures by bridging the gap between talent and global opportunities.” – Ayman Bazaraa
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Ayman Bazaraa and Bassam Sharkawy , the visionary co-founders of Sprints AI, to discuss their mission to unlock the tech potential of the MENA and Africa regions. They share how Sprints AI is revolutionizing education and employment by equipping local talent with cutting-edge AI skills and connecting them to global opportunities. From guaranteed hiring programs to their innovative AI-powered learning platforms, Ayman and Bassam reveal how they are addressing the challenges of upskilling and employment in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
“Search is evolving, but the question remains—who’s looking out for the creators of knowledge? At HyperDart, we’re putting them in the driver’s seat.” – Vikas Sehgal
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the world of search engines and innovation with Vikas Sehgal , a second-time founder and technologist with a proven track record. From co-founding the billion-dollar company Nagarro to now disrupting internet search with his new startup, HyperDart, Vikas shares his vision for a future where AI-powered search platforms prioritize fairness and empower knowledge creators.
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Thank You 🙏: Your engagement drives our shared journey forward. Here's to another week of innovation and growth!
Best, Mehmet