MEA Tech & Startup Digest: Issue #113

Author

Mehmet Gonullu
April 06, 2025

Welcome to the 113th  edition of “The CTO Show’s MEA Tech & Startup Digest”!

We’re back in full force — and so is the podcast! Starting this week, we’re returning to three episodes per week, bringing you even more founder stories, tech insights, and VC conversations to fuel your journey in the startup world.

In this issue: African fintech continues its funding streak, MENA-based investors double down on AI and robotics, and startup programs across the region are unlocking new opportunities. Plus, Eye on Tech offers a global roundup of AI breakthroughs, big-ticket M&A, and the latest VC trends.

Whether you’re one of our 2,498 subscribers or a first-time reader — grab your coffee and let’s dive into what’s shaping tech and venture this week! 🚀

Funding News 💰

Enza Raises Seed Equity to Boost African Fintech Enza, an African fintech startup, has secured seed equity funding in March 2025 to enhance its financial services offerings across the continent. The investment, reported by BitKE, aims to accelerate Enza’s mission to improve digital payment solutions in Africa. Read More

Payments Fintech Fuse Raises $6.6 Million, Targets MENA Region Fuse, a payments fintech, raised $6.6 million in April 2025 to expand its innovative payment solutions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The funding, highlighted by Crowdfund Insider, underscores growing investor interest in MENA’s digital economy. Read More

Djamo Secures $17M, Boasts 1M Users in Francophone Africa Djamo, a fintech platform, raised $17 million in April 2025 and now serves over 1 million users across Francophone Africa, as reported by TechCrunch. This milestone reflects the rapid adoption of digital financial services in the region. Read More

Sumet Technologies Secures $1.5M to Transform FMCG Distribution Sumet Technologies, an African startup, raised $1.5 million to revolutionize fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution across the continent, according to Tech in Africa. The funding will support its tech-driven approach to streamline supply chains. Read More

 Tech Innovation 🚀

Aramco’s Prosperity7 Leads $73M Investment in Spirit AI Prosperity7 Ventures, backed by Saudi Aramco, led a $73 million funding round in China’s Spirit AI, a startup focused on embodied intelligence, as per DealStreetAsia. This investment highlights MENA’s growing role in global tech innovation, particularly in AI and robotics. Read More

MENA Region Poised to Become the New Europe An article from Capital.com.tr predicts that the MENA region could emerge as a tech and economic powerhouse akin to Europe, driven by rapid startup growth and investment. This shift positions MENA as a key player in the global tech landscape. Read More

 

Startup Ecosystem 🌱

Safaricom Launches Phase Two of Spark Accelerator in Kenya Safaricom has initiated the second phase of its Spark Accelerator program to support early-stage startups in Kenya, as reported by Tech in Africa. This initiative aims to foster innovation and growth in the East African tech ecosystem. Read More

MTN Group and Airtel Africa Partner for Network Sharing MTN Group and Airtel Africa have teamed up to share network infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda, enhancing connectivity and tech access, according to Tech in Africa. This collaboration could pave the way for more efficient startup operations in these markets. Read More

 

Regional Insights 🌍

Kazakhstan’s Venture Funds Eye Western Expansion Emerging Europe reports that Kazakhstan’s venture funds are increasingly looking westward, potentially impacting tech investment flows into the broader MEA region. This trend could bridge Central Asian and Middle Eastern startup ecosystems. Read More

 🔍 An Eye On Tech 

 

🧠 AI & Big Tech Updates

• Apple added Apple Intelligence features to Vision Pro with visionOS 2.4.

• Starlink launched in Oman, improving remote internet access.

• Meta’s APAC VP Dan Neary exited after 10+ years.

• Binance introduced a hybrid platform for DeFi and centralized trading.

 

🔐 Cyber & Geopolitics

• NSA head Gen. Timothy Haugh fired, alarming cybersecurity experts.

• Surge in sophisticated Android spyware: KoSpy (North Korea), Triada, Crocodilus.

 

📉 VC Market Trends

• Q1 2025 saw highest funding levels in 3 years, led by AI—but deal count declined.

• Early-stage AI deals grew larger, reflecting high conviction bets.

• Vertical AI gaining traction (healthcare, security, biotech).

• Tariff tensions and U.S. economic policy create uncertainty in private markets.

 

🤝 M&A & Strategic Moves

• xAI (Elon Musk) acquired X (Twitter)—merging AI with social media.

• ServiceNow bought Moveworks ($2.85B) to boost AI employee experience.

• Honeywell acquired Sundyne ($2.16B) to grow industrial tech.

• Consolidation in IT services: CDW/Mission Cloud, Xerox/IT Savvy, DataArt/ACL Tech.

 

📊 Expert Insights

• VC optimism high around AI, but IPOs delayed due to policy uncertainty (e.g., Klarna, StubHub).

• Rising VC interest in biotech, especially Chinese firms with clinical trial-ready drugs.

• Potential shift toward domestic-focused and tariff-immune tech sectors.

Sources include: Crunchbase, PitchBook, TechCrunch, CyberWire, Crowdfund Insider, AP News, The Hacker News, and other trusted tech & VC media.

 

 🎙️Episodes Recap:

 

 

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Allan 🚘 Abbas joins us to explore the world of fintech innovation, startup growth, and what it takes to build a game-changing product in the Middle East. Allan, a former Amazon leader turned founder, shares his personal journey from bootstrapping his first startup to co-founding Emflex — a company focused on fixing car financing in Saudi Arabia.

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Vikas Panchal , General Manager – MENA at Tally Solutions, and a seasoned leader with two decades of experience in helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) modernize their operations. Together, they dive into the evolving role of AI and automation in SME finance, compliance, and digital transformation—especially in the MENA region.

 

 

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with veteran marketer and educator Prashant Agarwal  to explore how AI is transforming the marketing function. From his roots in traditional FMCG marketing to his deep dive into the world of LLMs and AI tools, Prashant shares a refreshingly honest and practical view on what it means to integrate AI into business and marketing strategies today.

 Connect & Grow with Us

  • Share Your Story 🎙️: Got insights in tech, startups, or entrepreneurship? Reach out and let's feature your journey on "The CTO Show With Mehmet."

  • Support & Collaborate ❤️🤝: Love our content? Support us here and keep the insights coming.

  • Spread the Word 🌟: Know a tech & startup enthusiast? Invite them to our community for weekly doses of innovation and insight.

 

Thank You 🙏: Your engagement drives our shared journey forward. Here's to another week of innovation and growth!

 

Best, Mehmet