MEA Tech & Startup Digest: Issue #95

Welcome to the 95th edition of “The CTO Show’s MEA Tech & Startup Digest”! 🎉

In this edition, we explore major funding rounds, strategic acquisitions, and market expansions shaping the MENA tech ecosystem. From retail innovation to digital transformation initiatives, we're covering the developments that are defining our region's technological landscape.

Whether you're one of our 2,213 subscribers or new to our community, we're excited to share these valuable insights into tech, startups, and entrepreneurship.

Let's dive into this week's rich insights!

🌟 Feature Stories: Major Market Moves

• eyewa Secures $100M Series C Middle East's leading eyewear retailer raises $100M led by General Atlantic, plans 100 new stores and Riyadh production hub in 2025. 🔗 Read More

• Nice One Beauty Announces $319M IPO Saudi e-commerce leader plans Tadawul listing, offering 30% stake to finance expansion and brand development. 🔗 Read More

💡 Major Funding Rounds

• Epik Foods Raises $15.5M UAE-based F&B group secures funding for Saudi expansion, managing 60 concepts across 50 locations. 🔗 Read More

• Cipher | سايڤر Secures $13.3M Pre-IPO Investment Saudi cybersecurity startup receives backing from Impact46 for global expansion. 🔗 Read More

• Sylndr Lands $7.5M Facility Egyptian used car marketplace secures country's first startup-tailored asset-backed facility. 🔗 Read More

🔄 Strategic Acquisitions & Investments

• giftee Acquires YOUGotaGift for $30M Japanese firm enters GCC through 91% stake in Dubai's digital gift card leader. 🔗 Read More

• Naif Al Rajhi Invests in Mawdoo3.com Saudi firm takes strategic stake in Jordan's leading Arabic AI content platform. 🔗 Read More

• Iraqi EdTech Eduba App | ايدوبـــا 's Seven-Figure Exit Telecom conglomerate acquires school management platform for innovation scaling. 🔗 Read More

🌍 Regional Ecosystem Updates

• Türkiye's Tech Ecosystem Soars $4.7B invested in past four years, producing seven unicorns and showcasing innovation leadership. 🔗 Read More

• Flat6Labs Backs 10 Saudi Startups Fourth cohort of Riyadh Seed Program receives $133K each, total portfolio reaches 41 companies. 🔗 Read More

🚀 Innovation & Expansion

• Watercycle Technologies Enters MENA UK climatetech raises $5.6M for sustainable mineral recovery and water solutions. 🔗 Read More

• geidea Expands to Egypt Saudi fintech launches SoftPOS services, enabling smartphone-based payments. 🔗 Read More

🌱 Emerging Players

• MONIIFY Launches in Dubai Naguib Sawiris-founded digital news platform targets Gen Z and millennial audiences. 🔗 Read More

• Tripnly Raises €240K Portuguese-Turkish travel platform secures pre-seed for carbon-neutral journey solutions. 🔗 Read More

• PTS Secures $500K Moroccan fintech receives BMCE Capital investment for digital payment innovation. 🔗 Read More

🔍 Africa Focus

• BluePeak Invests $15M in Sancella Supporting hygiene product manufacturer's sub-Saharan expansion from inaugural fund. 🔗 Read More

• Recursive Capital Closes Bitcoin Fund Jack Dorsey-backed VC targets African Bitcoin infrastructure development. 🔗 Read More

🎙️Episodes Recap:

#415 AI Made Simple: Why Your Business Can't Afford to Wait - with Rajeev Kapur

 In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence with Rajeev Kapur , President and CEO of 1105 Media. Rajeev brings decades of leadership experience, from working as one of Michael Dell’s first executive assistants to spearheading AI initiatives long before they became mainstream. Join us as we explore how businesses can leverage AI to stay competitive and why waiting to adopt AI might spell disaster for your organization.

#416 AI, Data Strategy, and Product-Led Growth: A CMO’s Playbook with Lillian Pierson

 In this episode of The CTO Show, we're joined by Lillian Pierson, P.E. , a fractional CMO and marketing strategist with an impressive track record of supporting 10% of Fortune 100 companies and educating two million learners on data science and AI. With a unique background as a licensed professional engineer and two decades of marketing experience, Lillian brings a distinctive perspective to the intersection of technology and growth strategy.

🔗 Useful Resouces: 

-      iAccel Gulf Accelerator: iAccel Gulf Business Incubator (“iAccel GBI”) is a Global Accelerator Network (GAN) certified accelerator that aims to help early-stage tech startups turn their innovative ideas into successful businesses in MENA Region.

-      Wows Global: This investment portal offers you the tools and support to connect with investors, manage your stakeholder relations, and navigate your financing requirements effectively. Start by listing your company and get guided  towards your financing goals. Join and gain the attention of the biggest investors in the ASEAN & MENA regions.

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."

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• 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