JoinUBQT’s Post

Here's a round-up of this week's events and opportunities for MENA-based startups 👇 🇦🇪 Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem is accepting applications for Cohort 16, across its Access Program, Hub71+ Digital Assets (Web3 / blockchain) and Hub71+ ClimateTech. Startups onboarded to the program will receive: AED 250,000 worth of in-kind incentives in the form of support services, and AED 250,000 in cash for exchange for equity through a SAFE note. High-performing startups are eligible to receive a top-up of up to AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity, upon completion of the program or after one year. 📅 Deadline to apply: August 1st, 2024 Find out more and apply here - https://lnkd.in/gEVEsi6J 🌍 Viaka is hosting their second ViakaSessions event, featuring key figures in the Tunisian startup ecosystem: Manar L. (Cynoia), Amin Ben Abderrahman (Konnect Networks), Salma Baghdadi (The Wave Global), and Faten Aissi (Flat6Labs). The panel will be moderated by Hossam Shafick (Silicon Badia). 💡 Learn about Tunisia's startup landscape, recent exits like InstaDeep and Expensya, and the impactful "Startup Act" of 2018. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gkftvBEY 🐢 Make sure to sign-up to get more MENA start-up, VC, and tech stories, interviews, and deep-dives, direct to your inbox twice a week: https://lnkd.in/dszhXGGP #MENAstartups #startupfunding #entrepreneurship #techinnovation #VCnetwork

🚀 Selling Taj.xyz: A Premium Domain for Tech Startups Taj.xyz is now available—a perfect blend of innovation and legacy. Here's why it's the ideal domain for your business: Why .xyz? Versatility: Chosen by tech leaders like Alphabet (abc.xyz). Modern Appeal: Signals innovation and the future of tech. Why “Taj”? Global Recognition: Synonymous with luxury and prestige in MENA and South Asia. Simplicity & Power: Ideal for AI, blockchain, or luxury tech brands. Why Tech Startups Need This Domain Global Branding: Connects with diverse audiences. Innovation-Ready: Perfect for AI, fintech, and SaaS. Scalability: Build a global presence with a standout domain. Unlock Taj.xyz for your next tech venture. DM for details. #DeepTech #AIStartup #DigitalEmpire #TechInnovation #AIRevolution #StartupLife #TechVentures #DigitalTransformation #Web3 #FutureTech #MiddleEastTech #IndianTech #LuxuryTech #InnovationHub #TechLeaders #DigitalAssets #PremiumDomains #TechBranding #AIIndustry #NextGenTech #EmergingTech #GlobalTech #DigitalPresence #BlockchainTech #SmartTechnology #VentureCapital #TechInvestment #StartupFunding #DigitalStrategy #TechPioneers #AIMena #IndianAIStartups #DubaiTech #SaudiTechHub #IndianUnicorns #DubaiInvestors #AISaudi #TechMumbai #BengaluruTech #GulfTechInvestors #TechInvestors #PrivateEquity #TechAcquisition #StartupFounder #TechnologyInvestment #InnovationCapital #India #mumbai #lahore #StartupCEO #AIVentures #TechEntrepreneurs #CTO #FounderLife #ArtificialIntelligence #InvestInTech #DomainInvestment #AIFounder #TechCEO #ExecutiveTeam #Domain #domians

Thanks to INNOVIT - Italian Innovation and Culture Hub. We are back from 10 very intensive days organised by #Innovit to foster the exposure and grow of tech startups seeking VC funding and SMEs on their journey towards digital transformation and international expansion. These day have given us, not only a key set on insights on the US market, but also the opportunity to meet an incredible group of experts across all the critical areas of our grow path: Investors, Layers, Tax Advisors, Business Development agencies, key Fintech players, Entrepreneurs and many more. I want to personally thanks Alberto Acito - Managing Director of Innovit - and all his team for the exceptional work done. Thanks to Federico Jarach, Jacopo Naidi and Leandro Agro' to make all this possible every day (really not easy). And thanks to all the startups that where there with us and that have been part of this incredible journey. I wish all of you guys all the success you deserve. Honoured to have been part of this group and to have shared our experiences. Looking forward to scout opportunities to work together. - Finanz - CARDO AI - Notarify - Viceversa - Dootbox - Business Changers - Qi4M - AerariumChain - Invenium Legaltech - Cyberneid #startups #fintech #innovation #digital #growth #italy #innovit #siliconvalley #artificialintelligence #blockchain #fintechnews #fintechsolutions

Why Everyone’s Talking About MENA Startups? Are you curious about why the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is becoming the go-to spot for global investors? Recently came across some insights shared by Dr. Jelena Janjusevic from Heriot-Watt University Dubai that highlight just how dynamic the startup scene here has become. (Link in comments) -The Rise of Fintech  Fintech is transforming the financial sector with innovations like digital payments, peer-to-peer lending, and blockchain. Investors are betting big, with Liquidity Group alone investing over $300 million into UAE startups.. -E-commerce Dominance  Digital transformation is fueling the growth of e-commerce in MENA. In 2023, e-commerce startups secured over $214 million in funding, reflecting the region’s shift towards online shopping and services. -Healthtech and Edtech Surge  Healthtech is innovating healthcare, while Edtech is reshaping education through remote learning. Last year, 29 Edtech startups in MENA raised nearly $70 million, highlighting the rapid growth of these sectors. MENA’s startup ecosystem is thriving, and the opportunities are endless. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just someone interested in innovation, now is the time to keep an eye on what’s happening here. Exciting things are on the horizon! #StartupInnovation #MENA #Fintech #Ecommerce #Healthtech #Edtech #InvestmentOpportunities #KeiretsuForum

🚀 Dubai AI & Web3 Festival and Trescon launch FutureTech World Cup supporting global startups! The first qualifier round was successfully held on July 10, 2024, at the Dubai AI Campus. Ten pre-qualified global startups pitched their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of five esteemed jury members with three startups—Momint , nettle and Orbii—advancing to the grand finale set to be held during the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival on September 11 & 12, 2024. “The competition provides a platform for innovators to showcase ideas, gain exposure, connect with stakeholders, collaborate with peers, and access capital, while also driving advancements in AI, Web3, and global digital economies,” said Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO of Trescon The distinguished jury panel for the first qualifier includes: - Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO, Al Fardan Exchange L.L.C. - Ian Arden, General Partner, Mempool Ventures - Dr. Jonathan Doerr, Partner MENAP, Antler - Ahmed Refaie, CEO & Global CIO, G.P.I. Global Partners Investments - Sarah Abuagela, Partner & Head of Investment, Ceras Ventures Serial Angel Investor & Chairman of Trescon, Mohammed Saleem said, “The FutureTech World Cup is designed to celebrate and elevate those who dare to believe they can transform the world of AI and Web3. Our goal is to support competent startups and founders from around the world with access to connections and investments that will help scale their businesses while ensuring they are solving real-world challenges.” The second qualifier round is expected to take place in August, and the pre-qualification has already begun. Interested startups can apply for free. Check the link in the comment section to learn more! #tech #startups #blockchain #dubai #AI #Web3 #crypto #fintech

Proud to support this petition for a unified pan-European #startup entity. Let’s unite #Europe's startup #ecosystems! https://www.eu-inc.org 🇪🇺 A #unified #framework will empower startups to #scale faster, foster cross-border #collaboration, and attract global #talent. Together, we can make Europe the best place to #innovate and build groundbreaking #businesses. #AI #Blockchain #Web3 #QuantumComputing Markku Mäkeläinen

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA)'s TECH SURGE in March 2024 In March 2024, MENA startups attracted $254 million, with Saudi Arabia leading at $198 million and Egypt at $7 million. SaaS providers received $130.6 million, showcasing the region's tech focus. Egypt's MNT-Halan acquired Pakistan's Advans Microfinance Bank, highlighting the dynamic startup ecosystem. Despite positive momentum, Q1 investments were 62% lower than the previous year. At LEAP 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi startups raised $198 million, with Salla's pre-IPO round at $130 million. Saudi Arabia's tech investments surged, positioning it as a digital leader. The event drew industry giants, signaling the Kingdom's tech hub transformation. A $40 million Gaming and Esports Investment Fund emphasized the region's innovation commitment. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we navigate the dynamic world of blockchain technology and investment opportunities Blockchain In Africa. Let's continue to explore, innovate, and shape the future of tech together.

Feeling left behind while the European tech funding scene booms? 🚀 1️⃣ The EU is targeting Social Economy SMEs in energy-intensive sectors with new funding. They aim to boost competitiveness. I can't help but wonder: is this the best use of our resources when other sectors are also in desperate need? More here: [EU Funding Portal]\(https://lnkd.in/dtYxitGu) 2️⃣ Women TechEU is stepping up for women founders in deep tech. This program could be a game-changer for women-led startups. But are there enough women in deep tech to make this impact significant? More details: [EU Funding Portal]\(https://lnkd.in/dR5qPtHC) 3️⃣ EIT Food is offering grants for food technology startups. If your startup has a food innovation idea, this is your moment. But how many great ideas get lost because they just miss the funding train? Explore here: [EIT Food]\(https://lnkd.in/d58sQkKJ) 4️⃣ The European Investment Fund is heavily backing Norwegian tech startups by investing in SINTEF’s seed fund. This fund is expected to create 10-15 new companies. Is Norway the new tech Mecca of Europe? Check it out: [EIF]\(https://lnkd.in/eSPfgvQp) 5️⃣ EU has funded 15 startups to tackle online misinformation with blockchain. From tracking food production to transitioning to Web3, these startups are diverse. Could blockchain be our savior or is it just another buzzword? Dive in: [The Block]\(https://lnkd.in/e63PJiiN) Will you chase these opportunities or watch from the sidelines? Drop your thoughts! 👇 🫡 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐧𝐨𝐰: https://femaleswitch.app 🔈🔈🔈 🫵 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬, 𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 #startups #femalentrepreneur #zerocode #ai

Kazakhstan is rapidly emerging as Central Asia's digital leader, leading 38% of all venture deals in the region in the first half of 2024 (Dsight, 2024). With its digital economy set to contribute 5% to GDP by 2025 (Nurmatova, The Astana Times, 2023), and startup numbers doubling over the past five years, the country is rapidly becoming a key player in the tech landscape. (TechCrunch, 2023). We’re excited to present five high-potential startups (HPSUs) from Kazakhstan chosen to participate in the EBRD Star Venture Programme! Each one brings fresh innovation and impact to their fields. Alaqan Technologies offers biometric solutions for POS offline payments and for access control systems and employee time tracking. Python RPA helps organizations automate routine, repetitive back office tasks. SpaceLab undefined builds terminals and delivers reliable satellite and IoT connectivity to bridge communication gaps in remote, critical locations. TrustMe.kz - E-sign SmartContracts on blockchain technology. Sign with OTP (one-time password) and enhance security with biometric and ID verification. YAYA provides a single pass for all types of kids activities in all-in-one app. What’s in store for these start-ups? This 18-month program is designed to help them scale and make a global impact! They will receive tailored business diagnostics, targeted consulting, and access to finance and market opportunities. They'll connect with global partners and benefit from mentoring sessions led by top advisors, both online and in-person. Discover More About the EBRD Star Venture Programme: https://seedsta.rs/4fKXeK0 Program supported by: Government of Kazakhstan. Aisha Yerkebulan Azim Gaibulin Sayan Birimzhan #KazakhstanStartups #EBRD #EBRDStarVenture

🌍Hello Africa! Today, the spotlight is on Morocco's Tookeez. 🇲🇦Morocco's tookeez, a startup using blockchain technology to enhance the ecosystem of loyalty programs, has raised $1.5 million from Azur Innovation Management Fund, a public-private seed capital fund located in Casablanca. 💲With the money, the business wants to grow into Morocco and the MENA area. Additionally, the money will be used to develop the blockchain technology system's technological infrastructure. 🚀After that, Tookeez intends to attain 4 million active users by 2028 by expanding into other African nations by 2026. ✌️Founded by Hicham Amadi and his two sisters, Wiam Elmejjad and Siham Elmejjad, Tookeez, CLMP™, Tookeez changes the ecosystem of the royalty program and does away with the problems related to loyalty point conversions. ❓What does Tookeez do? Programs that reward brand loyalty are designed to keep customers or users loyal to a particular brand. But redemption is challenging, and point accumulation is usually slow. ✅As a result, Tookeez gathers loyalty points from many companies and keeps them in a wallet that customers can use to make purchases at a wide range of retailers and brands. Companies that want to let their consumers pay using points they've accrued use Tookeez. 🤔Through a large network of partners, users who take part in several loyalty programs can also transfer their points across them. There are up to 16 loyalty program startups in North Africa, but WafR and Advantages Enterprises in Morocco are rivals to Tookeez. 😌Meanwhile, acknowledging that Tookeez is reinventing the consumer loyalty ecosystem, Azur Innovation Management stated it is proud to work with them. “Our ambition is to support entrepreneurs who have a significant impact on the world, and tookeez embodies this vision perfectly,” Adnane FILALI, President of Azur Innovation Fund, said. We look forward to hearing of all the great things Tookeez will do with this new funding. Till next time, We're AfriRadar!🧡