VC React MENA E53: Saudi lifts cap on foreign ownership, private stock market, $100M AI fund & more

VC React Podcast:

Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, LPs, and Angel Investors, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, funds, and investment rounds.

Hosts:

• Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur.
  Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on https://www.vcpreneur.com/

• Jamie Lane, FWDstart.
  Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on https://www.fwdstart.me/

Available on:

• Youtube: VC React Podcast

• Spotify: VC React Podcast

• Apple: VC React Podcast

Guests:

1. Akmal El Hak, Angel Investor, and CFO of Pearl Semiconductor
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akmal-el-hak-8bb2211/
- Company Website: https://www.pearlsemi.com/

This Week On The VC React Podcast:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

• 📊 Saudi is about to lift the cap on foreign ownership of public companies — does this invite long-term institutions, or fast-moving hedge funds?

• 🔄 In private markets — Tadawul and STV are teaming up to launch a private trading platform for startup shares. But can a true private stock exchange actually work… when most attempts globally have failed?

• 🤖 Over in Abu Dhabi, Presight and Shorooq just launched a $100M AI Global fund. Local capital is now going global — chasing innovation anywhere, not just locally. Is that smart, or risky?

• 💳 Debt is having a moment — Erad gets a $33M debt facility from Stride Ventures. Why is MENA suddenly becoming the hottest place for private debt?

• 🟦 And finally — open banking hype turns into reality. Saudi fintech Spare just raised $5M, powering players like Tap, Tamara, and Zid. Is this the Stripe of open banking… or a utility company everyone will have to plug into?

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