VC React Podcast (E35): Saudi's Humain AI, Nvidia AI Chips, Two New AI Funds, & The New VC Model!

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, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations!

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. Eyad Albayouk, General Manager @ Flat6Labs KSA
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eyad-albayouk/
- VC Firm Website: https://flat6labs.com/

2. Hassan Ikram, Angel Investor, Founder and CEO of Cotyledon, and Founder and Chairman of ThriftPlan
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassanikram1/
- Website: https://www.cotyledon.sa/

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

• Saudi Arabia creates future AI powerhouse called Humain
  Summary: Saudi Arabia has launched HUMAIN, a PIF-owned AI company designed to operate across the entire AI value chain – from infrastructure to applications. Headquartered in Riyadh and chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, HUMAIN will build next-gen data centres, develop a powerful Arabic large language model, and offer AI-native platforms across strategic sectors.

• Trump’s Mideast visit opens floodgate of AI deals led by Nvidia
  Summary: The Trump administration is clearing export barriers to AI chips for Saudi Arabia and the UAE, enabling both nations to accelerate their AI ambitions. US tech giants – including Nvidia, AMD, Amazon, Cisco, and OpenAI – are unveiling multi-billion-dollar partnerships with Gulf firms like Humain and G42 to build data centers and AI infrastructure.

• Google Backs STV’s $100 Million AI Fund to Enable AI-Native Startups in the Middle East & North Africa
  Summary: STV has launched a $100 million AI Fund, backed by Google, to support early-stage AI-native startups across MENA. The fund targets ventures focused on application-layer AI, localized models, and critical infrastructure.

• Saudi-based Wyld VC unveils $50m AI fund
  Summary: Saudi investor Tala Hasan Al-Jabri has launched Wyld VC, the MENA region’s first AI-native venture capital firm, with a $50 million inaugural fund. Backed by the family office of Lawrence E. Golub, the firm seeks to address the region’s AI talent gap and accelerate innovation across sectors. Al-Jabri, a pioneer in MENA’s tech scene and a former Woman of the Year in Finance, brings a strong track record from startups like Tabby and Starcloud.

• WakeCap closes $28 million investment to expand AI-driven construction solutions
  Summary: Saudi Arabia-based contech WakeCap has secured $28 million in new funding at the Saudi-US Investment Forum to expand its services and technologies for improving construction site safety and productivity. Founded in 2017 by Hassan Albalawi and Ishita Sood, WakeCap specialises in wearable tech solutions that provide real-time monitoring for contractors and project managers, reducing risks and improving efficiency on construction projects.

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