VC React Podcast (E37): Stargate, Builder AI's Collapse, Iraq's Startups, Diaspora Founders & 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, 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

• Amazon: VC React Podcast

Guests:

1. Hasan Haider, Founder and Managing Partner at +VC
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasanhaider/
- VC Firm Website: http://www.plus.vc/

2. Laith Kassis, The OG of the startup ecosystem in Palestine
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laithkassis/

3. Romain Assunção, Managing Partner @ Antler
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romainassuncao/
- VC Firm Website: http://www.antler.co/

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

• G42 partners with OpenAI, Nvidia & Cisco to launch Stargate UAE, a 1GW AI megaproject

• QIA-backed unicorn Builder.ai files for insolvency despite $450M in funding

• EQIQ doubles fund to $30 million to accelerate Iraq’s digital economy
  Summary: Abu Dhabi-based EQIQ, a venture capital fund and venture builder focused on Iraq, is doubling its fund size from $15 million to $30 million to deepen its investments in Iraq’s digital economy. The fund targets greenfield and brownfield ventures across e-commerce, logistics, and fintech, aiming to create a synergistic ecosystem of tech-enabled businesses that provide millions of Iraqis with localised digital solutions.

• Toolmart secures seed funding to accelerate expansion plans
  Summary: Iraq-based B2B e-commerce startup Toolmart has secured a seed funding round for an unknown amount, led by Plus VC and Oasis500, with participation from other regional angel investors. Founded in 2022 by Shawkat Shegem, Ahmed Al Hinti, and Nadeem Al Salem, Toolmart offers a tech-enabled, inventory-light procurement platform that helps large enterprises cut sourcing time, reduce costs, and improve procurement efficiency.

• Prypco launches UAE’s first DLD-approved real estate tokenisation pilot
  Summary: Prypco, a Dubai-based proptech platform founded by Amira Sajwani, has launched its first-ever pilot enabling UAE residents to invest in tokenised real estate — marking a major milestone in the city’s push to lead in real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation. The pilot, approved by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), allows Emirate ID holders to co-invest in fractional property ownership via blockchain.

• Egyptian founder Ozzie Osman’s Monarch raises $75M Series B to become the new leader in personal finance
  Summary: Monarch, a San Francisco-based personal finance platform co-founded by Egypt-born entrepreneur Ozzie Osman, has raised $75 million in a Series B round led by Forerunner Ventures and FPV Ventures — bringing its valuation to $850 million. Founded in 2018 by Osman, Val Agostino (formerly of Mint), and Jon Sutherland, Monarch was designed from day one as a subscription-based alternative to ad-supported personal finance tools.

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