VC React Podcast (E40): Exclusive: Stryde Acquires Qora71, AI-Native Sales, Labubu, Arabs at Cannes.

VC React Podcast
Written By Ahmad Takatkah
 
 

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:

Available on:

Guests:

1. Ally Salama, An angel investor with Qora71
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysalama/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.superordinary.co/

2. Hadi Halabi, CEO @ Stryde
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadihalabi/
- VC Firm Website: https://gostryde.com/

3. Youssef Salem, Founder @ Qora71
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.qora71.com/

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

  • Exclusive: Stryde Acquires Qora71
    Summary: Dubai-based venture private markets investment platform Stryde has acquired Qora71, an angel investment network launched under Hub71’s Angel Syndicate Program. As part of the deal, Qora71 will be rebranded as Stryde71 and serve as Stryde’s new venture investment arm. Stryde is a DFSA-regulated crowdfunding platform that offers retail and professional investors access to alternative investments. With the integration of Qora71, the company now comprises two verticals: Stryde Sports, which focuses on athlete-led investments; and Stryde71, the new venture investing vertical. Qora71 was launched five months ago through Hub71 in Abu Dhabi. In that time, it built a network of more than 100 angel investors, participated in over 50 startup investments, and deployed more than $2 million into startups across various sectors. As part of the acquisition, Youssef Salem, who led Qora71, will join Stryde as a Partner.

  • Abu Dhabi-based eVoost AI has raised seed funding from Qora71 to scale its AI-native real estate sales platform globally.
    Summary: Founded in 2024 by Cristian G. Pastrana, eVoost replaces the traditional real estate sales funnel with AI-powered virtual agents that personalise buyer journeys through emotional profiling. The platform integrates directly into a developer’s CRM, voice and chat channels, and payment systems, all fully white labeled and performance linked. In just 12 months, eVoost says it has activated 197 units across five projects and achieved its five-year business plan targets ahead of schedule. It currently has $1.9 billion in signed contracts and $1.5 billion in late-stage negotiations, with clients across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

  • Collectibles investing: Human-sized Labubu doll sells for more than $150,000
    Summary: A human-sized Labubu doll was sold this week for a record 1.08m yuan ($150,324; £110,465), according to a Chinese auction house. The 131cm (4ft 4in) figurine was sold at the Yongle International Auction in Beijing. The auctioneer said it was now the most expensive toy of its kind in the world. Labubu dolls are quirky monster characters created a decade ago by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, which have increased in popularity in recent years after a number of celebrity endorsements.

  • Content investing: Creator North is making its official debut at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
    Summary: Guess who’s stealing the spotlight at the Cannes Lions show this year? The Arab world’s biggest names in digital storytelling. Creator North is making its official debut at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and it's coming in loud. With Waleed Laham, we’re bringing the Arab creator powerhouse to the global stage with: Ahmed Elghandour (Da7ee7), Haifa Beseisso (Fly with Haifa), Ahmed Albasheer (Lagash), and many more super creators leading a new era of narrative influence. Arabic content is already among the most resonant, global, and culturally defining content in the world.


--- (أحمد طقاطقه) ---

Ahmad Takatkah
Next

VC React Podcast (E39): Valu IPO Twist, Fixing SME Cashflow, Boring Startups, A Nation of AI Coders!