VC React Podcast (E44): Arabic AI Stack, Morocco’s SuperApp, Embedded Insurance, Wild AI Acquihires

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. Arjun Chopra, VC @ Khwarizmi Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjun-chopra-170146168/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.khwarizmivc.com/

2. Asia Kabel, Investment Manager @ Arzan VC
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-kabel-cfa-527749148/
- VC Firm Website: https://arzanvc.com/

3. Firas Atwa, Senior Associate @ Algebra Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/firasatwa/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.algebraventures.com/

4. Mohamad Khawaja, Founding Partner @ Fikr Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khawaja/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.fikrventures.com/

In Today's Episode:

News of the week brought to you by FWDstart:

  • Saudi's Lucidya raises $30M Series B led by Impact46 to expand Arabic-language AI and digital workforce offering
    Summary: Lucidya, a Saudi-born AI startup focused on customer experience management (CXM), has raised $30 million in a Series B round, which the company describes as the largest AI-focused funding round in MENA to date. The round was led by Impact46, the Riyadh-based VC behind IPOs like Jahez and Rasan. Wa’ed Ventures, Aramco’s deep tech investment arm, joined alongside Takamol Ventures, SparkLabs, and returning backers Rua Growth Fund and ARG. Founded in 2016 by Abdullah Asiri and Dr. Zuhair Khayyat, Lucidya's proprietary language model now powers a unified CX platform used by enterprises in 11 countries across sectors including telecom, BFSI, healthcare, hospitality, and public services.

  • ORA Technologies closes $7.5M Series A to deepen digital payments and last-mile reach in Morocco
    Summary: Moroccan superapp ORA Technologies has raised $7.5 million in Series A funding led by Azur Innovation Fund, joined by three unnamed strategic investors, bringing its total local fundraising to $11.9 million since January 2023 — the largest amount raised domestically by any Moroccan startup to date. Founded by Omar Alami in 2023, ORA has taken an ambitious swing at building Morocco’s first true SuperApp.

  • Saudi’s Yasmina raises $2M Seed to embed insurance into everyday transactions
    Summary: Riyadh-based Yasmina has announced a $2 million seed round to grow its embedded‑insurance platform, which the company describes as the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia. The round was co-led by Scene Holding and Access Bridge Ventures, with participation from Arzan VC, and the Sanabil Investment Accelerator by 500 MENA. Founded in 2023 by Masoud Alhelou and Bashar Abalkhail, Yasmina integrates insurance directly into digital customer journeys, via a single API, allowing platforms in HR, auto, real estate, travel, and point-of-sale to offer protection products at checkout.

  • Windsurf’s CEO goes to Google; OpenAI’s acquisition falls apart
    Summary: OpenAI’s $3 billion bid to buy Windsurf expired late last week, clearing the way for a wild 72‑hour scramble. Google DeepMind pounced first, paying roughly $2.4 billion for a non‑exclusive license to Windsurf’s tech and hiring away CEO Varun Mohan, co‑founder Douglas Chen and key researchers, a classic “reverse‑acquihire.” But with most of Windsurf’s 250‑person staff will go to Cognition AI. - Meta acquires PlayAI, a US-based voice AI startup led by Egyptian founder Summary: Meta has acquired PlayAI, a California-based voice AI company founded and led by Egyptian engineer Mahmoud Felfel and Hammad Syed in 2020..


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Ahmad Takatkah
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