VC glossary, daily tips and real stories from Arab startups.
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Careem launched in Dubai in 2012, raised several rounds from regional and global VCs and expanded across the region. In 2019 Uber agreed to acquire it for about $3.1 billion — a landmark exit that returned capital to investors and created many local angel investors from its early team.
Souq.com grew into one of the Arab world's biggest online marketplaces. In 2017 Amazon bought it (reported around $580M), later rebranding it Amazon.ae. Investors got an exit, but at a price below some earlier hopes.
Buy-now-pay-later startups Tabby and Tamara raised large rounds from regional and global investors and both reached valuations above $1 billion — part of a wave of Saudi fintech growth.
Cairo-founded bus-sharing startup Swvl listed on Nasdaq via a SPAC in 2022 at a valuation around $1.5B. Within months its shares collapsed by more than 90% as it cut staff and markets.
Oasis500, launched in Amman in 2010, has backed hundreds of early startups with small cheques and training, helping build Jordan's angel and seed scene. Most of its startups stay small; a few go on to raise big rounds.
Saudi Arabia's Jada Fund of Funds was set up to invest in private equity and venture capital funds that back local companies — acting as an LP to grow the number of active VC managers in the Kingdom.
Educational game. Simulated startups, not investment advice.
