The private credit fund Ruya Private Capital I LP, run by Ruya Partners, has received a $10 million investment from Saudi Venture Capital (SVC).

Founded in 2020 by Omar Al Yawer, Mirza Beg and Rashid Siddiqi, Ruya Partners is an independent private credit firm that provides funding solutions to private sector companies in developing markets.

The fund will focus on providing capital solutions in the form of private debt instruments to SMEs, with a concentration on mid-market companies, including late-stage venture capital-backed businesses in Saudi Arabia and the region.

Press release:

Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) announced its investment of $10 million in "Ruya Private Capital I LP," a private credit fund managed by Ruya Partners.

The fund will focus on providing capital solutions in the form of private debt instruments to SMEs, with a concentration on mid-market companies, including late-stage venture capital-backed businesses, in Saudi Arabia and the region.

The subscription agreement was signed by Dr. Nabeel Koshak, CEO and Board Member at SVC, and Omar Al Yawer, Partner at Ruya Partners.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Nora Alsarhan, Chief Investment Officer, and Haifa Bahaian, Chief Legal Officer at SVC, as well as Mirza Beg and Rashid Siddiqi, Founding Partners at Ruya Partners.

Dr. Koshak commented: "The investment in the private credit fund managed by Ruya Partners is part of SVC's Investment in Funds Program. The investment also comes as a result of the increasing demand for venture debt and private debt by Saudi startups and SMEs and to implement SVC's strategy related to the launch of the "Investment in Venture Debt Funds and Private Debt Funds" product to fill financing gaps in the ecosystem".

"We are honored to have received this commitment of capital and trust from SVC and look forward to a successful partnership together," stated Omar Al Yawer.

The Founding Partners Mirza Beg and Rashid Siddiqi added: "We firmly believe that offering private credit capital solutions to companies in a manner which is non-dilutive to shareholders will serve as a powerful catalyst for their future growth and should contribute towards the continued expansion and development of the SME ecosystem."

SVC is a government investment company established in 2018 and is a subsidiary of the SME Bank, one of the developmental banks affiliated with the National Development Fund. SVC aims to stimulate and sustain financing for startups and SMEs from pre-Seed to pre-IPO by investing $2 billion through investment in funds and co-investment in startups. SVC invested in 43 funds that have invested in 700+ companies.

Source: Wamda

Talent Acceleration Platform (TAP), a promising startup in the tech industry, has recently announced the successful completion of a seed funding round. Led by Wamda Capital, the round raised an impressive $1 million, highlighting the confidence and support TAP has garnered from investors. This significant investment will undoubtedly propel TAP's growth and enable the company to further develop its innovative solutions.

The Seed Funding Round:

TAP's seed funding round, which closed recently, has been a resounding success. The round was led by Wamda Capital, a renowned venture capital firm known for its strategic investments in high-potential startups. The participation of other notable investors further validates TAP's potential and underscores the market's confidence in the company's vision.

TAP's Innovative Solutions:

TAP has been making waves in the tech industry with its groundbreaking solutions. The company focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies that revolutionize the way businesses operate. TAP's flagship product is a state-of-the-art software platform that streamlines and automates various business processes, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

The Importance of Seed Funding:

Seed funding plays a crucial role in the early stages of a startup's journey. It provides the necessary capital to fuel growth, develop products, and expand the team. TAP's successful seed funding round not only demonstrates the market's belief in the company's potential but also provides the resources needed to accelerate its growth trajectory.

Wamda Capital's Strategic Investment:

Wamda Capital's decision to lead TAP's seed funding round is a testament to the startup's promising future. With its extensive experience and network in the tech industry, Wamda Capital brings more than just financial support to the table. Their strategic guidance and industry expertise will undoubtedly prove invaluable as TAP continues to scale and establish itself as a key player in the market.

Future Prospects:

With the infusion of $1 million in seed funding, TAP is well-positioned to capitalize on the market opportunities and further develop its innovative solutions. The funding will enable the company to expand its team, enhance its product offerings, and accelerate its go-to-market strategy. TAP's future prospects look promising, and the company is poised to make a significant impact in the tech industry.

TAP's successful seed funding round, led by Wamda Capital, marks a significant milestone in the company's journey. The $1 million investment will provide the necessary resources for TAP to continue its growth trajectory and solidify its position as a leading player in the tech industry. With its innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, TAP is poised to make a lasting impact and shape the future of business operations.

About TAP:

TAP founded in 2018, is a Dutch/ Palestinian initiative that provides talented youth in Palestine with 16-week online educational programs to prepare them for remote work with European companies. TAP's programs focus on developing in-demand technical skills and power skills.

Once participants complete TAP's programs, they are connected with potential employers through TAP's network of European companies. TAP's new funding will enable it to expand to other countries in the MENA region in the coming years.

For more information, you can visit their website by clicking here.

Starting a new business can be an exciting and challenging endeavor. As an entrepreneur, you have a vision and a passion for your idea, but turning that idea into a successful startup requires careful planning and execution. In this article, we will explore seven essential tips that can help you navigate the journey of building a successful startup. From identifying your target market to building a strong team, these secrets will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to set your startup on the path to success. So, let's dive in and uncover the secrets of a successful startup!

1. Define Your Target Market

One of the first steps in building a successful startup is to clearly define your target market. Understanding who your customers are, their needs, and their preferences is crucial for developing a product or service that resonates with them. Conduct market research, analyze competitors, and gather feedback from potential customers to gain insights into your target market. This will help you tailor your offerings and marketing strategies to effectively reach and engage your audience.

2. Develop a Unique Value Proposition

In a competitive business landscape, having a unique value proposition is essential for standing out from the crowd. Your value proposition should clearly communicate the benefits and advantages of your product or service compared to others in the market. Identify what sets you apart and why customers should choose your startup over competitors. This will not only attract customers but also attract potential investors who see the potential in your unique offering.

3. Build a Strong Team

Behind every successful startup is a strong and dedicated team. Surround yourself with talented individuals who share your vision and complement your skills. Look for team members who are passionate, motivated, and have expertise in areas that are crucial for your startup's success. A diverse team with a mix of skills and perspectives can bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table.

4. Create a Solid Business Plan

A well-thought-out business plan is a roadmap that guides your startup's growth and success. It outlines your goals, strategies, financial projections, and market analysis. A solid business plan not only helps you stay focused but also serves as a valuable tool when seeking funding from investors or financial institutions. Continuously review and update your business plan as your startup evolves to ensure you stay on track.

5. Secure Sufficient Funding

Securing sufficient funding is often a challenge for startups. Whether it's through bootstrapping, seeking investors, or applying for grants, having access to capital is crucial for fueling your startup's growth. Develop a comprehensive financial plan that outlines your startup's funding needs and explore different funding options available to you. Be prepared to pitch your idea and demonstrate the potential return on investment to attract investors.

6. Embrace Innovation and Adaptability

In today's rapidly changing business landscape, innovation and adaptability are key to staying ahead of the curve. Embrace new technologies, trends, and customer preferences to continuously improve your product or service. Be open to feedback and willing to pivot if necessary. Successful startups are those that can quickly adapt to market demands and seize new opportunities.

7. Focus on Customer Experience

Customer experience is at the heart of any successful startup. Happy and satisfied customers not only become loyal advocates but also contribute to your startup's growth through word-of-mouth referrals. Prioritize delivering exceptional customer service, listen to customer feedback, and continuously improve your offerings based on their needs. Building strong relationships with your customers will not only drive customer loyalty but also attract new customers.

In conclusion, building a successful startup requires a combination of strategic planning, innovation, and a customer-centric approach. By defining your target market, developing a unique value proposition, building a strong team, creating a solid business plan, securing sufficient funding, embracing innovation and adaptability, and focusing on customer experience, you can set your startup on the path to success. Remember, the journey of entrepreneurship may have its challenges, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can turn your startup into a thriving business. So, go ahead, embrace these secrets, and unlock the potential of your startup!

Saudi Arabia and Switzerland hosted the first-ever Saudi-Swiss CleanTech Forum in 2023. The event brought together Swiss companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase innovative solutions to address global challenges, combat climate change, and promote sustainability.

The forum was a partnership between the Embassy of Switzerland in Saudi Arabia, the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), and King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology (KACST). It aimed to boost international trade and economic ties between the two nations.

Discussions at the forum also revolved around the benefits of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which strives to make the country a major industrial power and a global logistics hub.

In his keynote speech, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim, highlighted the importance of the partnership between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, as well as the challenges facing the environment. He also stated that Saudi Arabia is a leading country in the Middle East for private sector investment, with around $5.5 billion invested in 2022.

Al-Ibrahim mentioned several significant projects, including the NEOM green hydrogen projects and a carbon capture facility. The NEOM green hydrogen projects, which are expected to be commissioned in 2026, will be the world's largest green energy facility and will be powered entirely by renewable energy.

Switzerland is known for its innovation and utilizes a "bottom-up" approach, with the government focusing on education and fundamental research to support companies. In an interview with Arab News, Helene Budliger Artieda, Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, explained that the government's primary role is centered on funding a robust education system and supporting fundamental research at universities.

Artieda added that transitioning to a greener world is a key priority for both Saudi Arabia and Switzerland. She highlighted Switzerland's expertise in areas such as railways and water treatment and management. She also mentioned that there are various investment opportunities that Switzerland might be interested in, such as the Kingdom's vast areas, abundant solar parks, and green hydrogen initiatives.

Artieda emphasized the presence of numerous niche opportunities in the Kingdom, including investments in sustainable Saudi fashion. She noted that Switzerland has a well-established textile industry. She also expressed interest in the significant developments occurring in the global fashion industry, implying that Saudi Arabia is eager to align with global trends and standards, particularly those related to sustainability.

On Sunday, Artieda held a meeting with the minister of economy and planning to discuss ways to expand economic relationships, explore the potential for trade and investment collaboration between their respective countries, and review topics of mutual interest. She emphasized the significance of establishing a robust framework to facilitate this cooperation.

Additionally, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday that Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) organized a Saudi-Swiss symposium in Riyadh. The event had several objectives, including shedding light on the Kingdom's economic transformation and exploring investment opportunities between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland.

Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports to Switzerland are valued at around SR3.5 billion ($0.93 billion), while total imports from Switzerland into the Kingdom stand at approximately SR8 billion.

Overall, the Saudi-Swiss CleanTech Forum was a successful event that highlighted the importance of innovation and sustainability in addressing global challenges. The partnership between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland is a positive step towards achieving these goals.

MINA startups saw a significant drop in funding in September 2023, raising only $36 million across 36 deals. This represents a 64% drop in value month-on-month and a decrease of 82% year-on-year.

In this article, we will discuss financing startups in September 2030, and the challenges they face during this period, and in light of the decline in their financing throughout the year 2030. Rephrase this paragraph

Distribution of funding by country

UAE startups got the most finance in the MENA area in September, raising $27 million from 14 deals. This represents 75% of the total funding for startups in the region during that period. Saudi startups came in second with $2.7 million from 4 deals, followed by Egyptian startups with the same amount, distributed over 7 deals. Tunisian startups raised $1.6 million, while Jordanian and Kuwaiti startups each raised $1 million.

Distribution of funding by sector

Fintech startups in the Middle East and North Africa raised the most funding in September 2023, with $16 million. This was more than double the amount raised by cleantech startups, which came in second place with $6.6 million. E-commerce startups followed closely behind with $6.5 million in funding.

While fintech startups raised the most funding, game startups experienced the biggest growth in funding. Game startups raised $6.2 million in September 2023, which is more than they have ever raised in a single month. This growth in funding suggests that the game sector is becoming increasingly popular in the Middle East and North Africa.

The rest of the funding in September 2023 was spread across a variety of sectors, including advertising, logistics, and healthcare.

MENA STARTUPS FACE CHALLENGES, BUT POSITIVE SIGNS EMERGE!

The decline in funding for startups in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is likely due to several factors, including the global economic slowdown, the rising cost of borrowing, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Additionally, the region's startup ecosystem is still relatively young and underdeveloped, which may make investors more cautious about investing in the region.

Despite these challenges, there are still some positive signs for the MENA startup ecosystem. Fintech and cleantech are two of the fastest-growing sectors, and there is a growing number of successful startups in these areas. Additionally, investors are investing more in B2B startups than B2C startups, which suggests that investors are optimistic about the region's long-term growth potential.

However, more work needs to be done to support startups in the MENA region. Investors need to be more willing to invest in early-stage startups, and governments in the region need to do more to create an environment that is supportive of entrepreneurs.

State-backed Saudi developer Roshn Real Estate is set to spend around 10 billion riyals ($2.67 billion) on projects across the Gulf state.

The company, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has lined up the funds after securing a SAR6 billion revolving credit facility from three lenders in the kingdom earlier this year, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.

“We’ve got about 10 billion lined up in balance sheet credit although we haven’t drawn the first six yet because we actually have enough money within our business at the moment from our receipts,” Roshn Group CEO David Grover told the publication.

“But we will be drawing it down in the next three to nine months because we have some other investments that we need to make in terms of putting cash in to start projects.”

The developer awarded this month several contracts worth $2.4 billion. The deals cover the construction, primary and secondary infrastructure and fitting works in its development projects in the kingdom.

Roshn is looking to develop 400,000 new homes, 1,000 schools and nurseries and 700 mosques across Saudi Arabia by 2030.

Source: Zawya

Saudi Arabia announced the establishment of the Insurance Authority (IA), reflecting a significant step forward in building a strong, vital, and stable insurance sector in the Kingdom.

Health projects in the Kingdom are improving, as the sector expects 100 new projects in health services in partnership between the government and the private sector over the next five years, with an estimated capital investment opportunity at $13 billion.

Saudi Shura Council member Fadel al-Buainain believes the Insurance Authority would contribute to pushing and stimulating mergers and acquisitions between insurance companies.

Buainain said that the Authority is expected to enhance mergers and acquisitions in the sector to create strong entities capable of growing, meeting needs, and effectively contributing to the economy.

He explained that some companies in the sector suffer from weak solvency and accumulated losses, among other issues.

The private health sector witnessed significant growth and development because of the insurance sector, said Buainain, adding that the Authority is expected to contribute to the development of health insurance and boost insurance companies.

He explained that this would help the companies meet the needs of the health sector in the future with the privatization of the health sector, increasing the demand for insurance.

Meanwhile, a member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Economic Association (SEA), Saad al-Thaqfan, confirmed that mergers and acquisitions in the insurance sector during the coming period would increase their shares.

He noted that two companies control approximately 50 percent of the market, while all companies share the other 50 percent.

Thaqfan pointed out that the Authority will positively impact the insurance sector by focusing on structuring, developing, and supervising it.

He asserted that these sectors would continue to grow, particularly with individuals entering the labor market.

During the past decade, the insurance sector could not establish insurance companies with high creditworthiness, except for a few major companies.

During January 2021, several companies were under mergers and acquisitions, such as Walaa Cooperative Insurance, MetLife, Gulf Union Insurance, and al-Ahlia Insurance.

In 2022, the insurance sector grew 27 percent, while the insurance sector index recorded a growth of 55 percent since the beginning of the current year 2023.

The insurance sector is worth over $14 billion, with a 2.09 percent share of gross domestic product.

- The health sector

Healthcare companies in the Saudi market achieved record revenues exceeding $4.5 billion during the past year, with a growth rate of 14.2 percent. Net profits amounted to more than $800,000,000 million, with a growth rate of 22.8 percent over the previous year.

The net profit margin of companies increased during the past year to 17.5 percent, compared to about 16.3 percent for the previous year.

The health and social development sector expenditures from the general budget during the first half of this year amounted to $34 billion, constituting about 21.2 percent of the budget expenditures for 2023 and 28.5 percent more than the corresponding period last year.

Source: Ashark-Alawst

نجحت الشركات الناشئة في الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا من جمع أكثر من 101 مليون دولار أمريكي في شهر أغسطس/آب بزيادة عن الشهر الفائت وصلت إلى 6%، وبزيادة على أساس سنوي فاقت الـ73%. تأتي الزيادة الأخيرة في حصيلة تمويل الشركات الناشئة في المنطقة في ظل انخفاض نسبي وتذبذب في حجم التمويل يشهده تمويل الشركات الناشئة في المنطقة منذ العام الماضي. وتوزعت قيمة صفقات الشركات الناشئة على 26 صفقة.

توزيع تمويل الشركات الناشئة بحسب الدول

وتصدرت الشركات الناشئة قائمة التمويل بحوالي 54 مليون دولار، موزعة على 8 شركات، علماً أن أكثر من نصف التمويل (27 مليون دولار) ذهب إلى صفقة شركة "رواء لإدارة المخزون"، كذلك نجحت شركة "فلاي أكيد" لخدمات تكنولوجيا السفر، من جمع 15.2 مليون دولار. جاءت الشركات الناشئة الإماراتية في المرتبة الثانية، بإجمالي تمويل بلغ نحو 44 مليون دولار موزعة على 9 شركات.

استمراراً لحالة الانخفاض في حجم التمويل للشركات الناشئة المصرية، جاءت الأخيرة بالمركز الثالث، بإجمالي تمويل لا يتجاوز الـ1.5 مليون دولار موزعة على 5 صفقات تمويل، وهو ما يمثل انخفاضاً عن الشهر الفائت يبلغ أكثر من 406%. علماً بأن عدد صفقات تمويل الشركات الناشئة المصرية لشهر أغسطس/آب قد بلغ 5 صفقات، ذهب نصفها تقريباً إلى شركة "تالنتس أرينا" وهي شركة ناشئة متخصصة في التوظيف باستخدام أدوات الذكاء الاصطناعي، حيث بلغ حجم الصفقة التي حصلت عليها حوالي 750 ألف دولار أمريكي.

اما في المركز الرابع فقد جاءت الشركات الناشئة التونسية بإجمالي تمويل بلغ أكثر من نصف مليون دولار، يليها الشركات الناشئة المغربية والفلسطينية، بإجمالي تمويل بلغ حوالي 155 و100 ألف دولار على التوالي.

توزيع تمويل الشركات الناشئة بحسب القطاعات

على الرغم من أن قطاع التكنولوجيا المالية كان متصدراً في حجم التمويل في عام 2022، طوال عام 2023 تقريباً، إلا أنه حجم صفقات التمويل لهذا القطاع قد تراجعت في شهر أغسطس/آب مسجلة 5.9 مليون دولار لتحتل المركز الرابع، علماً بأن قطاع التكنولوجيا المالية قد بقي متصدراً بعدد صفقات التمويل التي بلغت 5 صفقات.

اما القطاع الذي حصد المركز الأول في حجم التمويل لشهر أغسطس/آب فكان قطاع الخدمات اللوجستية الذي جمعت فيه الشركات الناشئة نحو 32 مليون دولار، بما يعادل ثلث إجمالي تمويل الشركات الناشئة للفترة نفسها. وقد جاء تصدر قطاع الخدمات اللوجستية بفضل صفقة شركة "رواء لإدارة المخزون" المشار إليها سابقاً.

فيما حصدت قطاعات تكنولوجيا السفر والسياحة والتكنولوجيا الصحية والمواقع الإلكترونية (ويب3) تمويلاً متساوياً تقريباً، وصل إلى نحو 15 مليون دولار لكل قطاع.

• Saudi Arabia-based full-stack inventory management platform Rewaa has raised $27 million (SAR100 million) in a Series A funding round, led by Wa’ed Ventures, the VC arm of Aramco, along with STC’s Corporate Investment Fund (CIF), Silicon Valley’s Graphene Ventures, Sadu Capital, Vision Ventures, Khwarizmi Ventures, RZM Investment, Derayah VC, and Abdulrahman Sulaiman Al Rajhi & Sons Investment Company.
• Founded in 2018 by Mohammed Alqasir and Abdullah Aljadhai, Rewaa provides retailers with a cloud-based integrated solution that synchronises online and physical store inventory, in addition to offering Point-of-Sale (POS) and accounting modules for a fully integrated platform.
• The company claims to have served more than 7,000 retailers in Saudi Arabia and in the Middle East, creating over 250 local jobs.

Press release:

Rewaa, the leading full-stack inventory management platform for the retail industry, has raised $27 million (SAR 100 million) in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Wa’ed Ventures, the Kingdom-based VC fund wholly owned by Aramco.

STC’s Corporate Innovation Fund (CIF), launched earlier in February to invest in early-stage tech companies across various digital sectors, participated in the round. Rewaa marks CIF’s first venture investment in Saudi Arabia since its launch.

Other participating investors included Silicon Valley’s Graphene Ventures, Sadu Capital, Vision Ventures, Khwarizmi Ventures, RZM Investment, Derayah VC, and Abdulrahman Sulaiman Al Rajhi & Sons Investment Company.

According to the founders, the company has processed over SAR 7 billion in transaction value to date, positioning it as one of Saudi’s fastest-growing SaaS companies in the MENA region. The company specializes in omnichannel inventory management software.

“This investment propels us toward our vision of becoming the optimal technological partner for small and medium-sized businesses in the retail sector. By contributing to the industry's digital transformation through the creation of a globally competitive product, we aim to make a significant impact on retail merchants, empowering them to deliver unparalleled service with heightened efficiency,” said Mohammed Alqasir, Co-Founder and CEO at Rewaa.

Founded in 2018 by Mohammed Alqasir and Abdullah Aljadhai, Rewaa provides retailers with a cloud-based integrated solution that synchronizes online and physical store inventory seamlessly, in addition to offering Point-of-Sale (POS) and accounting modules for a fully integrated platform. The company aims to become a technical partner for retailers by providing advanced technical solutions to manage inventory, sales, and payments which facilitate various business functions all from one portal.

Since its inception, Rewaa has served more than 7,000 retailers in the Kingdom and abroad, creating over 250 local jobs. The company’s innovation and success led to its recognition as one of the 35 tech companies in the Saudi Unicorns Program. The program itself was announced during LEAP, the region’s largest technology conference, as a joint initiative by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT), the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), and Misk Foundation.

“Rewaa’s revolutionary approach to digitizing and optimizing operational processes based on efficiency and scale-up goals for SMEs perfectly addresses the needs of the typically-scattered retail industry,” said Fahad Alidi, Managing Director at Wa’ed Ventures.

“We had the privilege of knowing Mohammed and Abdullah since their early days as founders. We are proud to back their growth today as they transform Rewaa from a simple digital tool to the go-to cloud-based POS and inventory management platform for local and regional retailers,” he adds.

“We are pleased to invest in Rewaa, which has proven itself through tremendous in recent months, thanks to a and thanks to a great team behind these achievements. Through our investment, we seek to participate in developing technologies that support the retail market, including Rewaa'a company,” commented Majed Aljarboua, General Manager at stc Corporate Funds & Entrepreneurship.

Source: Wamda