Viaka Newsletter: Short Statement on SVB Situation
As a reminder, Viaka is building:
The Viaka Network: The digital destination for top-tier founders, experts, investors, and talent across the globe to connect with each other and emerging startup ecosystems, starting with MENA
Viaka Connect: A hands-on, dedicated matchmaking service that empowers clients to grow their businesses and portfolios
If you would like to join Viaka, click below, and fill out the relevant form.
Quick Note on SVB Situation & Fallout
I decided to forego a feature piece this week, given how the news over the past 4-5 days has rocked startup communities across the world. I’m also not in much of a position to offer analysis on the situation, or predictions for what exactly everything means for startups worldwide.
All I can is that I have personally worked with SVB employees on projects, events, panels, etc, all with the goal of uplifting startup ecosystems across the world. They’ve been extraordinary partners and deserve huge kudos for the work they’ve done.
I also believe that the best thing Viaka can do is continue holding events and creating spaces for great founders to get in front of investors, and generally foster a global community and peer support system amongst builders and operators.
If you or your startup has been impacted, and see additional ways for a community like ours to help, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Best,
Hani
Promising Opportunities from Our Partners
New opportunities added in March 2023
To advise:
eComz is looking for experts in lead generation & sales expansion into new MENA markets, particularly KSA.
Designer-24 is looking for expert advice to help them build a strategy and template to effectively franchise their model in smaller MENA markets.
To receive investment from:
533 Syndicate is looking for promising founders across stages and industries. Ticket sizes as low as $20K and as high as $100K.
No Label Ventures is looking for immigrant founders in Europe at the earliest stages of startup creation. Have an amazing idea and looking for your first institutional funding? This is the fund for you.
Click on the button below to see all current opportunities & get involved:
Exciting Announcements From Our Network
Below is a list of updates, wins, and asks emanating from members of the Viaka Network in the “West.”
Monthly demo day for founders targeting Female Consumers & Wellness is on March 16th 11:30am - 1:00pm EST. RSVP here.
In-Person meet-ups in Boston & NYC are taking place this week & next. To learn more “Join the Network” below.
Fireside chat about Lebanon’s Startup Ecosystem and take place on March 25th. RSVP here.
The Viaka Network has launched its exclusive Slack Workspace. To join, apply to become a member by clicking “Join the Network” below.
Type One Ventures are hiring a finance associate! Network member Tarek Waked has posted an opening to join his team at Type One Ventures in LA. Check out this great opportunity here.
If you’re a member of our Network and would like to share your own update next week, email info.viaka@gmail.com or submit an update via this form.
Read of the Week
Viaka has launched a Network Reading List, where Network members are encouraged to submit media suggestions of their own.
Our suggested read this week is this piece from The Generalist, about research into who becomes startup founders. Read more here.
Weekly News Digest
Check out our weekly digest — we provide news from all across the MENA startup ecosystem, every single Friday. Be sure to follow our LinkedIn and Twitter for more.
That’s it for this week. Thank you!
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