Our weekly newsletter shines a spotlight on members of our Viaka Network, our MENA partners, and the MENA startup ecosystem. Subscribe below!
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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
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Hi everyone! This week, we’re highlighting Viaka’s most recent Demo Day, which happened on February 23rd. The event featured a panel of Web3 investors and experts who provided feedback to Web3 startups. There were many audience members in attendance.
The most recent Demo Day was Viaka’s third edition of the popular event. The Demo Day included Web3 startup pitches followed by individualized feedback from a panel of experts. This event was another example of the strength of the Viaka Network!
Our expert panel of jurors included Web3 experts and star investors: Amr Abdelaziz of A’Z Angels; David Awad of DFDF; Jad Mubaslat of Rain; and Bobby Kakar, Sr Startup Advisor;
After the event, Amr Abdelaziz shared some kind words:
“Viaka has a remarkable network that excels in connecting investors with exceptional startups from emerging markets. With a specific focus on the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region, which has garnered interest from many US venture capitalists, Viaka's demo day offers a gateway to exclusive and high-quality startups from these markets. Viaka's demo day has proven to be a valuable resource for A'Z Angels and its investors seeking exposure to this region.”
David Awad had this to say:
"Distinct opportunities to engage directly with high quality MENA startups is a noble pursuit worth celebrating. Viaka is shifting the narrative in a positive direction."
Bobby Kakar, another expert juror, stated:
“Kudos to the Viaka Network for providing a platform to such amazing startups in the web3 domain. From financial inclusion to preservation of generational wealth, the solutions on display demonstrated the value blockchain can bring to society.”
Tey, CEO and Co-Founder of FLUUS pitching their crypto on/off ramping solution!
We’re already planning more in-person gatherings in March. Become a Network member and stay tuned for details and ways to sign up!
Promising Opportunities from Our Partners
New opportunities added in February 2023
To advise:
eComz is looking for experts in lead generation & sales expansion into new MENA markets, particularly KSA.
YallaPlay is looking for expert advice on setting up a scalable employee incentive program and exploring the possibility of a rebrand to better address global markets.
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 fund:
NOMU Group is looking for investors to join their Pre-Series A, to build out their products and grow market share and support their vision for a sustainable, equitable, and personalized food system for families and business in MENA and beyond.
To receive investment from:
Unshackled Ventures is looking for visionary immigrant founders in the U.S. at the earliest stage of company creation.
No Label Ventures is looking fo 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:
Below is a list of updates, wins, and asks emanating from members of the Viaka Network in the “West.”
New product-market fit resource! Network member Robert Snyder has released his “Product-Market Fit Playbook”, which helps B2B companies learn to scale and grow effectively. Check out here for more info!
Lunch n learn with NOMU group! In partnership with TechWadi and ABANA, Viaka has invited NOMU's leadership team to share more about MENA's food supply chain & logistics industry and how they’re revolutionizing it. This is a great opportunity to learn more about one of MENA's most promising startups! Sign up here!
Origins Fund is looking to work with a freelancer, part-time helper, or intern to support content creation and social media management across platforms for the fund. If interested, please send an email to invest@origins.fund with your resume and relevant work samples to apply!
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.
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.
