Author: Mahdeehassan

Silkhaus (www.silkhaus.com), a leading proptech startup revolutionising the short-term rental market in the Middle East and Asia, has announced the closing of a seven-figure growth round led by Nuwa Capital and Oraseya Capital, with participation from Impulse International, Yuj Ventures, Nordstar, and prominent family offices. The new funding will fuel Silkhaus’s expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where it is now open for bookings for guests from around the world. Silkhaus’s expansion into KSA includes the launch of its booking platform under the leadership of Sabine El Najjar, KSA Managing Director & VP Commercial, and Peter May, VP…

Press release: The Saudi edtech startup UpLevel has raised an undisclosed pre-Seed funding round from a group of angel investors. The company provides intelligent solutions aimed at empowering individuals and organisations to achieve sustainable professional growth and enhance institutional performance. This is achieved through specialised career guidance, innovative mentoring, and training programs designed according to global standards. Founded in 2024 by Idris Alshayea and Hamad AlLuhaidan, UpLevel helps companies improve employee performance by connecting them with a network of experienced professional coaches.

Fincart.io, a platform that helps e-commerce SMBs improve shipping and unlock working capital, has announced today that the company has successfully closed its pre-seed funding round for an undisclosed amount. The round was led by Plus VC, the most active VC in the MENA, with participation from leading regional and international investors such as Plug and Play, Orbit Startups, Jedar Capital, and other regional investors. The newly secured funds will help improve Fincart.io’s technology platform, grow its courier network, and support the fast-growing e-commerce market in Africa and the Middle East. Fincart.io is tackling major shipping challenges in a market…

This year’s edition proved another roaring success in the UAE On the 14th of January, iFX EXPO Dubai 2025, MENA’s #1 online trading industry event, kicked-off its remarkable 2+ days of FX & Fintech showcases. Global industry leaders gathered to build lasting relationships, find the right business partner, discover innovative products and services, and expand their online trading knowledge through educational panels. iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 attracted a record number of attendees who leveraged the event to capitalise on invaluable business opportunities. The total attendance rose to 7.5K, a 48% increase from 2024. 45% more brokers secured strategic partnerships. 30%…

Paris Saint-Germain and Bitpanda have announced a major multi-year partnership that will see Europe’s leading digital investment platform joining the Club as Premium Partner of PSG. This collaboration underscores Bitpanda’s commitment to partnering with world-class organisations that stand for excellence and a contemporary lifestyle that resonates with a global audience. Starting January 1, Bitpanda will bring its presence to life at the iconic Parc des Princes, with its first branding debut during PSG’s highly anticipated home match against AS Saint-Étienne on January 12. This agreement goes beyond visibility, encompassing immersive digital activations, player involvement in content creation, and exclusive experiences…

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 2025 – CarbonSifr, a pioneering climate-tech company and a participant in the inaugural Sedrah Program under MEWA (Ministry of Environment ,Water and Agriculture) and Careem Rides, focused on facilitating everyday reliable and convenient commuting options for the region through the Careem app, are announcing the launch of Careem’s Eco-friendly ride option in Saudi Arabia with support from the Transport General Authority (TGA) and MEWA’s Sedrah Program. Eco-friendly rides, launched in collaboration with the TGA and MEWA’s Sedrah Program, will first be available in Riyadh. Customers who choose the Eco-friendly option will enjoy the same reliable…

Calo, the Middle East’s largest foodtech startup revolutionising personalised meal subscriptions, today announced it has raised SAR 94 million ($25 million) in its Series B funding round. Headquartered in Riyadh and backed by leading investment firms from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Calo’s Series B features returning investors, including Nuwa Capital, who led the round, and the participation of STV and Khwarizmi Ventures, along with regional family offices. Investor confidence, demonstrated by the oversubscription of the Series B round, has led Calo to extend the round to a total of $50 million, with an additional $25 million raise planned for…

Bupa Arabia is pleased to announce that PepsiCo has emerged as the winner of the “Live Right” Ultimate Challenge, held at Nox Camp in Riyadh. PepsiCo triumphed against more than 25 teams by winning the majority of the 14 exciting and diverse challenges, which tested both physical endurance and mental agility. The “Live Right” Ultimate Challenge, part of Bupa Arabia’s commitment to promoting health and well-being, served as a platform to inspire participants to embrace healthier lifestyles, while also encouraging team spirit, resilience, and collaboration. PepsiCo’s team displayed outstanding performance throughout the event, earning the top spot with consistent excellence…

The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) has launched Massar Al Ghurair, an innovative skill-based upskilling and job matching program aimed at connecting Emirati and Arab youth with career pathways and employment opportunities. Developed in partnership with SkyHive by Cornerstone, the program bridges the gap between education and employment, creating new opportunities for youth across the Middle East and North Africa. Targeting youth between the ages of 18 to 35, Massar Al Ghurair offers an AI-powered experience for learners to build personalized skill profiles at https://www.alghurairfoundation.org/massar-al-ghurair/. Ultimately, the program aims to support 45,000 learners, 50 employers, and 20 training providers in the…

The Kingdom of the Netherlands signs an agreement with Iraq Venture Partners (IVP) to launch the Second Phase of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) in Baghdad. On the 10th of December 2024, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Iraq Venture Partners (IVP) organised a signing ceremony at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Baghdad to launch the second phase of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF). The ceremony was attended by Hans Sandee, Charge d ‘Affairs of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Nederland to Iraq, Mike Sips OCIF Advisor at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency,…