Latest news with #AbuDhabiGlobalMarket
Iraqi News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
EQIQ doubles fund to $30 million to fuel Iraqi startups
Baghdad ( – Venture capital firm EQIQ is ramping up its involvement in Iraq's technology sector, announcing an increase in its fund size from $15 million to $30 million. Operating out of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), EQIQ backs both early-stage startups and more established ventures across Iraq. The fund was founded by Mohamed Al-Hakim and Said Rahmani. Mohamed Al-Hakim, a seasoned Iraqi entrepreneur who entered the startup world at just 15 and successfully exited his first company by the age of 19. Al-Hakim also previously held a leadership role as General Manager of Careem in Iraq and Jordan, bringing regional expertise to EQIQ's investment strategy. 'Iraq has significant untapped potential underpinned by a young, vibrant, and tech-savvy population that is hungry to achieve,' said Al-Hakim. 'The country is underserved in many sectors; capital has been scarce as investors have been cautious to enter a market they know.' EQIQ targets digital innovations that address pressing local needs while improving user experience on a large scale. The VC firm is particularly focused on opportunities in e-commerce, logistics, and financial technology, aiming to build cross-sector value and impact. In January 2023, EQIQ closed its first close after obtaining $15 million from a group of regional and local investors. The fund has invested $8.5 million so far in five different fintech, edtech, logistics, and social commerce ventures. With this expansion, it's promising to see more venture capital flowing into Iraq's nascent but rapidly growing tech ecosystem, signaling rising confidence in the market's long-term potential.
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Modon unveils its first freehold residential towers on Reem Island
22 May 2025 12:48 ABU DHABI (WAM) Modon, the Abu Dhabi-based holding company, has announced the launch of Muheira – a landmark residential community offering exclusive freehold apartments on Al Reem close to Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Muheira features two residential towers, boasting a collection of 475 one- to three-bedroom homes will offer residents convenient access to Reem Island's outdoor recreational areas, sports amenities, modern healthcare facilities, top-tier educational institutions, and a range of retail O'Regan, Group CEO at Modon Holding, said, 'The launch of Muheira is aligned with our vision to develop vibrant, future-ready communities that embody the highest standards of living. We are committed to adding sustainable value, creating destinations that enhance residents' overall well-being and lifestyle.' Ibrahim Al Maghribi, CEO of Modon Real Estate, stated, 'Muheira is a central part of our strategy to cultivate exceptional urban communities that meet the evolving expectations of both residents and investors. Through meticulous planning and contemporary design, we have curated a living experience that reflects next-generation architecture and a full suite of modern lifestyle facilities.'
Arabian Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Bitcoin Suisse Secures Abu Dhabi Licence in Strategic Middle East Expansion
Bitcoin Suisse, a pioneering Swiss crypto-financial services firm, has obtained regulatory approval to operate in Abu Dhabi, marking its inaugural venture beyond Europe since its establishment in 2013. This development underscores the United Arab Emirates' emergence as a magnet for global digital asset enterprises. The Abu Dhabi Global Market , the emirate's international financial centre, granted the licence, enabling Bitcoin Suisse to offer its suite of crypto services within the region. This move aligns with the company's strategy to tap into the Middle East's burgeoning demand for regulated digital asset solutions. Andrej Majcen, CEO of Bitcoin Suisse, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating that the company's Swiss heritage and decade-long experience position it well to serve the Middle Eastern market. He highlighted the UAE's progressive regulatory framework and its commitment to fostering innovation in the financial sector as key factors influencing the decision. ADVERTISEMENT Abu Dhabi has been proactive in establishing itself as a hub for digital assets, attracting a slew of international crypto firms. The ADGM's introduction of comprehensive digital asset regulations in 2018 has been instrumental in this regard, providing clarity and fostering investor confidence. Several notable crypto entities have set up operations in Abu Dhabi, including Standard Chartered-backed Zodia Markets, which received regulatory approval to operate as a virtual asset brokerage. Similarly, Singapore-based custody provider Liminal secured permission to offer its services in the region, reflecting a broader trend of global crypto firms gravitating towards the UAE. The UAE's appeal lies not only in its regulatory environment but also in its strategic location and robust infrastructure. The government's initiatives to diversify the economy and invest in fintech have created a conducive ecosystem for digital asset companies. Bitcoin Suisse's entry into the Abu Dhabi market is expected to catalyze further growth in the region's digital asset sector. The company's comprehensive offerings, ranging from trading and custody to staking and tokenization, will cater to a diverse clientele, including institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking regulated crypto services. This expansion also signifies a broader shift in the global crypto landscape, with firms increasingly seeking jurisdictions that offer regulatory clarity and support for innovation. The UAE's proactive stance positions it as a leading destination for such enterprises, potentially setting a benchmark for other regions aiming to attract digital asset businesses.
Fintech News ME
22-05-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
EQIQ Doubles Venture Fund to $30M to Back Iraq's Growing Tech Sector
EQIQ, a venture capital fund and venture builder based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), is expanding its fund size from US$15 million to US$30 million. Founded by partners with experience deploying over US$500 million in technology startups and delivering a 3.3x return, EQIQ focuses on both greenfield (seeding new ventures) and brownfield (scaling established startups) investments in Iraq's technology sector. The firm concentrates on developing integrated solutions across e-commerce, logistics, and fintech, with the aim of addressing structural gaps and delivering services to a wide user base. The fund was established by Mohamed Al-Hakim, a serial entrepreneur who began his first startup at age 15 and exited it at 19. Having grown up in Europe, studied at University College London, and worked in investment banking at Goldman Sachs in London, Al-Hakim returned to Iraq in 2014 with the intention of contributing to the country's nascent tech industry. His track record includes launching one of Iraq's first fintech companies and leading Careem operations in Iraq and Jordan. Reflecting on the past decade, Al-Hakim notes that the operating environment has changed considerably. 'Iraq has significant untapped potential underpinned by a young, vibrant, and tech-savvy population that is hungry to achieve. The country is underserved in many sectors; capital has been scarce as investors have been cautious to enter a market they know little about.' 'We founded EQIQ as a platform to bridge the gap between capital and opportunity. There is plenty of both, but there is also a mismatch that keeps them apart due to market inefficiencies. The emerging tech ecosystem provides an opportunity for Iraq to catch up with the rest of the world quickly. Our mission is to support building Iraqi tech champions that will create significant value for Iraq, its population, and our investors.' The fund completed its first close in January 2023, securing US$15 million from a group of local and regional investors. As of now, EQIQ has invested US$8.5 million across five startups operating in social commerce, logistics, fintech, and education technology. Three of these ventures were co-created by EQIQ alongside founders from its wider network. The fund intends to allocate 80% of its capital to ventures within e-commerce, logistics, and fintech, sectors that can benefit from shared infrastructure, services, and customer bases.
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Modon unveils 'Muheira' first its freehold residential towers on Reem Island
22 May 2025 12:48 ABU DHABI (WAM) Modon, the Abu Dhabi-based holding company, has announced the launch of Muheira – a landmark residential community offering exclusive freehold apartments on Al Reem close to Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Muheira features two residential towers, boasting a collection of 475 one- to three-bedroom homes will offer residents convenient access to Reem Island's outdoor recreational areas, sports amenities, modern healthcare facilities, top-tier educational institutions, and a range of retail O'Regan, Group CEO at Modon Holding, said, 'The launch of Muheira is aligned with our vision to develop vibrant, future-ready communities that embody the highest standards of living. We are committed to adding sustainable value, creating destinations that enhance residents' overall well-being and lifestyle.' Ibrahim Al Maghribi, CEO of Modon Real Estate, stated, 'Muheira is a central part of our strategy to cultivate exceptional urban communities that meet the evolving expectations of both residents and investors. Through meticulous planning and contemporary design, we have curated a living experience that reflects next-generation architecture and a full suite of modern lifestyle facilities.'
