Latest news with #Wamda
CairoScene
23-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
UAE's Tarjama Raises $15M to Scale Its Arabic-Focused AI Platform
Backed by Global Ventures and Wamda, Tarjama will expand its Arabic AI systems and launch an AI academy targeting enterprise use. May 23, 2025 UAE-based language technology firm Tarjama has secured $15 million in a Series A funding round to grow its proprietary Arabic-first artificial intelligence platform. The round was led by Global Ventures with support from Wamda Capital, TA Ventures, Phaze Capital, Golden Gate Ventures, and Endeavor Catalyst. Founded in 2009, Tarjama develops tools for machine translation, transcription, and content generation in over 50 languages, including 22 Arabic dialects. With the new capital, the company will scale its engineering team, upgrade its infrastructure, and launch an AI Academy to support talent development in the region. At the core of Tarjama's push is Pronoia V2, a large language model designed to outperform existing global AI systems on Arabic-language tasks. Built for enterprise use, Pronoia V2 supports applications in legal, government, and media sectors, among others. Tarjama currently serves over 700 clients across more than 30 global markets. This investment comes amid growing efforts in the Middle East to develop Arabic-native AI infrastructure. While global language models often underperform in Arabic due to data scarcity and linguistic complexity, regional startups like Tarjama are looking to bridge this gap with purpose-built models. Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have prioritised Arabic AI in their national tech strategies, with initiatives such as Falcon LLM and Noor LLM reflecting a broader push to ensure the language is meaningfully represented in the AI era.
Fintech News ME
08-05-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
MENA Startups Secure $228.4M in April 2025, Marking Significant Growth
The startup ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) saw a significant rise in investment in April 2025, securing US$228.4 million across 26 deals. This represents a 105% increase from the funds raised in March and nearly a 300% surge compared to April last year. Notably, the absence of debt financed deals in April underscores growing investor confidence in equity based funding, a trend that reflects a healthier capital environment, as highlighted by Wamda. Saudi Arabia led MENA startup funding in April, attracting US$158.5 million across eight deals, largely driven by iMENA Group's US$135 million pre IPO round. The UAE followed with nine startups securing US$62 million in total. Morocco experienced a significant jump to third place, attracting US$4 million in funding across two startups. In contrast, Egypt saw a more modest outcome, with four startups raising just US$1.5 million. Investor interest remained strongest in the fintech sector, which attracted US$44 million across seven deals. Traveltech also saw a rise, partly due to HRA Experience's transaction, while e commerce secured US$2.5 million across three startups. SaaS startups made a notable return in April, securing US$1.8 million in three deals after minimal visibility in the first quarter. Although later stage activity was limited to iMENA's pre IPO round, early stage startups dominated the investment landscape, raising US$49 million across 20 transactions. Funding for female led startups continued its downward trend, falling to a concerning low of under US$500,000 in April. In contrast, startups with male founders secured 97% of all disclosed investment. An additional US$6.5 million went to three startups with both male and female co founders. By business model, the business to business (B2B) segment led the way, attracting an impressive US$180 million across 12 deals. Business to consumer (B2C) startups followed, securing US$43 million across seven deals, with the remaining investments going to six startups operating dual B2B and B2C models.
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MENA start-up funding surged threefold to $228mln in April
Venture capital investment in start-ups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) reached $228.4 million across 26 deals in April 2025, posting a threefold increase from a year earlier, according to Wamda and Digital Digest. The capital raised during the month represents a 105% increase from the $111.4 million secured a month ago and up from the $55 million invested 12 months earlier. April did not record any debt-financed deals, indicating a growing preference for equity-based funding among investors, a trend suggesting a sound capital environment. Saudi Arabia led the start-up funding in the region, with $158.5 million raised across eight deals. The UAE followed, with nine start-ups attracting a total of $62 million in funding. In other parts of the MENA region, Morocco posted a significant increase, with two start-ups securing $4 million, placing the country third in the region for April. (Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria)
Khaleej Times
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Sherlock Holmes exhibition, workshops; what to expect at Sharjah Children's Reading Festival
Cooking classes, social media workshops, and children's favourite detective's exhibition. All these and more are on offer during the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival that kicked off today. The festival, which is in its 16th edition, will run until May 4 at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Watch the video of the festival here: Promising to engage and inspire children of all ages, the festival features over 1,024 cultural, artistic, and entertainment activities, led by 133 guests from 70 countries. Attendees can look forward to more than 600 workshops conducted by 22 experts from 11 countries, alongside over 40 cultural events, 35 discussion panels, and 85 performances ranging from theatre to roaming shows. With 122 publishing houses from 22 countries participating, the festival serves as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and creative engagement. Sherlock Holmes Exhibition One of the major highlights this year is the Sherlock Holmes Exhibition, designed to captivate the imagination of young mystery enthusiasts. The exhibition transforms the entire area into a puzzle-filled world inspired by the legendary detective, complete with replicas of iconic show scenes and books. Children can explore interactive puzzles adorning the walls, engaging them in a thrilling adventure as they channel their inner detective and solve mysteries just like Holmes. Cooking corner The festival offers diverse workshops with each workshop uniquely themed and creating immersive experiences that spark curiosity and creativity. For instance, in the Cooking Corner, the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air as kids learnt to make dough and prepare a North African dish, quesadilla, along with ice cream. Children can also unleash their creativity by creating their own popcorn flavors, using healthy toppings like cinnamon, dried fruits, and nuts. Sharjah Exhibition of Children's Book Illustration As children wander through the festival, they are surrounded by giant books and the Sharjah Exhibition of Children's Book Illustration, where award-winning paintings line the alleys, showcasing the talent of illustrators from across the globe. This enchanting atmosphere inspires young minds and encourages a love for reading and storytelling. One young festival-goer, Wamda, a 9-year-old, expressed her excitement, stating, 'It feels like I'm inside my imagination here at the festival. I'm super excited about all the activities I can be part of!' The Sharjah Children's Reading Festival is not just an event; it's a journey into the world of literature and creativity. With a focus on activities, this year's festival encourages children to immerse themselves in a variety of experiences, from interactive shows to engaging discussions. It is a place where they can explore their interests and connect with peers who share their enthusiasm for reading and creativity.
Arab News
19-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
MENA startup funding drops 76% in March amid pressures
RIYADH: Startup investment in the Middle East and North Africa region fell sharply in March, with total funding declining 76 percent month on month to $127.5 million across 28 deals, down from $530 million in February. The decline — observed even after excluding debt financing from both months — reflects broader economic uncertainty stemming from ongoing US trade tensions with global partners. These geopolitical developments have impacted key regional economies, contributing to a 50 percent year-on-year drop in both the volume and value of investments, according to Wamda's monthly report. February's funding surge was largely driven by major startup events, including Saudi Arabia's flagship LEAP conference. UAE tops regional funding The UAE retained its lead in regional startup funding, securing $104.4 million across 14 transactions. Egypt ranked second with $11.6 million from four deals, followed by Saudi Arabia, which raised $8 million through five startups. Despite the March slowdown, the first quarter saw robust activity, with MENA startups raising $1.5 billion — marking a 244 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Fintech leads Q1 surge, SaaS absent for 2nd month Fintech remained the dominant sector, attracting $82.5 million across 10 deals in March alone. The sector accounted for over $1 billion in the first quarter funding across 36 startups, cementing its role as a top investment magnet since 2021. Healthtech and artificial intelligence followed, raising $16 million and $14 million respectively. In contrast, software-as-a-service, or SaaS, startups failed to secure funding for the second consecutive month. Early-stage companies captured 70 percent of March funding, amounting to $58 million, while later-stage firms raised $46 million, including three Series B rounds. Debt financing also declined sharply, comprising just 12.5 percent of total monthly funding. Business-to-business startups continued to attract the bulk of investor attention, raising $97 million, while business-to-consumer ventures brought in $24 million. Gender funding gap widens; investor caution rises No female-founded startups received funding in March — a significant setback for gender equity in the region's entrepreneurial landscape. Male-founded ventures secured $113 million, with the remainder going to mixed-gender founding teams. The broader investment slowdown is expected to prompt increased investor caution, with a tilt toward later-stage startups that have demonstrated resilience amid macroeconomic headwinds, Wamda noted. Sectors tied to global trade — such as logistics, mobility, and e-commerce — may face continued challenges as new alliances and shifting energy dynamics reshape the global economic order. However, adaptable startups could benefit from emerging opportunities, the report added. Sadq raises $1.5m to expand digital signature platform Saudi Arabia-based Sadq, a digital signature and document authentication platform, has raised $1.5 million in a pre-Series A round led by X by Unifonic Fund. Other investors, including strategic backer Unifonic, also participated. Founded in 2022 by Abdullah Al-Lahuo and Salem Al-Badawi, Sadq offers legally compliant digital solutions for secure document management and plans to use the funding to expand its presence across Saudi institutions. TruBuild secures $1m to fuel AI-powered contech expansion Saudi construction tech startup TruBuild has raised $1 million in a seed round led by Wa'ed Ventures and Dar Ventures, with support from Plug & Play Ventures, OQAL, Taz Investment, and several angel investors. Founded in 2023 by Bisrat Degefa and Sari Sabban, TruBuild uses AI to reduce inefficiencies and improve collaboration in construction projects. The funding will support product development and expansion within and beyond Saudi Arabia. Seesaw acquires Little Thinking Minds US-based edtech company Seesaw has acquired Jordan's Little Thinking Minds for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2004 by Lamia Tabbaa and Rama Kayyali, Little Thinking Minds specializes in Arabic literacy tools and is one of the region's prominent female-founded edtech startups. Seesaw, established in 2007, develops AI-powered learning tools and digital curricula. The acquisition will integrate Seesaw's interactive tech with Little Thinking Minds' Arabic language expertise. Dubizzle Group acquires Property Monitor Dubai-based classifieds platform Dubizzle Group has acquired UAE's Property Monitor, a real estate analytics firm, for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2014, Property Monitor provides valuation and market intelligence services for real estate stakeholders. The acquisition supports Dubizzle's strategy to expand offerings across its platforms Bayut and dubizzle. It follows Dubizzle's February acquisition of Egypt's online car marketplace Hatla2ee. DPI takes over Egypt's Nclude fintech fund management UK-based private equity firm Development Partners International has assumed management of Egypt's fintech fund Nclude, previously overseen by Global Ventures. Launched in 2022, Nclude closed a $110 million round that September and has invested $28 million across nine startups, including Partment, Khazna, and Paymob. DPI will advise through a dedicated Egypt-based team. With nearly $850 million invested in Egypt over the past decade, the firm brings significant experience in supporting digital transformation. AIREV receives strategic backing from Venturewave Capital UAE-based artificial intelligence firm AIREV has secured investment from Ireland's Venturewave Capital to accelerate the growth of its AI operating system 'On-Demand.' The capital will enable AIREV to expand beyond the UAE and Ireland and explore new markets. The investment reinforces its ambition to scale as a leading AI player in the Gulf. The investment reinforces AIREV's position to scale as an AI company in the Gulf region. viAct raises $7.3m Series A to advance industrial AI Hong Kong-based AI startup viAct has closed a $7.3 million Series A round led by Venturewave Capital, with participation from Singtel Innov8, Korea Investment Partners, and the PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund. The firm develops AI models for hazard prediction and workforce safety in high-risk sectors. viAct plans to expand its presence in the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, and grow its engineering and sustainability teams globally.
