Zest Your Equity | 17-Jan-2024

Zest is digitizing private market transactions, building tools to streamline how entrepreneurs, funds and investors transact. Our platform is designed to save you time and reduce administrative costs, simplifying the end-to-end investment process.

Our blog 💬

Ever wondered how to get started navigating the private markets?

Even with the increase in private market investment activity in the MENA region, it can be challenging to learn how to source your first deals, build investor relationships, and raise capital, all while maintaining the administrative work of setting up investment vehicles.

In our most recent blog, we outline common options for emerging managers who are looking to start and scale their investment business in the private markets.

Who’s Raising? 💰

• Saudi-based fintech, Tameed, raises $15M Series A round led by Alromaih Investments to offer shariah-compliant financing to SMEs for government contract purchase ordering in KSA.

• Saudi-based healthcare technology startup, Clinicy, raises a significant seven-figure (USD) Series A, led by Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), with participation from existing shareholders.

• Dubai-based traveltech startup Lokalee has raised a $5.6 million pre-Series A round led by Crown Private Fund with participation from three strategic investors with a hotel and technology background.

• UAE-based agriculture-focused fintech Maalexi, has closed $3 million in pre-Series A funding. The round was led by Global Ventures, joined by existing investors Rockstart and Ankurit Capital.

• Egypt-based autotech, FriendyM, raises $2 million to expand across Egypt.

M&A Activity 💼

• UAE-based cryptocurrency mining and blockchain company Phoenix Group PLC has acquired a 25 percent stake in the social networking and content monetization platform Lyvely. Source.

• Kuwait-based edtech Baims has acquired Egyptian counterpart Orcas. Source.

• UAE-based healthcare solution provider PureHealth has completed the acquisition of Circle Health Group, the UK's largest independent hospital operator, for $1.2 billion before debt, a press release showed Sunday. Source.

• Lebanon-founded and Netherlands-based travel app Jedo has acquired the Saudi app Jump-in for an unknown amount. Source.

What We’re Reading 📖

Zest Updates 🚨

We’ve automated witness assignment workflows! Our documentation signing module includes the ability to choose witnesses when signing relevant documentation, now natively built into the Zest platform.

This new product feature allows for new transaction processes to be digitized on the platform. For example, participants in a cap table simplification are now able to assign their SAFE notes in a seamless and automated manner.

Want to learn more? Schedule a time with our team below!