Startup Researcher - EMEA Weekly: Week 1

January 1st - January 8th

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating experience as we proudly introduce the inaugural edition of Startup Researcher: EMEA Weekly! Get ready to dive into a treasure trove of insights, analysis, and groundbreaking information that will undoubtedly shape the future of entrepreneurship in the vibrant EMEA region. This dynamic publication promises to be your ultimate source of inspiration and knowledge, meticulously crafted to keep you at the forefront of innovation and success.

Table of Contents

Africa:

Important News

  • The Africa Stablecoin Consortium (ASC) has received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to test the cNGN stablecoin within its regulatory sandbox. The scheduled launch date for the new stablecoin is February 27, 2024.

  • 15 Noteworthy African Startup Shutdowns in 2023: Dash, 54gene, WhereIsMyTransport, Sendy, Vibra, Pivo, Zazuu, Redbird,Lazerpay, Zumi, Bundle, Spire, Hytch, Okadabooks, Qefira, AcquahMeyer.

  • Twiga Foods CEO Steps Down from Board Just One Month After Declaring a Six-Month Sabbatical Citing Limited Future Contribution.

  • Cellulant, the Kenyan payments company, has officially disclosed the resignation of its CEO, Akshay Grover.

  • Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, is establishing a physical office in Kenya, the first one in Africa.

Premium Insights From Startup Researcher

Overview of Startup Funding In Africa (2023)

Overview of Startup Funding In Africa (2023)

Europe:

Important News

  • The CEO of BUX is facing death threats as token holders demand compensation for their losses

Top Funding Rounds

  • Legaltech startup Robin AI has successfully raised $26 million in its Series B funding round. The impressive list of investors includes Temasek, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, as well as Quantum Light, Plural, and AFG Partners.

  • Nabla, a healthtech AI startup, has successfully raised $24 million in a Series B funding round to support its expansion into the US market.

  • Vico Therapeutics has successfully secured a whopping $60 million in their Series B funding round.

  • Bumper, a fintech startup based in London, has announced the successful completion of its Series B fundraising round, raising a total of $50. 35 million. The round consisted of $18. 88 million in equity and $31. 47 million in debt.

Notable Exits

  • ISH Holding (ISH) has recently acquired Homerun, a recruitment platform located in Amsterdam. Homerun is known for providing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Applicant Tracking System (ATS) solutions.

  • Helsinki-based RELEX Solutions, provider has acquired Optimity, a Swedish company specialising in supply chain planning and optimisation.

  • Investcorp Technology Partners (ITP), the global technology arm of Investcorp, is poised to acquire a majority stake in VEDA GmbH, a Germany-based HR software and payroll-as-a-service provider in the DACH region.

  • Danfoss acquired ENFOR's district energy software. ENFOR is a spin-off of the Danish Technical University and specializes in energy production and demand optimization, including district energy systems.

About Investors

  • Investment firm Coatue Management is closing its European office in London, just two years after its opening. This decision is part of a strategy overhaul in response to the downturn in the technology market.

  • Tresmares finalizes the launch of three funds with up to $426.89 million to invest in high-growth european companies.

  • The Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) plans to support the third fund of UK-based life science investment firm 4BIO Capital, which is estimated to range between $200 million and $300 million. This announcement was made by the DBJ on Thursday.

  • IPR. VC, a leading Finnish fund management company, recently launched the IPR. VC Fund III. The fund aims to raise €100 million for groundbreaking content creation in the entertainment industry.

  • EHE Ventures will launch a fund this quarter to invest in UK-based AI-first companies. The fund aims to capitalize on AI opportunities and drive innovation in the industry.

Premium Insights From Startup Researcher

Overview Of Startup Funding In Europe (2023)

Overview Of Startup Funding In Europe (2023)

Middle East

Important News

  • Bim Ventures, a Saudi venture studio, introduces Skyna, a platform that allows customers to seamlessly access a luxurious array of private aircraft options.

  • In the year 2023, the Middle East saw the rise of two unicorns: Tamara and Tabby, both of which are fintech companies providing buy now, pay later solutions.

Premium Insights From Startup Researcher

Overview of Startup Funding In The Middle East (2023)

Overview of Startup Funding In The Middle East (2023)

I am delighted to share this first version with you. Please bear with us, as I promise the newsletter will improve even further. As we embark on this exciting journey together, expect a weekly dose of invaluable insights that will empower you to navigate the future of innovation and achieve success. Stay tuned for a thrilling adventure in the world of startups and emerging trends.