Shows
Dave and Dharm DeMystifyEP 122: DEMYSTIFYING VENTURE CAPITAL IN THE MENA REGION WITH KHALED TALHOUNI OF NUWA CAPITALIn this episode, we welcome Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner, Nuwa Capital, who shares insights into his 17-year journey as a venture capitalist focusing on emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East. Khalid discusses the establishment of Nuwa Capital in 2021, its $100 million early-stage fund, and its significant investment in FinTech, which accounts for 30% of their portfolio.
Khaled explains the unbanked nature of the region and the opportunities for parallel financial systems and showcases successful investments like the BNPL company Tabby.
He demystifies Nuwa Capital's themes, including solving big problems like invoice ageing and consumer credit access.
Khalid also touches upon the...2025-02-1733 min
The MENA Startup ShowVC Lessons, Regrets, and Trends with Khaled Talhouni – E6 pt. 3Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner at Nuwa Capital, shares invaluable insights into how VCs assess founders and startups, particularly in the early stages. In part 3 of this 3-part series, Khaled reflects on lessons learned from his portfolio companies and 15+ years in VC, and explores the evolution of venture capital in MENA. He shares his vision for Nuwa Capital’s future, emphasizing the role of trust, transparency, and sourcing innovative startups to shape the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Related Episodes:
How MENA VCs Evaluate Founders – Insights from Khaled Talhouni – E6 pt. 1: https://youtu.be/_LW4aiggEuw
Part 2, How to Raise Your First Ro...2024-12-1920 minThe MENA Startup ShowHow to Raise Your First Round – VC Tips from Khaled Talhouni – E6 pt. 2Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner at Nuwa Capital, shares invaluable insights into how VCs assess founders and startups, particularly in the early stages. In part 2 of this 3-part series, Khaled discusses how and when to approach VCs, how to create FOMO, and the essential elements for a standout pitch.
Related Episodes:
How MENA VCs Evaluate Founders – Insights from Khaled Talhouni – E6 pt. 1: https://youtu.be/_LW4aiggEuw
Part 3, Lessons and insights in the VC space: Coming Soon!
Key takeaways:
- Founders should focus on understanding the problem, product roadmap, and market potential before approaching VCs.
- It's...2024-12-1519 minThe MENA Startup ShowHow MENA VCs Evaluate Founders – Insights from Khaled Talhouni – E6 pt. 1Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner at Nuwa Capital, shares invaluable insights into how VCs assess founders and startups, particularly in the early stages. In part 1 of this 3-part series, Khaled breaks down the key traits he looks for in founders and teams, the importance of clarity of vision, and how to adapt to feedback and pivot when necessary.
Related Episodes:
Part 2, How to successfully raise your first / early stage round from a VC: https://youtu.be/h8OJ69nYpLA
Part 3, Lessons and insights in the VC space: Coming Soon!
Key takeaways:
- Early-stage investments focus heavily on the founding team’s...2024-12-1020 min
Sandpit StartupsFrom Founders to Unicorns | Sandpit Startups | Ep29 | Khaled TalhouniIn this episode, we engage with Khaled Talhouni, the Managing Partner of Nuwa Capital. Nuwa Capital has successfully backed several innovative startups, including Eyewa, Seez, Silkhaus, Calo, and many more. Khaled’s extensive experience in leading Nuwa Capital and other VC funds allows him to offer invaluable insights into identifying standout founders and analyzing pitch decks. Together, we delve into the thriving startup ecosystem of the Middle East, particularly focusing on entrepreneurs in the UAE and KSA. We tackle pressing questions, such as the existence of a funding winter and the key traits that define a compelling founder, making th...2024-12-1035 min
VC React PodcastVC React Podcast (E16): Dual Funds, Pioneer VCs, Financing Revolution! Global VCs Are In, New IPOs!VC React Podcast:
Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations!
Hosts:
Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur.
Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on https://www.vcpreneur.com/
Jamie Lane, FWDstart.
Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on https://www.fwdstart.me/
---
Available on:
Youtube: VC React Podcast
Spotify: VC React Podcast
Apple: VC React Podcast
Amazon: VC React Podcast
---
Guests:
1. Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner @ Nuwa Capital
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaledtalhouni/
- VC Firm Website: https://www.nuwacapital.io/
2. Michael Lints, Partner @ Golden Gate Ventures
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhlints/
...2024-10-241h 00
VC React PodcastVC React Podcast (E5): Saudi's AI Investments, Egypt's Mega Round In FinTech, Jordan's AcceleratorsVC React Podcast:
Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations!
Host: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur.
Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on https://www.vcpreneur.com/
Co-Host: Jamie Lane, FWDstart.
Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on https://www.fwdstart.me/
---
Available on:
Youtube: VC React Podcast
Spotify: VC React Podcast
Apple: VC React Podcast
Amazon: VC React Podcast
---
Guests:
1. Ali Zewail, Venture Partner @ Endure Capital
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alizewail/
- VC Firm Website: http://www.endurecap.com/
2. Hasan Haid...2024-07-2550 min
VC React PodcastVC React Podcast (E1): Tech IPOs in MENA, $8M Seed Startup Round, AI VC Fund, and more.VC React Podcast:
Every week, we bring you insights and reactions from top VCs, reacting to the latest news on MENA startups, VCs, and investment rounds. Stay tuned for: expert analysis, independent opinions, and maybe some heated conversations!
Host: Ahmad Takatkah, VCpreneur.
Sign up to VCpreneur Newsletter on https://www.vcpreneur.com/
Co-Host: Jamie Lane, FWDstart.
Sign up to FWDstart Newsletter on https://www.fwdstart.me/
---
Available on:
Youtube: VC React Podcast
Spotify: VC React Podcast
Apple: VC React Podcast
Amazon: VC React Podcast
---
Guests:
1. Khaled Talhouni
- LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaledtalhouni/
- VC FirmWebsite: https://www.nuwacapital.io/
- Portfolio companies: https://www.nuwa...2024-06-2744 min
The Perfect Pitch Podcast by Lucidity InsightsGreat entrepreneurs are eternal optimists with a penchant for discomfort - with Khaled at Nuwa Capital | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep3Meet Khaled Talhouni, a seasoned venture capitalist with 17 years of experience in Dubai's VC ecosystem. Khaled and his co-founding partners founded Nuwa Capital in 2020. In this insightful conversation, we dive into Khaled’s youthful Marxism ideals to venture capitalism, his experience working alongside pioneers in Dubai’s VC ecosystem, and navigating Nuwa Capital's fundraising amidst COVID-19. He emphasizes the importance of early-stage investments, regional focus, and building viable businesses to drive social impact. This episode is packed with exclusive insights from an investor who has witnessed the market evolve."The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show...2024-05-1953 min
Pod Kas with Yaz#31 with Khaled Talhouni - Management Consulting, Socioeconomics, Creativity & High School NostalgiaKhaled Talhouni of Nuwa Capital is a renowned hashtag VC, but most already know that by now. I've known Khaled since the 90's when we both graduated from Amman Baccalaureate School, lived in the same neighborhood and jammed in our high school rock band 🎸Fortunately, we kept in touch since then and whenever we catch up, we find ourselves delving into everything from philosophy, socioeconomics (specifically Jordan), comparing & contrasting our career perspectives in KSA & GCC and of course, it's never a complete session with Khaled without a dash of high school nostalgia: the good, the bad...2024-04-022h 10
Couchonomics with ArjunEp 73: How to access multiple markets & invest successfully with Khaled Talhouni🚀 Explore the world of Venture Capital with Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner at Nuwa Capital, in Episode 4 of Couchonomics with Arjun! We cover topics like the State of Venture Capital in 2023, market dynamics, lessons learned by VCs, challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and more. Don’t miss this conversation full of invaluable insights. Tune in now!Timestamps:00:00 - Episode Highlights00:32 - Introduction01:25 - The State of VC in 202312:31 - Lessons Learned by VCs14:21 - The Emergence of the Saudi Market23:36 - Challenges and Oppor...2024-03-181h 10
VC Evolve: Conversations About The Future of VCA Comprehensive Summary of MENA's VC History, The Most Fundable Startups In MENA, Liquidity In Venture, and more on VC Evolve Podcast with VCpreneur and Khaled Talhouni of Nuwa Capital.Khaled Talhouni is a managing partner at Nuwa Capital. He has a long history of investing in the MENA region with stops at Accelerator Technology Holdings, TwoFour54, and Wamda Capital before starting Nuwa Capital. He also worked with ABAN, an angel group in Dubai. Khaled has worked in almost all stages, angel, seed, early and growth. He has seen it all, he's been actively investing in MENA since 2007. Khaled is also a musician. If you follow him on social media, you will see him once in a while playing his guitar.
Khaled on LinkedIn: https...2023-11-1529 min
PIVOT DXBKhaled Talhouni's PIVOTThis 'stream of consciousness' with Khaled brings to light many topics surrounding the immense change in the levant over the past 20 years, Khaled's thoughts on what makes and allows for greatness in someones character and being a male in today's crisis of masculinity - to name a few. Khaled has made some bold career moves and talks about the impact his upbringing in Jordan had on him today. 2023-09-1156 min
Moghamra مغامرة#005 Khaled Talhouni | The History & Future of Startups/VCs in the MENA regionIn this episode, we have the honour of sitting down with Khaled Talhouni, the Managing Partner at Nuwa Capital, a radical investment platform located in the UAE that is redefining the future of founder-capital relationships.
Having previously served as the Managing Partner at Wamda Capital, Khaled's impact on the MENA startup ecosystem is undeniable. He began his journey at Dubai International Capital, where he played an important role in supporting the development of the MENA region's first-ever seed capital fund, to heading investments at twofour54. Throughout his career, Khaled has consistently identified and nurtured disruptive ventures that redefine traditional...2023-09-091h 22
Step PodcastBacklash of ExitsDo you ever wonder about the emotional journey entrepreneurs go through after an exit? Join Khaled Talhouni of Nuwa Capital, Ali Halabi of Voltlines, Ziyaad Ahmed of Spotii, and Tammer Qaddumi of VentureSouq as they explore the emotional changes, post-exit depression, and the pendulum swings that founders experience as well as the relief of paying back investors, the potential pitfalls of going public, and valuable advice on protecting oneself during an acquisition.Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily roundup of the top tech...2023-06-2631 min
The Nuwa Capital podcastEpisode 20 - When it all goes wrong: lessons from Jeeran, Part 1Before moving over to the investing side, Arzan.vc's Laith Zraikat was the cofounder of Jeeran.com along along with Omar Koudsi. Jeeran, founded in 2000, was one of MENA's earliest and at some stage most trafficked and valuable digital businesses in the region. The company started out as a free hosting platform and eventually evolved into a regional blogging platform and then after an additional pivot, into a reviews site which ultimately proved to be unsuccessful.
I met Laith Zraikat early in my career in 2008. At the time, I was an Associate at Accelerator Technology Holdings...2023-02-131h 01
The Nuwa Capital podcast#canceled - Episode 1Introducing our #canceled series:
Every Friday afternoon, we set up in our meeting room and discuss market developments, hot topics - give or take a few tangents - to wind down and conclude the week. Totally unscripted, and very, very lightly edited.
Ep. 1 features Khaled Talhouni, Stephanie Nour Prince, Nitin Reen, Arnav Danthi, Ghassan Noursi and special guest Mikail Malik.
Ep. 1 was recorded on May 13.
2022-05-2735 min
The Lighthouse Conversations with Hashem Montasser2021: A Podcast OdysseyAnd just like that, The Lighthouse turns five! This year might feel to some like “2020, Part Three” but to us it feels like a birthday with the addition of fraternal twins. We’re marking the start of a new era with two new openings in Abu Dhabi and The Palm so it feels good to be turning five.The Lighthouse Conversations podcast has similarly evolved over the years as we doubled down on an interview style that we felt brings out the best in our guests and ourselves. Tune in as host Hashem and producer Chirag reflect on thi...2022-01-2839 min
The Lighthouse Conversations with Hashem Montasser“Nothing is more important than the founder.” Khaled Talhouni on his journey from venture capital to supporting startups with Nuwa CapitalThis week we dive into the world of venture capital and startup investing as Hashem catches up with Khaled Talhouni, Founder and Managing Director of Nuwa Capital, a Dubai/Riyadh-based investment platform he set up with partners Stephanie Nour Prince and Sarah Abu Risheh. Hashem and Khaled discuss his journey in the early days of venture investing in Dubai and why he prefers investing in a startup rather than operating one. Khaled shares his views on identity politics and the startup ecosystem in the Middle East vs. Silicon Valley. Hashem and Khaled also talk about what goes into supporting...2021-07-2247 min
The Nuwa Capital podcastEpisode 6 - Laying the foundations for Retail 3.0In Ep. 6 of our podcast, Khaled Talhouni sat with Anass Boumediene and Mehdi Oudghiri to discuss eyewa from inception to Series B, a round Nuwa Capital co-led and which was announced today.
When we launched Nuwa Capital, a key part of our thinking was to invest in companies building the next generation of retail where the online and offline experiences are seamlessly integrated and private label/own brands drive growth and differentiation.
Eyewa, one of our first investments in 2020 as part of their pre-Series B, best exemplifies our thinking.
2021-06-2743 min
Pod Kas with Yaz#3 with Khaled TalhouniKhaled Talhouni is a renowned venture capitalist based in Dubai. He invested in and managed over 60 early stage transactions including Careem, Littlebits, Mumzworld, Insider and Luxury Closet.
Khaled recnetly launched Nuwa Capital, a $100 million VC fund focused on Fintech, Mobility, Logistics and Enterprise startups in MENA.
In this episode, we discuss his new perspectives on VCs and startups after the COVID-19 pandemic and how he plans to disrupt the VC space through Nuwa Capital.2020-09-291h 18
Pod Kas with Yaz#3 with Khaled TalhouniKhaled Talhouni is a renowned venture capitalist based in Dubai. He invested in and managed over 60 early stage transactions including Careem, Littlebits, Mumzworld, Insider and Luxury Closet.
Khaled recnetly launched Nuwa Capital, a $100 million VC fund focused on Fintech, Mobility, Logistics and Enterprise startups in MENA.
In this episode, we discuss his new perspectives on VCs and startups after the COVID-19 pandemic and how he plans to disrupt the VC space through Nuwa Capital.2020-09-291h 18
Startup Hustle Middle EastE44 : Theres a New VC in Town | Nuwa Capital | Khaled TalhouniRecently formed Dubai and Riyadh-based Nuwa Capital aims to redefine the relationship between founders and capital by providing a progressive founder centric approach to investing in emerging markets.
Find out more about NUWA capital and how to apply: https://nuwacapital.io/
Follow us on Social or use #StartupHustleME to connect: https://www.facebook.com/startuphustleme https://www.instagram.com/startuphust... https://www.twitter.com/startuphustleme www.linkedin.com/company/startup-hustle-middle-east/ Email us on: startup.hustle.me@gmail.com Visit our Car rental startup: https://ejarcar.com Get in touch with Yellow here: https://welcometoyellow.com/ If...2020-04-0710 min
Streams of ProgressEp018 - Fares Ghandour & Khaled Talhouni, Wamda CapitalFares Ghandour, Partner at Wamda Capital & Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner at Wamda Capital sat down with us to discuss their investment ethos and the various initiatives Wamda is undertaking.Khaled comes from a career in private equity and venture capital professional with significant experience in value creation and realization. He has built unique experience in the MENA region originating, appraising, structuring, negotiating and executing private equity investments and venture capital transactions in the TMT space. He has a particular focus on digital, gaming, e-commerce, publishing, animation, TV production and social media. He has developed a strong...2018-06-191h 19
WamdaEpisode 4 - Digital content and digital spend in the MENA regionKhaled Talhouni moderates Wamda Capital's 4th podcast episode with his guests Ali Nehme, Chief Strategy Officer at Publicis Media Middle East, Diana Baddar Head of MENA partnerships at Youtube, Elias Mouawad, Chief Growth Officer at Kharabeesh, and Abed Agha, Managing Director at Vinelab. As they discuss the state of digital content and digital spend in the MENA region.2016-08-0756 minWamdaEpisode 3 - E-commerce and payment in the MENA regionJoin Khaled Talhouni as he discusses the state of e-commerce and payment trends, issues, and opportunities in the MENA region with his guests, Shant Oknayan Head of E-commerce, Retail, Online Services and Media at Facebook, Hussein Wehbi Country General Manager - UAE at Aramex, Omar Soudodi Managing Director at Payfort, and Ala' AlSallal Founder and CEO of Jamalon.com2016-07-0342 minWamdaEpisode 1 - Welcome to the Wamda Capital podcastThis is The Wamda Capital podcast’s inaugural episode, one of many more to come where we’ll be hosting various guests from the tech and startup ecosystem. In this episode, Fares Ghandour, Partner at Wamda Capital, sits down with Fadi Ghandour, CEO & Chairman, and Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner at Wamda Capital.
2016-04-1032 minPod Kas with Yaz#3 with Khaled TalhouniKhaled Talhouni is a renowned venture capitalist based in Dubai. He invested in and managed over 60 early stage transactions including Careem, Littlebits, Mumzworld, Insider and Luxury Closet.
Khaled recnetly launched Nuwa Capital, a $100 million VC fund focused on Fintech, Mobility, Logistics and Enterprise startups in MENA.
In this episode, we discuss his new perspectives on VCs and startups after the COVID-19 pandemic and how he plans to disrupt the VC space through Nuwa Capital.1970-01-0100 min