In September 2024, Iraq Venture Partners (IVP) participated in ITEX Iraq 2024 by bringing several promising Iraqi startups under the umbrella of the Scale Iraq program. Scale Iraq is an investment readiness program Implemented by IVP and supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in partnership with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It aims to empower Iraqi entrepreneurs and foster innovation in the country&#39;s burgeoning tech sector.

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During the event, IVP facilitated the participation of notable startups, including Dofied, Jaamila, Health 360, and Blyskit. These startups, each representing different sectors from digital logistics to health tech, showcased their innovative solutions and underscored the potential of Iraqi entrepreneurship to address local and global challenges.

Dofied: <a href="https://www.dofied.com/">Dofied</a> 
Jaamila: <a href="https://jaamila.com/">جميلة.كوم (jaamila.com)</a> 
Health360: <a href="https://www.health-360.co/">Health360 (health-360.co)</a> 
Blyskit: <a href="https://blyskit.com/en">Home | Blyskit</a>

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IVP&#39;s efforts were recognized with an Honorary Shield for their contribution to the event and their ongoing support of the startup ecosystem in Iraq. This recognition reflects the program&rsquo;s success in nurturing high-potential startups and connecting them with opportunities to grow and scale.

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Scale Iraq continues to serve as a critical platform for supporting Iraqi startups, providing them with access to mentorship, investment, and international partnerships. Thus, it is paving the way for a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape in Iraq.

ITEX Exhibition – Baghdad International Fair, Iraq

In an exciting milestone for the Iraqi startup ecosystem, <a href="https://alsaree3.com/">Alsaree3</a>, a leading food and last-mile delivery service, has secured a seven-figure Series A funding round. This round saw participation from investors, including Iraq Venture Partners (IVP), <a href="https://www.euph.com/">Euphrates Ventures</a>, and <a href="https://snoonu.com/">Snoonu</a>.

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Founded in 2018 by Bassam Al-Ateia, Alsaree3 has become a household name, known for its efficient and user-friendly platform. The new investment will accelerate Alsaree3&#39;s growth plans and strengthen its position in the Iraqi market.

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Alsaree3 is part of the Scale Iraq Program, an initiative by IVP to support startups and enhance their attractiveness to investors. This program provides comprehensive support, including investment readiness programs, mentorship, and access to a robust network of investors. Launched by IVP and the <a href="https://www.ifc.org/en/home">International Finance Corporation</a> (IFC), Scale Iraq aims to support 30 Iraqi startups, providing tailored interventions to help them raise financing and connect with potential investors​.

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The investment from Snoonu, a regional powerhouse, underscores the potential of the Iraqi market. Hamad Mubarak Al-Hajri, Founder &amp; CEO of Snoonu, emphasized the growth potential and the significant impact this partnership will have on Iraq&#39;s social and economic development.

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Geoffrey Batt of Euphrates Ventures highlighted that this round is not just about capital but also technology sharing, setting the stage for Alsaree3&#39;s next development phase. Mohammed Khudairi of IVP echoed this sentiment, noting the positive ripple effect Alsaree3&#39;s success will have on the entire Iraqi startup ecosystem.

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With the new funding and strategic support from the Scale Iraq Program, Alsaree3 is poised for remarkable growth and continued success, showcasing the vibrant potential of Iraqi startups on the regional stage.

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For more details, you can read the full press release on <a href="https://www.wamda.com/2024/06/iraq-alsaree3-closes-7-figure-series-round" target="_new">Wamda</a>.

Success Story: Alsaree3 and the support of Scale Iraq Program

Supporting Iraqi Startups on the Global Stage

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In March 2024, Iraq Venture Partners (IVP) proudly sponsored several Iraqi startups at <a href="https://onegiantleap.com/">LEAP</a> 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This premier tech event brought together over 172,000 professionals, featuring cutting-edge innovations and transformative technologies from around the world. Our participation was part of the Scale Iraq Program, an intervention supervised by IFC and in partnership with the kingdom of Netherlands designed to elevate Iraqi startups and integrate them into the global tech ecosystem. Three Beneficiaries in the Scale Iraq Program participated in LEAP:

<ol>
	<li><a href="https://www.orderii.co/">Orderii.co</a>: An innovative e-commerce platform simplifying the purchasing process for Iraqi consumers by offering a wide range of products from both international and local suppliers.</li>
	<li><a href="https://alsaree3.com/">Alsaree3 Group Ltd.</a>: Renowned for its efficient food delivery service, Alsaree3 connects customers with their favorite local restaurants, enhancing the dining experience in Iraq.</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.mercato-me.com/?">Mercato-B2B</a>: A robust platform facilitating seamless B2B transactions, helping businesses efficiently source products and services.</li>
</ol>

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Benefifting from a wide range of opportunities, Orderii Alsaree and mercato had the chance to connect with global tech professionals, investors, and industry experts, opening doors to potential collaborations and funding opportunities. Furthermore, They Participated in workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions to stay ahead of the latest tech trends and innovations. They also showecased and presented their unique solutions on an international platform, gaining exposure and credibility in the global market.

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IVP&#39;s sponsorship of Iraqi startups at LEAP 2024 underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in their growth journey. By providing access to such prestigious events, we aim to bolster the Iraqi startup ecosystem, driving economic growth and technological advancement.

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We are immensely proud of the progress and achievements of these startups and look forward to their continued success.

IVP Showcases Iraqi Innovation at LEAP 2024

In the dynamic landscape of the Middle East&#39;s startup ecosystem, Iraqi Venture Partners (IVP) has been at the forefront of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Iraq. Scale Iraq, a program in partnership with the Kingdom of Netherlands, supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and implemented by IVP, stands as a testament to IVP&#39;s commitment to nurturing a thriving startup culture in Iraq. One of its flagship initiatives, Scale Iraq, is making waves by enhancing the investment readiness of Iraqi startups and connecting them with regional investment opportunities.

 
The impact of Scale Iraq has been particularly notable at several regional events where participating startups have had the opportunity to showcase their innovations and engage with investors. Events such as the Step Conference, Qatar Web Summit, and Leap Conference have served as platforms for these startups to demonstrate their potential and connect with a broader network of industry leaders and investors. 
At the Step Conference, WonderBeauties and Orisdi made a strong impression with their unique offerings, highlighting the diversity and creativity within the Iraqi startup ecosystem, participating in pitching events, benefiting from networking and connection with regional investors.&nbsp;

 
Similarly, during the last days of February 2024, Qatar Web Summit saw an impressive representation from Iraqi startups, including Al Saree3, IQ Cars, Jamilaa, Orderii, Corssy, Kesk, Lezan, and Sindibad. These startups not only showcased their products and services but also participated in pitching sessions, one-on-one meetings with investors, and workshops, gaining valuable insights and feedback.

 
In early March, Leap Conference, the region&rsquo;s largest capital raise events, further cemented the position of Iraqi startups in the regional ecosystem, Mercato, Al Saree3, and Orderii participating standing out for their innovative solutions and business models. The event provided a unique opportunity for these startups to engage in discussions and conversations with investors, explore partnership opportunities, and learn from the experiences of other entrepreneurs.

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Scale Iraq is designed to address the challenges faced by Iraqi startups in attracting investment. Through a well tailored approach that includes one-on-one training, mentorship, and exposure to regional events, the program aims to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to increase their investment readiness. The focus areas of the training include Governance, Technology, Legal, financial modeling, and effective pitching techniques, ensuring that startups are well-prepared to present their ventures to potential investors.

 
The success of Scale Iraq in facilitating these opportunities is a clear indication of the potential of Iraqi startups to make a significant impact on the regional and global stages. By providing a supportive environment for growth and development, IVP is helping to unlock the entrepreneurial talent in Iraq and pave the way for a new era of innovation and economic prosperity.

Iraq Venture Partners Elevates Iraqi Startups on the Regional Stage under the Scale Iraq Program

As part of our commitment to nurturing and empowering Iraqi startups, IVP, through the Scale Iraq program, supervised by IFC and in partnership with the kingdom of Netherlands, sponsored several promising entrepreneurs to attend the prestigious Web Summit in Qatar. This event, held from February 26-29, 2024, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, marked the first time the globally renowned tech conference was hosted in the Middle East. The summit gathered over 15,000 attendees, including more than 1,000 startups and 400 investors from around the world​ (<a href="https://qatar.websummit.com/blog/news/web-summit-qatar-numbers/" target="_blank">Web Summit Qatar, Doha</a>)​​.

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IVP participated in Qatar Web Summit and secured a booth to shed light on the Iraqi Ecosystem. The booth attracted lots of interest from diverse startups and investors into looking at Iraq and inquiring about the growth.

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Our Scale Iraq program sponsored a diverse group of startups to showcase their innovative solutions and connect with potential investors. The participating startups included:

<ul>
	<li>KESK: A company specializing in eco-friendly products.</li>
	<li>Alsaree3: A leading food delivery service in Iraq.</li>
	<li>Corrsy: A platform connecting service providers with customers.</li>
	<li>Lezan.app: A digital solution for logistics and supply chain management.</li>
	<li>Sindibad: An e-commerce platform offering a wide range of products.</li>
	<li>Jaamila.com: An online marketplace for beauty and personal care products.</li>
	<li>iQ Cars: A platform for buying and selling vehicles.</li>
	<li>Orderii.co: A service enabling customers to purchase products from international and local suppliers.</li>
</ul>

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Participation in the Web Summit provided these startups with unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and growth. They were able to engage with global industry leaders, gain insights into the latest technological advancements, and explore potential collaborations. For instance, Alsaree3, through connections made at the summit, later secured an investment from Snoonu, showcasing the tangible benefits of attending such high-profile events​.

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Scale Iraq is an initiative by IVP, supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and in partnership with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This program is designed to elevate Iraqi startups and integrate them into the global tech ecosystem by providing comprehensive support, including investment readiness programs, mentorship, and access to a robust network of investors.

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IVP remains dedicated to supporting Iraqi entrepreneurs in their journey to scale and succeed. By facilitating access to international platforms like the Web Summit, we aim to help these startups attract investments, expand their networks, and enhance their visibility on the global stage.

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Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives and the exciting developments from our supported startups.

IVP Supports Iraqi Startups at Qatar Web Summit

At IVP, we are dedicated to nurturing and supporting the burgeoning startup ecosystem in Iraq. As part of our commitment to fostering innovation and assisting startups in their capital raise journey, we sponsored the participation of Wonder Beauties and Orisdi at the Step Conference 2024 held in Dubai.

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The Step Conference is one of the premier tech and startup events in the Middle East. Held at Dubai Internet City from February 21-22, 2024, the conference featured six main tracks: Start Track, Fintech Track, AI Track, Digital Track, Wellness Track, and Earth Track​ (<a href="https://help.stepconference.com/en/articles/5862621-what-are-the-topics-at-step-conference-2024" target="_blank">Step Help Center</a>)​​ (<a href="https://crunchdubai.com/unlocking-innovation-the-step-conference-in-dubai-2024/" target="_blank">DUBAI StartUPs</a>)​. The event brought together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts from around the world to engage in insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and showcases of cutting-edge innovations​.

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Through the Scale Iraq initiative, supported by the <a href="https://www.ifc.org/en/home">International Finance Corporation</a> (IFC), and in partnership with the Kingdom of Netherlands, we sponsored Wonder Beauties and Orisdi to attend and showcase their innovative solutions at Step Dubai 2024. These startups had the unique opportunity to connect with potential investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs, thereby enhancing their visibility and accelerating their growth prospects.

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Wonder Beauties, revolutionizing the beauty industry with its comprehensive platform that caters to beauty and wellness needs. By participating in Step Dubai, Wonder Beauties aimed to attract new investors and strategic partners to expand their offerings and market reach.

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Orisdi, an e-commerce platform tailored for the Iraqi market, provides a wide range of products, from electronics to household items. At Step Dubai, Orisdi showcased its business model and growth potential, seeking investment to scale its operations and enhance its technological infrastructure.

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Participating in such high-profile events offered several benefits for startups such as engaging with a diverse audience of investors, mentors, and peers can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations, Showcasing at a major event enhances brand recognition and attracts media attention, facilitating access to industry insights, trends, and best practices through sessions and workshops, and direct interaction with potential investors can facilitate funding rounds and strategic investments.

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IVP&#39;s sponsorship of Wonder Beauties and Orisdi at Step Dubai 2024 underscores our commitment to supporting Iraqi startups in their journey to success. Through initiatives like Scale Iraq, we continue to empower entrepreneurs to innovate, grow, and contribute to the economic development of Iraq.

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