In the dynamic landscape of the Middle East'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'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. 

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’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.

 

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.