John Popel

📈 The M&A market hit its stride in 2022 at the peak of VC liquidity! Do you think it will bounce back in 2024? This week MAGNiTT launched a first of its kind benchmark report on M&A exits across Africa, South East Asia and MENA. 2022 was the peak year for M&A transactions across all 3 regions. However, following this peak, there was a significant decline in M&A transactions in 2023: -39% in MENA -50% in Africa -38% in Southeast Asia 2023 also saw all three regions experience a YoY increase in median years to exit - reaching 7 in #SoutheastAsia, 6 in #MENA, and 5.5 in #Africa. Interestingly in all 3 geographies, 20%+ of all M&A transactions were of companies which had been operating for greater than 10 years! And looking at the #top10 portfolio investors by M&A transactions across these regions, we can see a clear lead held by 500 Global in all three regions from 2019 to 2023. Curious to learn more about regional M&A activity? Explore our full suite of M&A reports on the platform today: https://lnkd.in/dRNtYDbd #venturecapital #mergers #acquisitions #VC #startups #exits

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🚀The NEO Holdings team and I are thrilled to welcome Ahmed Hadded as our new Head of Product. 🌟 Ahmed’s journey spans #Web3, multi-chain innovation and real-world impact at #Cardano, Avalanche and beyond. At EMURGO Africa, he led product development in multiple joint venture projects including SME borrowing and lending in emerging markets and tokenization of carbon credits. He also helped build developer scaffolds for Cardano, empowering the ecosystem to tokenize real-world assets seamlessly. Aligned with our work, Ahmed is no stranger to commodities. His career began in oil and gas, where he conducted his engineering thesis with bp, working onshore and offshore on prediction models to foresee failures in critical rig components. Outside of work, Ahmed is passionate about horse riding, a hobby he’s enjoyed since childhood having trained race horses in his father’s farm. He is also an avid traveler, and an aviation enthusiast with a passion for flying. I'm incredibly excited about this next cycle of digital asset growth and real world application. I have no doubt that Ahmed will play a key role in our success as Neo continues to bring AI, compliant DeFi liquidity, game changing profit models and decentralized technology on Watr to the giants of natural resources and trade for at-scale deployment - starting with National Champions in our home region, MENA. Please join me in welcoming Ahmed to the NEO family! 🎉 💡 Watr, NEO Holdings, real-world assets, and scalable deployment. #Innovation #Blockchain #AI #DeFi #RealWorldAssets #Commodities #NaturalResources #Tokenization

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Good Capital, a venture capital firm based in Mauritius, plans to invest $25 million in Indian AI startups this fiscal year. The investment comes from their $50 million Good Capital Fund II, to be utilized by 2027. Arjun Malhotra, General Partner at Good Capital, stated that they aim to invest in technology products addressing India-centric issues, primarily targeting sectors like cleantech, e-commerce, edtech, healthtech, SaaS, and deeptech. Their investment strategy focuses on startups that empower intermediaries, rather than solely aiming for disruption. Good Capital plans to invest in 15-20 AI startups across early-stage and Series-A funding stages, leveraging AI and large language models (LLM) to create innovative businesses. Currently, 80% of their investment pipeline involves companies utilizing AI in various industries. How do you think Good Capital's investment in AI startups will impact the Indian tech ecosystem and address local challenges? #investment #techcompany #finance #startups #strategy

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With BTC hovering around $100k , over 89% of new ETF investors in Africa have Bitcoin ETFs in their portfolio and over 95% holding crypto and blockchain stocks in their portfolio. Is 2025 the year we see crypto projects listing across Africa ? #comingsoon #investinAfrica #africarising

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NRI Investors - Why GIFT City beats Mauritius, Dubai, and Singapore as an Investment Destination. Under the current rules for FPI, NRIS are restricted from owning more than 50% of a fund's capital, and no individual NRI can hold more than 25%. However, in GIFT City, these restrictions were relaxed, allowing NRIs to hold up to 100% of the fund's capital. KEY ADVANTAGES for NRIs to Invest in funds headquartered in GIFT City compared to other financial hubs like Mauritius, Dubai, or Singapore. The exemption from the restriction that limits NRIs to less than 50% of the fund corpus will be a significant advantage for funds domiciled in Gift City as compared to other jurisdictions. As a result, the launch of many new funds with diverse strategies from Gift City, as fund managers will no longer need to focus on attracting non-Indian origin investors as a prelude to launching a fund. Additionally, the KYC/AML requirements in Gift City align with the processes many NRI investors are already familiar with when opening bank accounts or investing in domestic funds, making the procedure more straightforward to navigate. The tax benefits are competitive, and being located in the geographic territory of India, Gift City offers the added convenience of accessibility when needed. The range of tax benefits, especially for Category III AIFs and the tax incentives in Gift City are competitive with those offered by other jurisdictions. Gift city has opened a new investment avenue for NRIs (and international investors) to invest in India without the need to convert the money to INR (reduced exchange risk) while availing of a simplified tax structure (no withholding tax, TDS or GST). Also, they can invest remotely. Based in Ahmedabad, we offer Investment, Leasing & Transaction Advisory Services to NRIs & International Investors for GIFTCITY - IFSC investments. #NRIs #investment #opportunity #GIFTCITY #IFSC #prefered #destination #FPIs #100% #fundcapital #taxbenefits #stablereturns #AIFs #realestate #officespaces #fundmanagers #mutualfunds #officeforlease #global #fintech #hub #UAE #FIFs #investingiftcity #consultant #icanflip #giftcity #propertyadvisor #gandhinagar #ahmedabad #gujarat #india https://lnkd.in/dvMJ9KbT

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Yellow Card, a pan-African stablecoin infrastructure company that raised $33 million in October, has secured a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) licence in South Africa, a significant step in its regional expansion. This comes as South Africa continues to relax its regulatory stance on cryptocurrency in 2024, with over 138 companies now licensed to operate within the country’s regulated crypto ecosystem. “Yellow Card South Africa is now an authorised financial services provider (FSP) in South Africa. The scope of the authorisation encompasses crypto assets, but it can be easily expanded to include various other financial assets, including stocks and tokenised securities,” the company told TechCabal. Get more details 👉 https://lnkd.in/dtnVEQ59

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Are investors in Africa really missing a $5.4 TRILLION (🥵) “middle of the pyramid” market opportunity? We already know the song 🎵 ☝🏽 VCs want equity in high-growth startups with world-class teams, in blue-ocean markets, with opportunities for exit at 50-100x the current company value. Pure power law: not within the reach of most companies. #facts ✌🏽 Banks’ loans require a lot of paperwork, optimal credit scores and assets as collaterals. They end up servicing secure, formal businesses for high-value transactions. Very few of them in the continent. #facts 🤟🏽 Micro-credit focuses on low amounts, short repayment periods and (relatively) higher interest rates to offset the risk. Good for the bottom of the pyramid. #facts What about the “silent” majority of the small businesses? These businesses: - are mainly informal - they do not have a credit score - they cannot give any asset as collateral - too large for micro-finance but too small for traditional bank loans However: - they need capital for productive assets (refrigerators, vehicles, tanks, tractors, etc..) 🚙 - who are used to generate positive cash flows 💰 So why can't we find a smart way to finance them? This is exactly what Untapped Global Smart Asset Financing model is about. I‘ve been following them for a couple of years now and I must say I am a fan 😻 (and a fan of the companies they invest in too, like Wahu Mobility Ltd.) Let me know in the comments if you want to have a deep dive into how they work in the next issue of my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/e2t4nn9k

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Growsari raised $80M+ to digitize Filipino corner stores ("sari-sari stores"). This B2B e-commerce play isn't unique. Similar startups exist in Morocco, Mexico, Nigeria... Margins in this business are razor-sharp. Lethal, potentially. Here's how Growsari's co-founder, Shiv Choudhury, thinks about them: " Margins are tight if you serve already-served stores. If you serve a store who already works with a distributor, you create a price war. I have seen this from close quarters, my family is in that line of business. This is the advice we gave clients at BCG: targeting a store with an existing distributor relationship fosters a pricing race and instability. We took a contrarian route, focusing on excluded sari-sari stores. This is harder and requires intense supply-chain reinvention. Ultimately, this exclusive reach gives us leverage with FMCG giants. If an FMCG player knows we’re the only ones to effectively reach certain stores, we can ask for higher margins. Today, 50% of GrowSari’s margins come from the ordering business. The rest comes from the financial services we offer, as well as our logistics business. The latter, named Tranko, is built on the same rails we built our own logistics on. The same trucks that deliver our goods can also deliver other companies’ products. Think about a small drugstore chain wanting to send goods to their franchisee outlet. Our truck is already going in that direction, so we can take that store’s product as well and cut their delivery price. Tranko is around 5-8% of our revenue and 10% of our operating margin. " Link to Shiv's full Realistic Optimist interview in the comments.

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🤑 The World remits More Billions, Powered to do More in Africa. 😇 Zepz, founded in 2010, just raised $267 million, aimed to dominate the African cross-border payments and remittances with WorldRemit and Sendwave (International Remittance) as two leading brands. Accel and IFC - International Finance Corporation backing of Zepz highlights their confidence in the giant’s scale, the competitive advantages accumulated over the years, and their global reach. With IPO plans shelved for now, Zepz is focusing on market domination and likely eyeing more acquisitions to solidify its position in Africa's core markets. So, will Zepz dominate Africa, or newer players like LemFi, Chipper Cash, Mukuru, NALA and Taptap Send have a shot at winning in Africa's cross-border payments space? 🤔💬 Let’s hear your thoughts! Let’s see your comments! #CrossBorderPayments #Africa #Remittances #Accel https://lnkd.in/eR2BdjkY

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#Exciting #News! OANDA has expanded its Prop Trader program to #South #Africa, offering a unique opportunity for self-directed traders. This #program allows traders to become signal providers for OANDA proprietary trading business on a profit-sharing basis. 💼 To qualify, #traders must successfully complete a Challenge designed to test their ability to generate profits and manage risks effectively. Successful participants can earn up to 90% of the profits they generate, paying for the #Challenge using credit cards, debit cards, or cryptocurrencies. 📈 https://lnkd.in/gt8WhMVn #PropTrading #OANDA #Forex #TradingOpportunities #FinancialMarkets #SouthAfrica #Trading #Investing #ProfitSharing #MarketAccess Lucian Lauerman Stephanie Cook Galin Georgiev Catherine Chan Kit Yeng Darren Moffett Kevin Ryan, CPA, CA Diego Villahizán Bargiela Salma Antao Bhumii Shah Jason Fitzpatrick Hazelle Anderson Crystal Lok Ray Loo Zain Vawda Rose Luong Tilak Krishnamurthy Hesham Ghanem Georgi Denichin Zavier Zheng Jo Xianwen Wong Jeff Hancock Suzanne Hyatt CHRL Muriel Larrondo Gabriel Teng Victoria Langmead Philip Waters Mark Chesterman Manuel Polidori Santiago Florez Marcin Niewiadomski Frances Zhang Elliott O'Brien Nibha Shangari Tim Howkins James Brooke James Abbott Małgorzata Kilarska Agnes Chow

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#Africa #Mauritius #ParadiseIsland #DigitalAssetRevolution #Crypto #FirstCryptoExchange #Mindex #CryptoLawsandRegulations #WomenLeaders #Fintech In this issue, we jump over to Africa with a focus on the crypto scene of Mauritius, also known as the "Paradise Island". #Overview Mauritius is emerging as a significant player in the African digital asset space, leveraging its flexible regulatory framework and strategic location. #InterestingFacts It is the first Africa's fully regulated digital asset nation and ranks 131st with 23,208 crypto owners. Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Mauritius. #LawsandRegulations Digital assets, virtual assets, and initial tokens offering services are regulated by: 1) "The Guidance Note of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) on the Recognition of Digital Assets as an Asset Class for Investment by Sophisticated and Expert Investors" (2018). 2) "The Virtual Asset and Initial Token Offering Services Act" (2021). #DigitalAssetsDefinition Mauritius lawmakers and regulators have given particular attention to defining digital assets to provide the necessary clarity for the crypto space. These definitions can be categorized as "descriptive" or by analogy, rather than "conceptual". - A definition of digital assets is found in the FSC guidelines of 2018. Section 2 to Section 4. Digital assets can also represent debt or equity or provide access to a blockchain-based application, service, or product. - An alternative definition is found in Section 2 of the Virtual Assets and Initial Token Offering Act 2021. #RegulatoryAuthority The FSC is the primary regulatory body overseeing digital assets in Mauritius. The Island has implemented robust measures for consumer protection and ensuring the crypto market's integrity. #LeadingExchanges MINDEX is the pioneering digital asset platform in Mauritius. #WomenInFintech MINDEX is led by Jessica Naga, CEO and Co-founder earning prestigious recognitions. Manisha Dookhony is the Chairperson, bringing her expertise as an economics and market reform expert. She is also the chairperson of the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF). #Taxation There is currently no specific legislation for the taxation of virtual assets. The tax treatment applicable will broadly depend on whether the income is treated as revenue or capital gains. #Perspective Mauritius positioned itself at the forefront of innovation in fintech and crypto revolution. Tokenization will be the next step to unlock the full potential of the crypto industry shortly in Africa, Such tokenization could resolve many African government issues by tokenizing real-world assets (RWA) backed by the immense African natural resources. #GetYourCopy #Cryptolawgy provides valuable insights for businesses and investors navigating the crypto space including in Africa. https://lnkd.in/gmBjpfuj

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The Stock Exchange of #Mauritius Launches SEMX: A New Segment for High-Growth Companies. Companies eligible for SEMX listing must demonstrate strong growth, with a minimum revenue growth rate of 25% on a compound annual growth basis over the preceding three financial years or a 100% growth rate over the past five years. Three pioneering companies have chosen to debut on SEMX on 3 December, 2024: Africa Eats Limited : https://lnkd.in/ex36YivP Elite Meat Processors Limited : https://lnkd.in/en9jP56J Ziweto Holdings Limited : https://lnkd.in/egTacywJ #africanmarkets

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Tokenization converts real-world assets like real estate and businesses into digital tokens, making investing more accessible, secure, and transparent. At Mabrook, we offer ethical, Shariah-compliant investment opportunities that allow you to participate in high-value projects with ease. Benefits for Retail Investors: - Affordable: Start investing with as little as $100.  - Customizable Portfolio: Choose assets that suit your financial goals. - Diversification: Spread investments across different assets. - Easy Trading: Buy, sell, and trade tokens with flexibility. Mabrook makes investing in high-value opportunities simple and inclusive! We will be launching our new project soon, follow us to keep yourself updated #Mabrook #Tokenization #Blockchain #IslamicFinance #Investment

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Super Group is the parent company of Betway, a sports betting platform 1.Africa is the leading region at 39% of sales. 2.share price surged by 100% this year. key focus areas: a.Football b.Rugby c.Cricket Leads in 5 of the 7 African markets. Current market size at €5 billion with annual sales of €400m.

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