Wrapping Up 2024 & Kicking Off 2025 at ASIF Ventures! ??

2024 was a year of reflection, but 2025 is all about vision! As we step into the new year, we’re excited to share the latest updates and milestones shaping the future of ASIF Ventures and our portfolio companies!

Workwize Raises €13M in Series A Funding!

Big news from our portfolio companies,?Workwize has secured €13 million in Series A funding! ??

This funding will allow Workwize to scale product development, expand internationally, and continue redefining hybrid work management. Their platform is empowering businesses to seamlessly onboard, manage, and support remote employees across the globe.

A massive congratulations to the Workwize team,?we’re excited to see them take this to the next level! You can read more about their journey here.?

Webinar with Lawrence Ong

We have?hosted?Lawrence Ong,?former fellow at ASIF Ventures and CEO of Arable, a company based in Saudi Arabia that grows fresh vegetables in the desert climate using hydroponics.?

Here are five advices from Lawrence:

1. Don’t Wait for Perfect Conditions: Success often comes from starting with what you have and adapting as you go, rather than waiting for everything to be ideal.
2. Startup Ecosystems Vary: The startup scene differs greatly between regions—Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the West all have unique challenges and opportunities, so choose wisely.?
3. VC in the Middle East is Risk-Averse: The region’s venture capital is more cautious, so seeking funding from family offices is often a better route for?startups.
4. Creative Marketing Matters: For startups with limited budgets, creativity in marketing can have a bigger impact than spending money.
5. Networking is Key: Connecting with the right people, whether through incubators or direct outreach, can be a game-changer for your startup’s success.

Thank you Lawrence for being a part of the ASIF community and sharing your valuable insights, we wish him the best of luck for the future!

DLAB Open House?

We were proud to attend the DLab Open House, where we connected with 100+ student-led startups and engaged with a 600-strong crowd of researchers, ecosystem partners, and founders.

It was an inspiring day filled with innovation, collaboration, and opportunities to meet the next generation of entrepreneurs. We loved the energy at the event and look forward to seeing these student-led startups thrive!

?

What’s next?

?? Panel Discussion on Impact Investing?– We are set to host a panel of experts for an informative?discussion on impact investing. More details on this event will be provided soon so stay tuned!

?? Partnerships with student associations – We're thrilled to announce several upcoming collaborations with student associations. Can you guess which ones we've partnered with?

For more updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and event highlights, subscribe to our newsletter or Instagram.