The Perfect Pitch Podcast by Lucidity Insights

Lucidity Insights
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⁠⁠This is a special masterclass series where we sit down and dive deep with some of the most prominent venture capitalists in the Middle East and Africa region. This series aims to provide entrepreneurs with everything they need to know to start their fundraising journey. Beyond exploring each investor and what really makes them tick, we want to help entrepreneurs understand what it really means to take on VC funding, what investors are looking for in a ‘perfect pitch’, and how to build out their fundraising strategy.

Episodes

  1. Angel Investing, Equity Strategy, and Empowering Women Founders - with Lucy Chow | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep12

    15 MAY

    Angel Investing, Equity Strategy, and Empowering Women Founders - with Lucy Chow | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep12

    In this episode of the Lucidity Insights podcast: The Perfect Pitch, we sit down with angel investor and ecosystem builder Lucy Chow, who shares hard-won truths about startup fundraising. From explaining why founders should “fire their angel” if the fit is wrong, to stressing the danger of giving away too much equity early on — Lucy doesn't hold back. She unpacks the biggest funding red flags, the different stages of capital (friends & family, angels, VCs), and how early investors often bring more value through mentorship and network than money itself. Lucy also dives into why she invests in female founders, how gender diversity correlates with higher returns, and the rising role of C-suite executives as angel investors. Whether you're a founder navigating your first raise, a woman looking to become an angel, or just curious about how funding really works in the Middle East and beyond — this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and action-ready advice. LUCY CHOW’S LINKEDIN  "The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    1h 7m

  2. 27 MAR · BONUS

    Erika’s Top 5 Takeaways | The Perfect Pitch Podcast 2024 Recap

    Lucidity Insights wrapped up its debut The Perfect Pitch podcast season in 2024, offering actionable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.  Erika Welch shared her top 5 takeaways from conversations with the Middle East and Africa's most influential investors: not every business is VC-backable, bootstrapping can often be better than fundraising, your founding team matters more than your idea, embrace failure early, and always research your investors.  This series has empowered thousands of founders to craft the perfect pitch, navigate funding challenges, and build investable teams. As we gear up for an even more impactful 2025 season, dive into these invaluable lessons for startup success. "The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    6 min
  3. Are African Startups the Next Growth Engines of the World? - with Mika & Hisham at P1 Ventures | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep10

    28/11/2024

    Are African Startups the Next Growth Engines of the World? - with Mika & Hisham at P1 Ventures | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep10

    In this episode of The Perfect Pitch Podcast, we sit down with Mikael Hajjar and Hisham Halbouny, Managing Partners at P1 Ventures, to uncover the secrets of scaling startups in Africa. Mika and Hisham share their unique insights into why they think Africa is the most interesting startup ecosystem today. They speak into why they prioritize authentic, resilient founders that can grow their businesses with velocity, and why having a deep connection to the problems they’re solving is critical. The conversation highlights the exciting opportunities emerging in Africa’s fintech, AI, and tech infrastructure sectors; and with interesting real-life examples of players making major strides on the continent. Don’t miss this compelling episode filled with stories of resilience, innovation, and the rise of Africa as a startup powerhouse. Listen now to be inspired and informed about the future of business on the continent. - P1 Ventures Investment Profile (Lucidity Insights) - P1 Ventures website  - Mikael's LinkedIn Profile - Hisham's LinkedIn "The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    1h 1m
  4. What makes a founding team investable? - with Jonathan Doerr at Antler | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep9

    01/10/2024

    What makes a founding team investable? - with Jonathan Doerr at Antler | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep9

    In this episode of The Perfect Pitch Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jonathan Doerr, Partner at Antler (Middle East), to explore the dynamics of launching and scaling startups in the region. Jonathan shares insights into why early-stage institutional investors in the region prioritize strong teams, traction, and well-defined ideas. He also delves into Antler’s unique approach, including its intensive 10-week residency program that brings together top entrepreneurial talent for co-founder matchmaking.  Tune in as Jonathan tries to explain the magic sauce found in the perfect founding team. Whether you're curious about the value of team dynamics, the challenges of fundraising, or the perfect time to start a company, this episode is packed full with valuable takeaways for founders and investors alike. "The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    1h 1m
  5. Curve Balls, SPACs, IPOs and the Road to Exit for Startups in MENA - with Rabih at MEVP | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep8

    19/08/2024

    Curve Balls, SPACs, IPOs and the Road to Exit for Startups in MENA - with Rabih at MEVP | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep8

    Rabih Khoury, the Managing Partner and Chief Exit Officer at Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), shares his remarkable journey from being a structural engineer in the US to becoming a pivotal figure in the regional Private Equity and Venture Capital space. Khoury discusses the evolution of his career, the unique challenges of the VC model in the Middle East, and the importance of strategic exits. With over $1.6 billion raised for its portfolio companies, MEVP’s story highlights the balance between risk and reward in emerging markets, and how it differs from the US market. Don’t miss this episode of The Perfect Pitch Podcast by Lucidity Insights to learn from one of the region’s most impactful leaders in VC. "The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    1h 3m
  6. Finding Opportunities when Startups Navigate Currency Devaluation and Rising Inflation in Egypt - with Tarek at Algebra Ventures | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep7

    23/06/2024

    Finding Opportunities when Startups Navigate Currency Devaluation and Rising Inflation in Egypt - with Tarek at Algebra Ventures | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep7

    In this episode of the Lucidity Insights podcast, "The Perfect Pitch," Tarek Assaad of Algebra Ventures shares his remarkable journey from an engineer to a venture capitalist, he looks into the unique challenges and opportunities within the Egyptian startup ecosystem, reflecting on how economic turbulence can sometimes inspire exceptional growth. Tarek provides valuable insights into building sustainable value, navigating the complexities of venture capital, and the critical importance of strategic partnerships for long-term success. Whether you're a founder, investor, or student, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, bringing practical advice and insightful perspectives to help you succeed in the entrepreneurial world. "The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    1h 5m
  7. How Investors Evaluate how Investable Your Startup Is - with Nader at DFDF | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep6

    09/06/2024

    How Investors Evaluate how Investable Your Startup Is - with Nader at DFDF | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep6

    In his role as Managing Director of the government-owned Dubai Future District Fund, Nader Albastaki shares with us his views on what the difference might be for a founder coming to an evergreen Goverment fund versus a private VC fund. He also speaks into the important role all players must play - from investors to regulators and startup founders to ensure strong ecosystem development. Tune into Nader's insights on the startup fundraising journey and learn about Nader's and DFDF’s process in identifying the right founders. Additionally, find out why Nader is bullish on 2024. "The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    40 min
  8. Don’t Fundraise Unless You Have to, But if You do, Look for this in your Investors - with Sonia W. at VentureSouq | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep5

    02/06/2024

    Don’t Fundraise Unless You Have to, But if You do, Look for this in your Investors - with Sonia W. at VentureSouq | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep5

    We were thrilled to speak with Sonia Weymuller, one of Dubai’s most active investors who started her VC career by launching the largest angel investor syndicate before professionalizing the firm to become VentureSouq. Our insightful conversation with Sonia revealed her unique perspective and outlook on when startup founders should fundraise, why they startups shouldn’t take-on external funding if they don’t have to, and some of the soft-criteria that founders should be evaluating potential investors on, before adding them to their cap table. We also got deeply specific about what VentureSouq seeks and avoids in founders as an impact-focused venture capital fund. As a self-described optimist, she addressed how the current climate can favor entrepreneurs, and left us with so many nuggets of wisdom. "The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    41 min
  9. A Founder’s Ability to be Transparent and Communicate with Investors is Everything - with Basil Moftah | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep4

    26/05/2024

    A Founder’s Ability to be Transparent and Communicate with Investors is Everything - with Basil Moftah | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep4

    Get ready for an intriguing conversation with Basil Moftah, General Parter at Nclude. Born and raised in the US and Trinidad and Tobago, but with roots in Egypt, Basil brings both his international perspective and years of Corporate VC experience to the investing table. He shares his pet peeves on things like celebrating successful fundraising efforts and having difficult conversations with founders. He reminds us about the responsibilities tied to capital investment, and provides insights on when to pivot or exit a venture from an investor's standpoint. Tune in for some enlightening insights in this episode! "The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    42 min
  10. Great entrepreneurs are eternal optimists with a penchant for discomfort - with Khaled at Nuwa Capital | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep3

    19/05/2024

    Great entrepreneurs are eternal optimists with a penchant for discomfort - with Khaled at Nuwa Capital | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep3

    Meet 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 by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    54 min
  11. Why and How the Ideal Fundraising Pitch Looks Different Depending on the Founder - with Noor at Global Ventures | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep2

    13/05/2024

    Why and How the Ideal Fundraising Pitch Looks Different Depending on the Founder - with Noor at Global Ventures | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep2

    Noor Sweid, Founding Partner of Global Ventures, tells us how she went from strategy consultant, to working with her Family construction business as it expanded globally and successfully IPOed; as well as her foray into entrepreneurship when she opened Dubai's first chain of yoga studios, prior to setting up her own venture capital fund in Dubai. She speaks about the importance of combining mind and heart when developing the perfect pitch, and illustrates to us why the perfect pitch looks different depending on the founder. This episode is full of wisdom and insights from an investor who has worn many hats; she gives her best advice, counsel, and shares her pet peeves when it comes to the fundraising process. "The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    45 min
  12. Fundraising Do’s and Don’ts when Pitching to Investors - with Sharif at DFDF | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep1

    07/05/2024

    Fundraising Do’s and Don’ts when Pitching to Investors - with Sharif at DFDF | The Perfect Pitch Podcast Ep1

    Sharif El-Badawi from Dubai Future District Fund reveals his take on Venture Capital in the region, and some potent advice for founders on approaching venture capital for funding, especially considering the current climate. He imparts a lot of wisdom, from what he thinks makes the perfect founding team, how to do your homework well, what characteristics he looks for in a winning founder, and the importance of embracing an existential crisis… All in the name of crafting the perfect pitch.  "The Perfect Pitch," is a newly launched Podcast Show by Lucidity Insights. Join LucidityInsights.com for an exclusive masterclass series featuring top Venture Capitalists in the Middle East & Africa region. Get all the essential insights to kickstart your fundraising journey. 🚀 [ Watch this episode on video ] Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)

    36 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

⁠⁠This is a special masterclass series where we sit down and dive deep with some of the most prominent venture capitalists in the Middle East and Africa region. This series aims to provide entrepreneurs with everything they need to know to start their fundraising journey. Beyond exploring each investor and what really makes them tick, we want to help entrepreneurs understand what it really means to take on VC funding, what investors are looking for in a ‘perfect pitch’, and how to build out their fundraising strategy.

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