Latest news with #WissamMattout
Iraq Business
23-07-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
Netaj deal with Haeiz to Support Iraqi Entrepreneurs
By John Lee. Netaj, an Iraqi platform for innovation and entrepreneurial support, has announced a series of strategic partnerships, " aimed at enabling thousands of Iraqi youth to enter the e-commerce space with the tools and support they need to succeed. " Among the most notable collaborations is one with Haeiz, which it describes as a leading digital retail platform that will support aspiring entrepreneurs by helping them build online stores, receive marketing and technical training, and access the market effectively. The deal was signed at an event held recently in Baghdad, which brought together private sector leaders, senior government representatives, ambassadors, diplomats, and experts from across economic and technology sectors. The event also highlighted the progress of Nawat, Iraq's first Venture Studio, launched by Netaj earlier this year. According to a statement from Netaj, Nawat currently supports over 40 startups across various sectors and is building a dedicated $2 million investment fund to accelerate their growth. Dr. Wissam Mattout, CEO of Netaj, said: "At Netaj, we are committed to empowering youth and businesses through practical tools and real investment. We don't just fund - we build complete support systems that include training, mentorship, planning, and market access. We believe digital transformation starts with people." (Source: Netaj)
Iraq Business
24-06-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
Netaj Launches Nawat: "Iraq's First VC Studio"
By John Lee. Netaj -- a Baghdad-based innovation firm that offers venture support, strategic consulting, and capability-building for entrepreneurs and institutions -- has announced the official launch of Nawat, which it describes as the country's first-ever Venture Capital (VC) Studio. According to a press release, Nawat is designed to identify, support, and invest in high-potential Iraqi startups through a tailored 6-month journey that combines mentorship, product development, market access, and funding readiness. Wissam Mattout (pictured), CEO of Netaj, said: "Nawat is a movement to reimagine how startups are built and backed in Iraq. We are bridging the gap between raw talent and structured capital, offering founders a launchpad to scale both locally and globally. "For too long, Iraqi entrepreneurs have had to build in isolation. Nawat will equip them with the expertise, tools, and capital they need, not just to survive, but to lead the next wave of innovation in the region." The studio is open to 40 startups, segmented across three tracks: Ideation stage MVP/Prototype stage Early-established startups Each startup receives customized support, including expert-led bootcamps, one-on-one consultations, mentorship from industry veterans, and direct access to investors through demo days and curated matchmaking. "This is Iraq's moment," said Mattout. "If we want to build serious startups, we need serious infrastructure. Nawat is the missing puzzle piece - designed for founders, by founders." Nawat offers a hybrid investment model, combining: In-kind investment (product development, branding, digital tools) valued between $10K-$25K. Direct financial investment ranging from $25K-$250K using convertible notes or equity. Netaj aims to invest in the top 5 to 10 startups that demonstrate traction, scalability, and founder commitment to operational growth. (Source:
Iraqi News
23-06-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Netaj launches Iraq's first VC studio to boost local startups
Baghdad ( – Netaj, an innovation platform in Iraq, has officially launched Nawat, the country's first-ever venture capital (VC) studio, marking a major milestone in the nation's startup ecosystem. Based in Baghdad, Nawat will support 40 Iraqi startups through a six-month, hands-on program combining mentorship, product development, market access, and funding. The studio operates in three stages: ideation, MVP/prototype, and early-stage startups, providing tailored bootcamps, one-on-one guidance, and investor connections. 'Nawat is a movement to reimagine how startups are built and backed in Iraq,' said Wissam Mattout, CEO of Netaj. 'We're bridging the gap between raw talent and structured capital.' Startups will benefit from a hybrid investment model, including in-kind support valued at $10K–$25K and direct funding from $25K–$250K. Netaj plans to invest in the top 5–10 ventures showing high scalability and founder commitment.
Wamda
23-06-2025
- Business
- Wamda
Netaj launches Nawat, Iraq's first VC studio to back high-potential startups
Iraq-based innovation platform Netaj has launched "Nawat", a venture capital studio that offers a six-month hands-on programme for 40 selected startups across three tracks: ideation, MVP, and early-stage. The studio provides tailored support, including expert-led bootcamps, mentorship, and direct access to investors while offering hybrid investment: in-kind support ($10K–$25K) and direct funding ($25K–$250K) via convertible notes or equity. Netaj aims to invest in 5–10 high-potential startups, helping transform Iraq's startup landscape with local infrastructure, capital, and founder-first tools, while enabling scalable, investor-ready businesses that can expand across the region and beyond. Press release: Netaj, Iraq's leading innovation and entrepreneurship platform, proudly announces the official launch of Nawat, the country's first-ever Venture Capital (VC) Studio, marking a milestone in Iraq's evolving startup ecosystem. Nawat, Netaj's VC Studio, is designed to identify, support, and invest in high-potential Iraqi startups through a tailored 6-month journey that combines mentorship, product development, market access, and funding readiness. 'Nawat is a movement to reimagine how startups are built and backed in Iraq,' said Wissam Mattout, CEO of Netaj. 'We are bridging the gap between raw talent and structured capital, offering founders a launchpad to scale both locally and globally.' 'For too long, Iraqi entrepreneurs have had to build in isolation,' added Mattout. 'Nawat will equip them with the expertise, tools, and capital they need, not just to survive, but to lead the next wave of innovation in the region.' A Studio Model Built Locally Unlike one-size-fits-all traditional accelerators, the VC studio model takes a hands-on, co-building approach, allowing Netaj to work closely with founders from idea validation to product-market fit, and ultimately, investment. The studio is open to 40 startups, segmented across three tracks: • Ideation stage • MVP/Prototype stage • Early-established startups Each startup receives customised support, including expert-led bootcamps, one-on-one consultations, mentorship from industry veterans, and direct access to investors through demo days and curated matchmaking. 'This is Iraq's moment,' said Mattout. 'If we want to build serious startups, we need serious infrastructure. Nawat is the missing puzzle piece — designed for founders, by founders.' Strategic Investment + In-Kind Support Nawat offers a hybrid investment model, combining: • In-kind investment (product development, branding, digital tools) valued between $10K and $25K. • Direct financial investment ranging from $25K to $250K using convertible notes or equity. Netaj aims to invest in the top 5–10 startups that demonstrate traction, scalability, and founder commitment to operational growth. A New Era for Iraqi Startups With its headquarters in Baghdad's Jadriyah district, Netaj has positioned itself as a central hub for entrepreneurship in Iraq. Through Nawat, it seeks to nurture and back problem-driven founders, market-ready, and positioned for regional and ultimately global expansion. The launch of Nawat arrives at a time when the Iraqi private sector is in urgent need of innovation-driven ventures, digital solutions, and youth-led economic activity.
Zawya
22-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Netaj launches Nawat: Iraq's first venture capital studio empowering the next generation of founders
Baghdad, Iraq – Netaj, Iraq's leading innovation and entrepreneurship platform, proudly announces the official launch of Nawat, the country's first-ever Venture Capital (VC) Studio, marking a milestone in Iraq's evolving startup ecosystem. Nawat, Netaj's VC Studio, is designed to identify, support, and invest in high-potential Iraqi startups through a tailored 6-month journey that combines mentorship, product development, market access, and funding readiness. 'Nawat is a movement to reimagine how startups are built and backed in Iraq,' said Wissam Mattout, CEO of Netaj. 'We are bridging the gap between raw talent and structured capital, offering founders a launchpad to scale both locally and globally.' 'For too long, Iraqi entrepreneurs have had to build in isolation,' added Mattout. 'Nawat will equip them with the expertise, tools, and capital they need, not just to survive, but to lead the next wave of innovation in the region.' A Studio Model Built Locally Unlike one-size-fits-all traditional accelerators, the VC studio model takes a hands-on, co-building approach, allowing Netaj to work closely with founders from idea validation to product-market fit, and ultimately, investment. The studio is open to 40 startups, segmented across three tracks: • Ideation stage • MVP/Prototype stage • Early-established startups Each startup receives customized support, including expert-led bootcamps, one-on-one consultations, mentorship from industry veterans, and direct access to investors through demo days and curated matchmaking. 'This is Iraq's moment,' said Mattout. 'If we want to build serious startups, we need serious infrastructure. Nawat is the missing puzzle piece — designed for founders, by founders.' Strategic Investment + In-Kind Support Nawat offers a hybrid investment model, combining: • In-kind investment (product development, branding, digital tools) valued between $10K–$25K. • Direct financial investment ranging from $25K–$250K using convertible notes or equity. Netaj aims to invest in the top 5–10 startups that demonstrate traction, scalability, and founder commitment to operational growth. A New Era for Iraqi Startups With its headquarters in Baghdad's Jadriyah district, Netaj has positioned itself as a central hub for entrepreneurship in Iraq. Through Nawat, it seeks to nurture and back founders who are problem-driven, market-ready, and positioned for regional and ultimately global expansion. The launch of Nawat arrives at a time when the Iraqi private sector is in urgent need of innovation-driven ventures, digital solutions, and youth-led economic activity. About Netaj Netaj is a Baghdad-based innovation firm that offers venture support, strategic consulting, and capability-building for entrepreneurs and institutions. Its mission is to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem across Iraq through hands-on programs, access to capital, and long-term partnerships. For press inquiries and interviews, contact: media@ | IG: @ | LinkedIn: Netaj
