In this episode of "Born to Disrupt," hosts Mark Walker and Simon engage with Michael Lints, a partner at Golden Gate Ventures, to explore the dynamic venture capital landscape in the MENA region. Michael shares his journey from tech enthusiast to venture capitalist, highlighting the cultural nuances and relationship-driven nature of business in the Middle East. The discussion delves into the region's evolving perception from a capital hub to an innovation powerhouse, driven by government initiatives and emerging tech sectors like AI and healthcare. With insights into strategic partnerships and market expansion, this episode offers a compelling look at the opportunities and challenges in the Middle East's venture capital scene.

In this episode of Born to Disrupt, hosts Simon Hardie and Grant Niven are joined by Ciku Mugambi, a seasoned investor and operator, to explore the complex realities of building and investing in startups across Africa. Drawing from her diverse experience in audit, consulting, private equity, and startup leadership, Ciku offers a grounded and candid perspective on what it takes to build sustainable, impactful businesses in volatile environments.