Market Mirror News had the opportunity to interview
– Mohamed Okaasha: Founder and Managing Partner of Disruptic Fund
– Malik Sultan: Partner at Disruptic Fund
– Yahia Abu Al-Wafa: Partner at Disruptic Fund.
The interview
What is DisrupTech’s Strategic Plan for 2025?
In 2025 and 2026, our focus remains on fueling the growth of our existing portfolio companies while exploring new investment opportunities. So far, we have deployed nearly two-thirds of our committed capital, with the remainder expected to be invested in promising startups through the end of 2026. This phase represents a continuation of our value-building journey, as we lay the groundwork for successful exits starting in 2027—aligned with the strategic milestones and maturity of several portfolio companies.
We firmly believe that Egypt is not only a large and dynamic market but also a vibrant hub of talent in technology and innovation. Egyptian entrepreneurs have consistently demonstrated their ability to deliver scalable, competitive solutions on a regional and global level. Supporting this exceptional talent—both within Egypt and abroad—remains central to our investment strategy in the years ahead.
What is the Fund’s Current AUM? Are There Plans to Increase It?
DisrupTech currently manages a $36 million fund. Considering the success of our first fund, launching a second fund is a natural next step. This reflects the confidence our investors have in our performance and vision.
We are actively exploring the launch of a second fund in collaboration with both existing and potential new investors. We expect to have clearer visibility on this front over the course of next year.
Are There Exit Plans for Companies Within the Current Portfolio?
Yes, we’re preparing for strategic exits starting in 2027 for several companies that have shown strong growth and reached pivotal inflection points. These exits may take the form of secondary sales or strategic partnerships with leading regional or global players.
Which Sectors Will DisrupTech Focus on in the Coming Period?
We are a sector-focused fund specializing in fintech and are committed to building a holistic ecosystem that includes infrastructure, financial services, and sector-specific technologies. Our portfolio is categorized into four main segments:
Financial Infrastructure: Companies like BanknBox and Connect Money, offering innovative solutions to help institutions digitize and expand their financial services.
Financial Services: Platforms such as MNT-Halan, Khazna, Lucky, MalBazaar, and Bokra, providing inclusive finance and insurance products to underserved populations.
Strategic Sectors: Companies innovating in healthtech (Mozare3), agritech (iSUPPLY), and edtech (Sprints).
Advanced Tech & Innovation: Such as WideBot, developing Arabic AI-driven chatbots, and Hamilton, specializing in Bitcoin-based asset tokenization.
Looking ahead, we are placing strong emphasis on artificial intelligence due to its transformative potential in boosting service efficiency and driving both social and economic impact.
How Does the Fund Select Startups for Investment?
We adopt a comprehensive evaluation process based on the strength of the founding team, market size, scalability potential, and the presence of clear, sustainable performance indicators.
How Many Startups Has DisrupTech Invested in So Far?
To date, DisrupTech has invested in 21 startups. Collectively, these companies have created over 50,000 jobs and generated revenues exceeding $450 million, operating across 12 markets. This underlines our commitment to enabling innovation and driving real economic growth.
One standout example is our initial $4 million investment, in partnership with Egypt’s MSMEDA, which catalyzed an additional $400 million in follow-on funding—a remarkable 1:100 leverage ratio that demonstrates our ability to maximize impact and support Egypt’s broader economic development agenda.
What is the Average Investment Size Per Company?
Our average ticket size ranges between $250,000 and $1.25 million, depending on the startup’s stage and funding needs. The overall average investment per company stands at approximately $1.2 million.
Is the Fund’s Investment Focus Limited to Egyptian Startups?
While our core investment focus is on Egyptian entrepreneurs and companies, we also back Egyptian founders operating abroad—as long as their tech and operational bases remain in Egypt. This strategy allows us to export Egyptian talent while expanding our impact across regional and international markets.
Are There Any Notable Success Stories from the Portfolio?
Several success stories highlight the strength of our strategy. In fintech, MNT-Halan exemplifies cross-border scalability. After becoming Egypt’s first fintech unicorn in 2022 with a $1B+ valuation, it expanded in 2024 through strategic acquisitions in Turkey (TamNas) and Pakistan (Advans), positioning itself for global competitiveness.
Khazna, another strong performer, has reached Pre-Series B and launched operations in Saudi Arabia—showcasing the maturity and scalability of its model.
In digital banking infrastructure, BanknBox is expanding into Qatar, offering next-gen financial solutions tailored to emerging markets.
Our SaaS champions—WideBot and Sprints—export AI and tech training services to the Gulf, Africa, and Europe while maintaining their operational hubs in Egypt. These companies are setting a benchmark for high-value job localization and digital knowledge export.
We also completed a successful exit from Fatura, one of our early investments. It was first acquired by EFG Hermes in 2022, then later by MaxAB-Wasoko, as part of a regional e-commerce consolidation play. This exit demonstrates our ability to scale companies into attractive acquisition targets for major players.
What Percentage of Portfolio Companies Secured Follow-on Funding?
We primarily invest in early-stage companies (Pre-Seed and Seed), which often require longer timelines to mature. Despite this, over 90% of our portfolio has successfully raised additional funding—validating their operational resilience and long-term growth potential.
There Were Reports About a $70M Fund Launch in 2026. Any Updates?
The idea of a second fund aligns with global venture norms following a successful initial fund close. Our immediate focus is on wrapping up our first fund successfully in the coming year, while maintaining a positive outlook for launching a $70M second fund when the time is right.
How Does DisrupTech View the Evolution of Egypt’s Startup Ecosystem, Especially After Setbacks Like Capiter?
Egypt’s startup ecosystem has undergone significant transformation, particularly in the tech and digital services sectors. While setbacks like Capiter served as cautionary tales, they also accelerated the push for stronger governance and more resilient business models.
We’re seeing increased capital efficiency—less flashy spending, more focus on product innovation and user experience. Companies with light-asset models and exportable digital solutions are best positioned for sustainable growth.
Moreover, maintaining cost structures in Egyptian pounds while generating revenues in foreign currencies gives startups a buffer against local volatility and boosts their competitiveness globally. We see this as a strategic pillar for tech companies scaling from Egypt to the world.
What Role Does the Fund Play in Supporting the Regulatory Landscape for Fintech?
We actively contribute to shaping the fintech regulatory framework in Egypt by engaging in policy dialogues and participating in institutional events with government stakeholders and strategic partners.
By showcasing our portfolio’s success stories, we aim to inform and inspire regulatory evolution that both accelerates innovation and safeguards the financial ecosystem. Our engagement benefits not only our portfolio but also the broader ecosystem by helping build a more enabling environment.
Are There Any New Strategic Partnerships with Banks, Corporates, or Investment Funds?
Yes, we are strengthening partnerships with major banks, financial institutions, and regional and international investment funds to amplify our impact and unlock more growth opportunities.
Is the Fund Exploring Expansion Into New Markets Outside Egypt?
While Egypt remains our primary focus, we do invest in Egyptian founders building companies abroad—as long as their technical and operational cores stay rooted in Egypt. This approach lets us amplify Egypt’s tech talent across borders and scale our impact in regional and global markets.
Is There Collaboration with Government or International Institutions to Promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship?
We’re proud to partner with top-tier institutions like the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Proparco, and MSMEDA, who serve as key anchor investors. These collaborations play a vital role in supporting Egypt’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem through impactful and strategic capital deployment.
