In a significant milestone for Iraq’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape, 10 high-potential Iraqi startups from the 11th cohort of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) recently presented their ventures to a specialized jury. The pitching event was designed to showcase the startups’ progress, market traction, and strategic plans for future scaling. This session serves as a critical evaluation point to determine which ventures are prepared to transition into the next phase of the program, known as Track 2.
Rigorous Evaluation by Industry Leaders
The evaluation jury featured prominent representatives from Iraq Venture Partners (IVP) and Kapita, two key pillars of the Iraqi investment and business development scene. The startups were assessed on several key metrics, including:
- Performance and Traction: The progress made during the initial phases of the cohort.
- Investment Readiness: The overall maturity of the business model and its attractiveness to potential investors.
- Scaling Potential: The viability of their strategies for expansion within and beyond the Iraqi market.
Advancing to Track 2: Scaling and Financial Support
Startups selected to move forward to Track 2 will unlock a more intensive level of support tailored for scaling. This phase typically includes advanced investment readiness training, focusing on governance and financial management, to prepare founders for formal capital raises. Furthermore, advancing startups gain access to specialized financial instruments, which may include pre-investment grants, zero-interest loans, or co-investment opportunities designed to bridge the funding gap for early-stage impact ventures.
Strengthening the Iraqi Tech Ecosystem
This event highlights the ongoing collaborative efforts to build a resilient private sector in Iraq. By providing a structured pathway from incubation to investment, programs like OCIF—supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands—are essential for nurturing local innovation. The partnership between IVP and Kapita in this jury process underscores a shared commitment to identifying and grooming the next generation of Iraqi tech leaders.
About Iraq Venture Partners
Iraq Venture Partners (IVP) is the first Baghdad-based early-stage venture capital firm. Founded in 2021, IVP is dedicated to providing “smart capital” to exceptional Iraqi ventures, offering not only funding but also mentorship and access to a regional network of investors. The firm acts as a bridge between high-potential local startups and regional VCs, while also serving as an investment readiness expert to stimulate deal flow within the Iraqi market.
About Kapita
Kapita is a leading private sector business development group in Iraq that empowers entrepreneurs through a “three-engine” strategy: incubation/acceleration, data-driven research, and digital transformation. Through its Business Hub, Kapita manages major initiatives such as Orange Corners Baghdad and the Iraqi Angel Investors Network. The organization is committed to driving economic growth by helping local SMEs and startups scale while providing international companies with the insights needed to enter the Iraqi market.
Source: LinkedIn
