Netaj’s ‘Nawat’ Studio Launches to Propel Iraq’s Startups Forward

Malaz Madani

Last updated 23-06-2025

3 min

Netaj launches "Nawat" studio to support Iraq's startups with investment and mentoring.

Nawat will guide 40 startups through ideation, MVP, and early launch stages.

The programme includes boot camps, one-to-one advisory, and pitch days for investors.

Netaj plans to invest in 5-10 startups showing strong growth and potential for expansion.

Nawat's structured support could transform Iraq's startup landscape by turning ideas into reality.

In a bold move to boost Iraq's startup ecosystem, Netaj has announced the launch of its brand-new studio, "Nawat," dedicated to helping promising local startups through investment and tailored mentoring. With entrepreneurial spirit booming across the region—something we've been tracking at Arageek with interest—this comes as welcome news indeed.

Designed as a vibrant, hands-on programme, Nawat will support 40 startups over a structured six-month period. The founders will be divided into three distinct categories, depending on how far they've got: initial ideation phase, minimum viable product (MVP) stage, and early launch phase.

Now, each stage comes with its own challenges—I reckon anyone who's been tangled up in startup land knows what an absolute rollercoaster it can be. But the Nawat programme seems spot on, really. It promises bespoke care through intensive boot camps led by experienced mentors, one-to-one advisory sessions, and specialist guidance. Plus, they'll organise 'pitch days' and matchmaking initiatives to connect ambitious entrepreneurs directly with seasoned investors.

On the flip side, Netaj won’t just offer mentorship: they're planning to literally put their money where their mouth is. By the end of those six months, they'll identify about five to ten startups showing strong growth indicators, potential for regional expansion, and good old-fashioned grit shown by the founders. These chosen few will receive investment support to help accelerate their plans.

As someone who closely follows the MENA entrepreneurial scene, I'm pretty chuffed to bits by initiatives like these. Iraq is full of untapped talent, and seeing this practical, punchy model—combining advice and actual funding—could genuinely tip the scales for startups dreaming big but finding resources limited.

Believe it or not, startup journeys in nascent markets can be a bit of a faff without the right support. Too many great ideas get stuck at the blueprint stage because founders don't quite have the tools or the financing. Nawat's approach, with clear pathways and structured investment, feels refreshingly pragmatic—it just might prove transformational for Iraq's aspiring entrepreneurs.

I do wonder how the integration with local investors will pan out, though. Ensuring those pitch days truly attract regional backers could be a crucial success factor. Still, there's real reason for optimism here, and I’ll definately be keeping a close eye on how these startup stars perform once they’re given the right resources to flourish.

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