News
Eight things that matter this week
![8 things that matter this week, Selena Gomez, Pokemon Go, Google updates, Facebook messenger, facebook music](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/weekly-digest4.png)
Pokemon Go is planning to launch location-based ads, Facebook to introduce disappearing messages just like Snapchat, Twitter ads more rich stuff to drive more customer support through the platform, Snapchat live streaming is on its way, and even more.
1. Music Streaming and translation tool are coming to Facebook:
Facebook’s music feature allows users to post and share music circulated by music streaming services like Apple Music or Spotify on their Facebook timelines. The feature allows users to share and comment on the music.
Also, Facebook is testing a translation tool among a small group of users. Such a tool is expected to boost much-needed connectivity around the world. Such a tool has been there for corporates, celebrities, and groups and soon will be available to general users.
2. Twitter Launched a new live stream platform, just for major events
Twitter has just launched its first live stream broadcast with Wimbledon games last week in partnership with ESPN, also Twitter said it will be streaming live video provided by CBS from the upcoming Republican and Democratic national conventions.
Also, Twitter and Bloomberg reached an agreement to live-stream three financial news shows, including Bloomberg West, What’d You Miss? With all due respect, and the network’s daily stock market coverage.
This is not everything, Twitter is in talks with the NBA, Major League Soccer and Time Warner Inc’s cable network Turner Broadcasting to buy digital streaming rights for content related to major sports and events.
3. Live Sports Broadcasting is coming to Snapchat:
Snapchat is in talks with sports leagues to bring live sports broadcasting to its messaging platform.
Snapchat live streaming will begin with the NCAA Final Four, the monetization for the NCAA stories will be by selling brand sponsorships for each of them.
4. Disappearing messages on Messenger? Yes, it’s coming…
Last week i mentioned that Facebook is adding end-to-end encryption to Messenger, Users in a secret conversation will be able to set a timer to control the length of time each message you send remains visible within the conversation.
For iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus users, Facebook added new Peek and Pop gestures of Messenger, users will now be able to try out the pressure-sensitive abilities of 3D Touch to more easily navigate through the app.
5. Twitter adds 2 cool customer services features:
Twitter is testing a new feature that should help users get faster customer support from brands and businesses they follow.
On select profiles, it’s now displaying when those accounts are most responsive.
Also, Twitter testing a ‘Featured Tweets’ tab that seems to display tweets curated by the account owner.
PS: Now you can upload GIFs up to 15 MB.
6. Instagram got a new Queen and she’s Selena Gomes <3
Selena Gomez officially has the most-liked Instagram photo of all time, and she looks absolutely awesome in it.
Step aside, Justin Bieber and Kendall Jenner
7. Ads are coming to Pokemon GO:
According to John Hanke, Niantic chief executive officer said: “sponsored locations” are coming to the app soon.
During his interview with The Financial Times, Hanke said: Niantic will charge advertisers on a “cost per visit” basis.
Data from SimilarWeb shows 3% of all Americans used the game last Friday, only slightly behind the 3.5% who opened Twitter, and the game has been installed on more US Android smartphones than Tinder.
8. Google acquires Kifi to improve Spaces app:
Kifi platform allows companies to create knowledge bases by sharing links and content in Libraries and allows groups to discuss it.
Kifi will be shutting down its service soon, but existing users can continue to access the app for a few more weeks.
News
Saudi Fintech Lendo Signs MOU with J.P. Morgan
![Saudi Startup Lendo Joins Forces with J.P. Morgan to Enhance SME Financing](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Lendo-x-JP-Morgan-MOU.png)
Lendo, a Saudi Arabia-based Shariah-compliant crowdlending marketplace, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today with J.P. Morgan to improve access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
The MOU was signed during 24 Fintech, a premier fintech event that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and investors in Riyadh.
J.P. Morgan and Lendo are working together on potential opportunities to support the SME sector in Saudi Arabia in growing and sustaining the remarkable demand in this market.
“This strategic collaboration with J.P. Morgan, a pioneer in the financial industry, marks a significant milestone for Lendo,” said Osama Alraee, CEO and co-founder of Lendo. “By combining our strengths, we’ll deliver cutting-edge financial solutions to SMEs, supporting their growth and contributing directly to the realization of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
The SME financing landscape in MENA presents a substantial market opportunity as limited financial access continues to restrict the growth of the region’s businesses, with commercial banks hesitant to issue loans to SMEs at scale, resulting in a high percentage of declined financing requests annually.
The total SME financing gap in developing countries is estimated to be approximately $5.2 trillion, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Lendo’s debt crowdfunding platform aims to bridge the financing gap for SMEs, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to significantly expand SME lending from 4% in 2018 to 20% by 2030.
According to the latest available report from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the total value of debt crowdfunding in Saudi Arabia surged from SAR 1.4 million in 2019 to SAR 771 million in 2022, marking a remarkable growth.
Lendo raised SAR 132 million ($35.2 million) in total funding from leading investors, including the most recent Series B led by Sanabil Investments, a wholly-owned company by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Since its inception in December 2019, Saudi fintech Lendo has processed over 5,000 financing transactions on its platform, providing over SAR 2 billion ($600 million) in financing to SMEs and generating SAR 280 million ($74 million) in returns for investors.
News
TA Telecom Introduces AnteThink: A New AI Decision Support Tool
![**TA Telecom Introduces AnteThink: A New AI Decision Support Tool for Enhanced Decision-Making**](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/antethink-ta-telecom.png)
TA Telecom, a prominent player in the Middle East’s tech sector, has unveiled AnteThink, an AI-driven tool designed to enhance decision-making processes for individuals and businesses alike.
With a history of influencing the tech landscape through various initiatives, including advanced mobile solutions, high-volume payment platforms, and ventures in e-commerce, fintech, and analytics, TA Telecom has carved a niche for itself. Serving a vast user base of 40 million and processing an impressive 15 billion transactions across its platforms, TA Telecom has cemented its position as a tech industry leader, with some of its ventures achieving the status of Y Combinator companies.
Established in 2000, TA Telecom has emerged as a prominent player in the technology sector. With over 40 million users and processing 15 billion transactions annually, TA Telecom has made a notable impact. Recognized for its contributions by the Financial Times and featured on Deloitte’s list of fastest-growing tech companies in EMEA, TA Telecom is known for its adaptability and forward-thinking approach in the ever-evolving global tech landscape.
Sameh Ibrahim, CEO of TA Telecom, highlights the potential of AnteThink: “AnteThink reflects our commitment to leverage technology for practical impact. It aims to provide clarity and confidence in decision-making, whether in the professional or personal sphere. AnteThink is a tool that can empower startup founders, executives, and individuals to make more informed choices, alleviating the stress and uncertainty often associated with critical decision-making.”
Mostafa Ashour, CEO of Y Combinator-backed startup NowPay, shared his perspective on AnteThink: “AnteThink transformed our strategic planning, allowing us to explore various scenarios and prepare for different outcomes. It has strengthened our decision-making process, helping us navigate the complexities of the business landscape.”
AnteThink embodies TA Telecom’s commitment to innovation, focusing on supporting the startup ecosystem. The tool is tailored to help leaders and executives navigate the complexities of business management and strategic development by providing a clear picture of potential outcomes.
Key Features of AnteThink include:
1. Second Order Mode: Offering a comprehensive analysis of broader impacts, fostering a strategic mindset for long-term success.
2. Optionality Mode: Enabling detailed evaluation and comparison of different choices to ensure decisions align with strategic objectives and values.
3. Inversion Mode: Focusing on identifying and mitigating potential risks, thereby strengthening risk management strategies.
![TA Telecom Introduces AnteThink: A New AI Decision Support Tool for Enhanced Decision-Making](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/antethink-screenshot-800x450.png)
Credit: Antethink
AnteThink’s advanced AI technology aims to assist decision-makers with insightful analytics, offering guidance through the decision-making process.
News
GoDaddy’s Global Markets VP Predicts Egypt’s E-commerce to Hit $9.88 Billion by 2028
![GoDaddy's Global Markets VP Predicts Egypt's E-commerce to Hit $9.88 Billion by 2028](https://adigitalboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Selina-Bieber-the-Senior-Director-of-Global-Markets-at-GoDaddy.webp)
Selina Bieber, the Senior Director of Global Markets at GoDaddy, has predicted a significant increase in Egypt’s e-commerce revenue. By 2028, it could reach $9.88 billion.
Godaddy is forming strategic partnerships and launching initiatives to help local entrepreneurs. These efforts align with Egypt’s digital transformation goals and its Vision 2030.
In an interview with the Arabic financial news “Amwal Al Ghad,” Bieber spoke about GoDaddy’s plans and how they match Egypt’s 2023 strategy. She highlighted the company’s aim to provide effective, easy-to-use digital tools and services. By 2024, GoDaddy wants to serve more customers in Egypt by making its digital tools more widespread.
The company is working closely with the Egyptian government, especially the Ministry of Planning. They are offering training programs to improve the digital skills of startups and existing businesses. GoDaddy’s services in Egypt include domain registration, web hosting, e-commerce solutions, and digital marketing tools.
Recent surveys support Bieber’s positive outlook for e-commerce in Egypt. They show a clear trend towards digital strategies among small businesses. Many are realizing the importance of having an online presence for their growth and success.
As GoDaddy continues its partnerships and supports government digital initiatives, its influence on Egypt’s digital landscape is growing. The company is committed to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. It aims not just for business growth but also to contribute to a sustainable and thriving digital economy in Egypt.
The 2028 projection indicates a vast potential for e-commerce, with GoDaddy playing a key role in this digital evolution.
-
Startups9 years ago
3 Creative Egyptian Women Who Master E-commerce
-
News9 years ago
11 Talented Egyptian Photographers on Instagram
-
Campaigns8 years ago
Vodafone Egypt Brings Generations Together, Unlocks 4G Power
-
Marketing8 years ago
Which categories will suffer most from increased prices in Egypt?
-
Apps8 years ago
Radio Garden Live Map of The Globe’s Radio Stations
-
News8 years ago
Top 10 Egyptian Fashionistas to Follow on Instagram
-
Campaigns8 years ago
7 Big Stats That Show Which Ramadan Advertisements Resonated Most
-
Opinion8 years ago
F*** Being a Founder, Be a Follower