Baghdad, Iraq – In a milestone for the Iraqi innovation ecosystem, Netaj, Iraq’s leading entrepreneurship platform, has officially launched Nawat, the country’s first-ever venture capital studio, aiming to back and build the next generation of startups.
Nawat will support 40 selected startups over a six-month hands-on programme across three key tracks: Ideation, MVP, and Early-Stage. The studio adopts a hands-on co-building model, differing from traditional accelerators by engaging deeply in startup development from idea validation to market readiness.
“Nawat is a movement to reimagine how startups are built and backed in Iraq,” said Dr. Wissam Mattout, CEO of Netaj. “We are bridging the gap between raw talent and structured capital, offering founders a launchpad to scale both locally and globally.”
The studio offers:
- Expert-led bootcamps
- 1:1 mentorship with industry leaders
- Investor access through demo days and curated matchmaking
It also deploys a hybrid investment model:
- In-kind support (valued at $10K–$25K) for branding, product development, and tools
- Direct investment ($25K–$250K) via convertible notes or equity
The programme is structured to culminate in direct investment into 5–10 high-potential startups demonstrating traction, scalability, and strong founder commitment.
“Nawat will equip them with the expertise, tools, and capital they need, not just to survive, but to lead the next wave of innovation in the region,” added Mattout.
Headquartered in Jadriyah, Baghdad, Netaj positions Nawat as a founder-first initiative, supporting digital transformation in Iraq’s private sector and enabling local startups to grow across MENA and global markets.
