Netaj, a leading innovation platform in Iraq, has officially launched Nawat—the country’s first venture capital (VC) studio—marking a significant milestone for Iraq’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Based in Baghdad, Nawat aims to support 40 Iraqi startups through a rigorous six-month program that combines mentorship, product development, market access, and funding.
The studio’s three-stage model covers ideation, MVP/prototype development, and early-stage startups, offering tailored bootcamps, personalized guidance, and investor connections to accelerate growth. Wissam Mattout, CEO of Netaj, described Nawat as a movement to bridge the gap between raw talent and structured capital in Iraq’s startup landscape.
Startups participating in Nawat receive a hybrid investment package, including in-kind support valued between $10,000 and $25,000, alongside direct funding ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. Netaj plans to invest further in the top 5–10 ventures demonstrating strong scalability and founder commitment.
