In a groundbreaking move for Iraq’s startup landscape, Netaj, the country’s leading innovation platform, has launched Nawat, its first-ever Venture Capital (VC) studio. Designed to empower Iraq’s entrepreneurial talent, Nawat offers a hands-on, six-month program supporting 40 startups at different stages of growth.
This initiative marks a pivotal shift in how startups in Iraq are built, funded, and scaled, putting founders at the center of a purpose-built ecosystem.
What is Nawat?
Unlike traditional accelerators, Nawat takes a studio model approach, working closely with entrepreneurs from idea to execution. It’s not just about guidance; it’s about co-building. The program is split across three main tracks to support startups at various levels:
- Ideation Stage – For entrepreneurs still shaping their core idea
- MVP/Prototype Stage – For startups developing their first product
- Early-Stage Startups – For businesses already in market, looking to grow
Each startup selected will receive a customized journey, including bootcamps, mentoring, investor access, and business-building resources.
Founder-First, Region-Focused
Wissam Mattout, CEO of Netaj, calls Nawat “a movement to reimagine how startups are built and backed in Iraq.” He emphasizes that founders in Iraq have long faced barriers like limited funding and lack of infrastructure.
“Nawat will equip them with the tools, expertise, and capital they need, not just to survive, but to lead Iraq’s digital future,” said Mattout.
The studio’s location in Baghdad’s Jadriyah district reinforces its commitment to being accessible, community-driven, and deeply rooted in local innovation.
What Startups Get
The 40 selected startups will benefit from an intensive and hands-on support package:
- Expert-Led Bootcamps – Learn from leaders in tech, product, and growth
- 1:1 Mentorship – Ongoing feedback from successful founders and domain experts
- Investor Access – Demo days and curated introductions to regional VCs
- Product and Market Support – Guidance on validation, branding, and scaling
- Community & Workspace – Access to Netaj’s co-working spaces and ecosystem
This founder-focused approach ensures that each participant is set up not just to build a product, but to build a company.
A Unique Investment Model
Nawat’s hybrid investment strategy gives startups both the tools and the capital they need:
- In-Kind Support – Resources worth $10K–$25K for product, design, branding, and more
- Direct Funding – Equity or convertible note investments ranging from $25K to $250K
Netaj plans to invest in 5–10 standout startups that show high potential, strong traction, and scalable business models.
A Milestone for Iraq’s Startup Scene
With the private sector in Iraq in urgent need of innovation, digital tools, and youth-driven solutions, Nawat couldn’t come at a better time. It fills a long-standing gap in the Iraqi startup ecosystem, connecting raw talent with real capital, infrastructure, and growth support.
For Iraqi founders ready to scale their impact, Nawat is more than a program, it’s a launchpad into the future.