Netaj, Iraq’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship platform, has officially launched Nawat, the country’s first Venture Capital (VC) Studio, in a major push to reshape the startup landscape.
The initiative aims to equip Iraqi founders with the capital, mentorship, and infrastructure they need to build globally competitive companies from within the country.
“Nawat is a movement to reimagine how startups are built and backed in Iraq,” said 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 six-month program offers a high-touch, hands-on support model tailored for startups at various stages, from ideation to MVP and early traction. The goal is not just to incubate ideas but to co-build high-potential ventures through a studio model proven in global ecosystems.
VC Studio Model: Built in Iraq, for Iraq
Unlike accelerators that rely on linear programming, Nawat’s studio approach allows Netaj to work alongside founders in every critical phase, from idea validation and product development to funding readiness and investor connections.
The program will support up to 40 startups across three main tracks:
- Ideation stage
- MVP/Prototype stage
- Early-established startups
Participating startups will benefit from expert-led bootcamps, dedicated mentorship from regional and international veterans, and exposure to curated investors through demo days and deal-matching events.
“For too long, Iraqi entrepreneurs have had to build in isolation,” Mattout added. “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.”
Nawat combines in-kind investment worth $10,000–$25,000 (product development, branding, and digital infrastructure) with direct capital ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 via convertible notes or equity.
Netaj will selectively invest in 5 to 10 standout startups showing strong founder-market fit, traction, and scale potential.
A Defining Moment for Iraqi Entrepreneurship
Headquartered in Baghdad’s Jadriyah district, Netaj is positioning itself as the nerve center of Iraq’s private-sector revival.
With Nawat, the firm is building out the institutional backbone required to turn Iraq’s raw talent and untapped markets into a thriving, founder-led tech economy.
“This is Iraq’s moment,” said Mattout. “If we want to build serious startups, we need serious infrastructure. Nawat is the missing puzzle piece, designed for founders, by founders.”
As Iraq’s economy looks to pivot beyond oil and public sector reliance, Nawat represents a timely intervention, a bet on youth, digital tools, and venture-scale thinking to drive sustainable, local innovation.
