👋 Good morning, Smashi Business Readers!

Catch up on today’s top stories—from cross-border VC expansion in the UAE to a retail giant's legacy and Manchester City's financial milestones. Plus, an inspiring quote to kickstart your week.

📰 Here’s what we’re covering today:

• 🌍 India’s top VC fund lands in Abu Dhabi to bridge two thriving markets.

• 🛍️ Mango’s founder leaves behind a retail legacy across the GCC.

• ⚽ Manchester City’s record revenues and ambitious growth plans.

Let’s dive in 👇️ 

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🌍 India’s 100Unicorns Expands to Abu Dhabi

📰 What is it about?

• 100Unicorns, India’s top early-stage VC fund, has opened its first overseas office in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM, aiming to expand its $200 million fund into the MENA region.

💡 Why it matters?

• The move builds a cross-border investment corridor between India and the UAE, offering MENA investors access to India’s thriving $350 billion startup ecosystem, home to 111 unicorns.

🔜 What’s next?

• 100Unicorns plans to foster collaboration and innovation between two booming markets, making the UAE a gateway for Indian startups to scale globally.

Markets

🛍️ Mango Founder Passes Away, Leaving Behind a GCC Retail Legacy

📰 What is it about?

• Isaac Andic, Mango’s billionaire founder, tragically passed away at 71 after a hiking accident in Spain. Known for founding the global fashion giant, Andic’s vision reshaped the retail landscape, including a strong GCC presence.

💡 Why it matters?

• Mango operates over 100 stores across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, catering to the region’s demand for affordable global fashion. Despite controversies, Mango’s adaptability ensured its success in the GCC.

🔜 What’s next?

• Mango’s thriving GCC operations continue to honor Andic’s legacy, reflecting his transformative impact on global and regional retail.

💭Quote of the day
“Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know.” —Pema Chodron 🌞 

⚽ Manchester City’s Record Revenues and Growth Ambitions

📰 What is it about?

• Manchester City posted record-breaking revenues of £715 million ($903 million) and profits of £73.8 million, underpinned by successful player trades and a global TV audience of 694 million.

💡 Why it matters?

• The Abu Dhabi-backed club, owned by Sheikh Mansour, is a powerhouse of football and business, with significant investments boosting its global dominance.

🔜 What’s next?

• Manchester City is expanding Etihad Stadium with a £300 million project, while awaiting a Premier League investigation verdict on alleged financial breaches in 2025.

🔍In other news…

1. Dubai is shaping the future with over 800 AI companies calling it home “Dubai is the Future”

2. Saudi's PIF launches hotel management company Adeera to create homegrown hospitality brands

3. Better, MENA’s first men’s wellness startup, has secured $550,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by UAE-based Salica Spring Studios

4. Estonia's PLATMA lands $2.2M to power its MENA expansion

5. The Syrian pound has made a dramatic recovery in the black market, trading at 14,000 per US dollar for buying and 15,000 for selling

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