Marhaba folks! 🌟

As we step into the final quarter of 2024, the air is crisp, the excitement of Halloween is near, and it's the perfect time to assess the tricks and treats in the business landscape. While the spooky season may be filled with costumes and candy, in our world, it's all about strategic moves, smart investments, and avoiding the ghosts of missed opportunities.

Today we are discussing,

• 🎙️ Podeo Secures $5.4M to Expand Beyond the Arab World.

• 🌐 Richard Attias Envisions Global Demand for Las Vegas Sphere Experience 🎉

• 🌟 Reality TV Star Ryan Serhant Joins Dubai Real Estate Scene! 🏡

Let's dive in! 👇

🎙️ Podeo Secures $5.4M to Expand Beyond the Arab World

📰 What is it about?

• Podeo, a UAE-based podcast distribution platform, has raised $5.4 million in a Series A funding round.

• The startup aims to expand its reach beyond the Arab world, targeting markets in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia.

• Podeo has grown to a subscriber base of 50 million, capitalizing on high engagement in podcasting, especially in emerging markets.

💡 Why it matters?

• With podcast listenership surpassing half a billion globally, Podeo’s expansion reflects a growing recognition of the podcasting potential in underserved markets.

• The platform's unique offerings, such as easy audio production tools and a revenue model free of subscription fees for creators, position it competitively against established players.

• By fostering local storytelling and content creation, Podeo contributes to cultural expression and community building in various regions.

🔜 What’s next?

• Podeo plans to enhance its platform by producing exclusive podcasts and collaborating with creators to diversify content offerings.

• The startup aims to leverage its ad-tech solutions to help creators monetize their content across multiple platforms without paywalls.

• As it expands, Podeo will continue adapting its strategies to meet the needs of different markets, providing local creators with the tools and resources to thrive.

📈 Markets

🌐 Richard Attias Envisions Global Demand for Las Vegas Sphere Experience 🎉

📰 What is it about?

• Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, discussed potential global interest in replicating the Las Vegas Sphere entertainment venue.

• Attias revealed that MSG Entertainment chief Jim Dolan is receiving numerous requests from various countries looking to bring a similar experience to their regions.

• The Las Vegas Sphere, which opened on September 29, 2023, with a residency by U2, is already generating significant attention for its cutting-edge design and technology.

💡 Why it matters?

• The Sphere, a $2.3 billion investment, has not only attracted top-tier entertainment but also generated substantial revenue, reporting $151 million in the second quarter of 2024.

• Its ability to draw tourists and boost local economies has made the concept appealing to countries looking to enhance their tourism sectors.

• The interest from diverse nations indicates a growing trend towards high-tech entertainment venues that blend cultural and entertainment offerings, potentially reshaping global tourism landscapes.

🔜 What’s next?

• The 8th edition of the Future Investment Initiative will take place from October 29 to 31 in Riyadh, where discussions on investment opportunities and innovations in entertainment are expected to be a key focus.

• As countries express interest in developing their own versions of the Sphere, we may see a surge in similar entertainment projects worldwide, highlighting a potential new trend in global tourism and investment strategies.

• Attias and Dolan's collaborations could pave the way for the development of cutting-edge venues, enhancing cultural exchange and economic growth in various regions.

Quote of the day
“If you’re clear on what you believe, you have a great foundation to go make a market.” – Ginni Rometty, former chairman, president and CEO of IBM

🌟 Reality TV Star Ryan Serhant Joins Dubai Real Estate Scene! 🏡

📰 What is it about?

• Ryan Serhant, a renowned real estate broker and star of Netflix's "Owning Manhattan," will speak at The Game Changers - Dubai Real Estate Summit on October 24th.

• The event aims to guide brokers on succeeding in Dubai’s competitive property market, featuring insights from Serhant and Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties.

• This summit comes during a significant boom in Dubai real estate, with sales reaching AED 47.3 billion ($12.88 billion) in August 2024.

💡 Why it matters?

• The summit offers valuable insider knowledge from top professionals to help brokers navigate Dubai’s rapidly changing real estate landscape.

• With an influx of global investors projected to spend over AED 16 billion ($4.36 billion) in Dubai property, the demand for expertise and innovative strategies is higher than ever.

• Serhant’s experience, including over $10 billion in sales and a successful brokerage firm, brings credibility and relevance to the discussions.

🔜 What’s next?

• Attendees will gain practical insights on selling off-plan mega projects and transitioning into Dubai's ultra-luxury market.

• The event aims to inspire and empower brokers with actionable strategies, enhancing their skills and knowledge to capitalize on the booming market.

• Serhant's participation highlights the growing international interest in Dubai real estate, potentially attracting more high-profile professionals to the region.

In other news…

1. UAE Federal Tax Authority has extended deadline for corporate tax filing, but not for everyone.

2. Apply Pay has made its debut in Oman.

3. UAE has a new trillion-dollar asset management company in ADGM.

4. Moody’s has downgraded Israel’s credit rating, and…

5. Google has a new HQ in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Latest from the Smashi Business Studio

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