MENAS GLOBAL MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Plus AI in focus at the '24 Paris Olympics
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Today’s program:
AI at the ‘24 Paris Olympics
Raising $$ for the MENAS GLOBAL MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES FUND
And….Action!
AI at the ‘24 Paris Olympics
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the Paris 2024 Olympics, integrating into every aspect of the Games. Intel, the Official AI Platform Partner, has introduced cutting-edge technology that could change the future of sports.
AI in Action at Stade de France
Intel’s booth at the Stade de France is a hotspot for spectators. Visitors undergo a series of tests that measure their body’s strengths and weaknesses. These tests include running on the spot, squeezing devices, and reacting to flashing lights. The results identify which sport among the 12 options, including football, sprinting, and table tennis, suits them best.
Spotting Future Olympians
This technology isn't just for fun. It has the potential to discover future Olympians from all corners of the globe. In Senegal, Intel and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) tested this tech with over 1,000 young people. Forty-eight high performers were identified and will now be part of a program run by the Senegalese National Olympic Committee.
AI Assisting Athletes
AI is also making life easier for current Olympians. Intel has developed a chatbot to help athletes with various needs, from navigating Paris to getting family accredited. This real-time assistance allows athletes to focus on their performance. Additionally, the IOC’s AI-powered tool monitors social media for signs of abuse, protecting athletes from online harassment.
Enhanced Viewing Experience
For spectators, AI is enhancing the viewing experience. Intel’s Automatic Highlights Generation system captures key moments from the Games, making highlights more accessible.
NBC leverages AI through its Peacock app, providing personalized 10-minute highlight playlists.
Omega’s AI-powered tools ensure accurate timekeeping, tracking athletes’ movements in real-time.
Source: EuroNews
Raising $$ for the MENAS GLOBAL MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Introduction
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the MENAS Global Media Opportunities Fund, a unique investment opportunity targeting the high-growth, recession-proof sector of global content media and media-tech investments. This special edition of our newsletter is dedicated to providing comprehensive insights into the fund, its objectives, and the immense opportunities it presents for investors.
Fund Objective
Generating High Risk-Adjusted Alpha
The MENAS Global Media Opportunities Fund aims to generate high risk-adjusted alpha within the ecosystem of global content media and media-tech investments. Our focus areas include North America, the U.K., the Middle East, and India. We are committed to ready deal flow, curated strategies, clear exit planning, and fueling the next generation of entertainment and talent creation.
Growth Prospects and Industry Dynamics
A Lucrative Macro Opportunity
The media and entertainment sector is ripe with opportunities, particularly in the regions we are targeting. According to market research from BCG, McKinsey, PWC, and EY, the market size of digital content in India and the Middle East alone is projected to exceed $15 billion. Post-COVID and the global funding freeze, valuations have come down, increasing investors' bargaining power. The industry requires an ecosystem approach to scaling, and the unique timing post-pandemic provides a lucrative macro opportunity.
Emerging Segments and New Models
Localization: Tailoring content to regional preferences is crucial in these diverse markets.
Immersive Entertainment: Engaging experiences that captivate audiences are in high demand.
New Monetization Models: Innovative revenue streams blending social, gaming, and commerce are becoming increasingly popular.
New Platforms and Devices: Leveraging the latest technology for content delivery opens new avenues for growth.
Creator Centricity: Focusing on content creators and their unique needs is essential for sustainable growth.
AI-Human Co-Creation: Combining AI with human creativity for virtual production enhances content quality and efficiency.
Investment Themes
Phase 1: Focused Investment Themes
Content Production & Development: Powering the next decade of top content, focusing on franchise creation and co-creation with top Hollywood studios for regional markets.
Media & Entertainment Infrastructure: Building world-class facilities including virtual studios, VFX tools, sound production, and specialized film schools.
Roll-Ups & Acquisitions: Creating cross-region conglomerates for scale, efficiency, and cross-monetization of IP.
Structured Finance: Serving as the backbone of every major content creation, offering specialized financial services.
Distributions & Syndication: Strategic project and partner selection diversified across languages.
Phase 2: Opportunistic Investment Themes
New Business Models: Targeting the next 500 million consumers with innovative models.
Next Gen Live Entertainment: Developing the future of live entertainment.
AI-Driven Animation/VFX: Utilizing AI tools for cutting-edge production.
Gaming and Gamification: Expanding in the gaming sector with tech integration.
Virtual Rights and Emerging Tech: Leveraging virtual rights and emerging technologies for scalable growth.
The Team
Deep Transaction and Sector Experience
Our team comprises industry veterans with extensive experience across banking, M&A, capital markets, content media, and film distributions. Highlights include:
Saurabh Gupta, CAIA: Specialist in alternative investments and international film distributions.
Dhruv Saxena: Expert in corporate and structured finance with experience in treasury, capital markets, and private equity.
Viktor Jordan: Experienced in market entry and development strategies in the MENA region.
Charudutta Joshi: Specialist in banking, financial services and market development across the Middle East, Singapore and India.
Fund Raise Ask
Seeking Limited Partners and Investors
We are raising capital for Phase 1 of the fund, targeting $50 million ($20 million committed), with a subsequent Phase 2 goal of $150 million. Our fund offers a compelling investment opportunity with a target IRR of 20-22% per annum (net of fees and expenses), and annual distributions up to 12% per annum.
Investment Focus
Curated Mix of Rightful Winners
The fund will invest in a curated mix of large and small companies across the ecosystem. We focus on sectors with high growth potential and opportunities for value creation, including content production, media infrastructure, structured finance, and more.
Fund Exclusive Deals:
World’s fastest-growing content production studio projected to generate $100 million+ in revenue over the next two years.
First and only multibillion-dollar studio, university, and live-entertainment destination in India’s financial capital.
Premier film, gaming, and animation studio business backed by South Asia’s largest conglomerate-family, on path to become a $1 billion venture.
Specialty financial services / revenue based financing entity exclusively supporting the content pipeline of Netflix, Amazon, and other leading OTT platforms in Asia.
What’s in it for the Investor
High-Yield Investments and Strategic Growth
Investors in the MENAS Global Media Opportunities Fund will benefit from high-yield investments, strategic growth opportunities, and a balanced strategy with both fixed returns and equity upside. The fund is structured to provide a mix of fixed returns and equity upside, ensuring security and potential for significant gains.
Special Mention: Unique Timing and Macro Opportunity
Capitalizing on Post-Pandemic Dynamics
The unique timing post-pandemic and post-global funding freeze offers a rare opportunity to invest in undervalued companies with increased bargaining power. The fund aims to build efficiency and scale in the media and media-tech sector, requiring specialized and urgent funding to capitalize on the AI rush and growth capital needs.
Market Size and Potential
The market size for digital content in India and the Middle East is significant, with projections indicating it will exceed $15 billion. The region's media and entertainment industry is characterized by high consumption rates and a young, digitally-savvy population. With less than 20% penetration of platforms and paid services, there is immense room for growth. Additionally, the India-MENA corridor is expanding, creating new segments and opportunities for investors.
Contact Us
For more information about investment opportunities, please contact me at viniitmehta@mehttaventuresdubai.com OR book time via my scheduling link here.
Stay tuned to our newsletter for more exciting investment opportunities and industry insights and also share it with folks in your network who might be interested!
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