/main-category/startups en /node/2616091/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nirmal-narayanan">Nirmal Narayanan</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-09-20 21:43</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa region witnessed multiple funding rounds in the past week, as companies across a wide range of industries continue to expand their operations. </p> <p> The sustained momentum in early stage funding reflects continued investor interest in the region amid global economic headwinds. </p> <p> A report released by Wamda revealed that startup funding in the MENA region witnessed a 74 percent year-on-year increase in August, with $337.5 million secured across 47 deals. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/09/20/4641520-291798164.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="Riyadh-based Spare, an open banking infrastructure provider, raised $5 million in a pre-Series A funding round, led by anb Seed Fund. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/mena">MENA</a></div></div></div> Sat, 20 Sep 2025 18:50:40 +0000 Sajjadkk 2616091 at /node/2615390/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/miguel-hadchity">Miguel Hadchity</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Mon, 2025-09-15 16:28</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s buy-now-pay-later platform Tamara has announced a new asset-backed financing facility of up to $2.4 billion in a landmark deal.</p> <p> The transaction, unveiled at the Money20/20 conference in º£½ÇÖ±²¥, upsizes a previous $500 million facility arranged by Goldman Sachs, underscoring strong investor confidence in Tamara’s growth and the regional fintech market.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/09/15/4639781-1990336045.png" width="1388" height="798" alt="" title="The transaction was unveiled at the Money 20/20 conference in º£½ÇÖ±²¥. Supplied" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/tamara">Tamara</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/fintech">fintech</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/money2020">Money20/20</a></div></div></div> Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:33:11 +0000 owen.bennett 2615390 at /node/2615189/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-09-13 21:18</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Startup funding across the Middle East and North Africa posted a 74 percent year-on-year increase in August, with $337.5 million secured across 47 deals.</p> <p> The figure reflects continued investor interest amid market recalibration, although the monthly total is a 57 percent drop from July’s record $783 million. </p> <p> º£½ÇÖ±²¥ led the region for the second consecutive month, attracting $166 million across 19 deals, while the UAE followed with $154 million raised by 11 startups. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/09/13/4639245-1362284329.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="UAE-based venture capital firm VentureSouq has closed its second fintech-focused fund, FinTech Fund II. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/mena">MENA</a></div></div></div> Sat, 13 Sep 2025 18:27:08 +0000 Sajjadkk 2615189 at /node/2614367/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-09-06 19:18</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa are raising fresh funding to scale operations, enter new markets, and develop innovative products, signaling strong investor interest in sectors including fintech, AI, gaming, e-commerce, and proptech.<br /> Intella, a Saudi-headquartered AI startup originally founded in Egypt, has raised $12.5 million in a Series A round led by Prosus, with participation from 500 Global, Wa’ed Ventures, Hala Ventures, Idrisi Ventures, and HearstLab.<br /> The latest round brings Intella’s total funding to $16.9 million.<br /></p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/09/06/4637261-2082656532.jpg" width="1000" height="591" alt="" title="Startups across the Middle East and North Africa are raising fresh funding to scale operations, enter new markets, and develop innovative products. Shutterstock" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/investment">Investment</a></div></div></div> Sat, 06 Sep 2025 16:28:45 +0000 bassam.zaazaa 2614367 at /node/2613557/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/miguel-hadchity">Miguel Hadchity</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-08-30 21:51</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Investor confidence is rising in Middle East startups, from proptech funding rounds to strategic bets in the growing gaming sector. </p> <p> These moves reflect a broader regional trend: supporting ventures that harness technology to tackle real-world challenges — ranging from home ownership and food security to cultural entertainment— while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s economic diversification goals.</p> <p> <strong>Holo raises $22m in Series A round</strong></p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/08/30/4635048-1811013566.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="In one of the GCC’s largest Series A rounds this year, Holo has raised $22 million to expand its tech-enabled home-buying platform. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/property-technology">property technology</a></div></div></div> Sat, 30 Aug 2025 18:56:36 +0000 Sajjadkk 2613557 at /node/2612797/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nirmal-narayanan">Nirmal Narayanan</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-08-23 22:13</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa saw multiple funding rounds in the past week, as companies across a range of industries seek geographical expansion. </p> <p> Earlier this month, a report released by Wamda revealed that startup investment across the MENA region accelerated sharply in July, with total funding reaching $783 million, representing a 1,411 percent rise compared to the same month in 2024. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/08/23/4633065-591352584.jpg" width="904" height="593" alt="" title="Fahy, a game development studio in º£½ÇÖ±²¥, has secured a strategic investment of $1.75 million from Impact46 and Merak Capital. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/startups">startups</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div></div></div> Sat, 23 Aug 2025 19:38:59 +0000 romulo 2612797 at /node/2612029/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-08-16 22:41</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Startup investment across the Middle East and North Africa accelerated sharply in July, with total funding reaching $783 million across 57 deals.</p> <p> The rise marks a 1,411 percent increase from June and more than double the amount raised in July 2024, positioning the third quarter of 2025 for robust regional growth, according to Wamda’s monthly report. </p> <p> The increase was driven primarily by two megadeals, highlighting sustained investor appetite for later-stage, high-growth opportunities. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/08/16/4631074-1863103002.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="º£½ÇÖ±²¥ led regional funding activity, securing $396.5 million across 16 deals, while the UAE followed with $359 million raised. (SPA)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/mena-startups">MENA startups</a></div></div></div> Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:49:28 +0000 Sajjadkk 2612029 at /node/2611908/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri%C2%A0">Nour El-Shaeri </a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Fri, 2025-08-15 11:52</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is advancing an ambitious strategy to position itself as a global hub for technology startups, striking a balance between regulatory reform and an unprecedented wave of innovation.   </p> <p> As the Kingdom races to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil, entrepreneurs and legal experts say the country is reaching a pivotal moment in its efforts to create a business environment that is both competitive and predictable. </p> <p> Feras Mousilli, managing partner at Lloyd &amp; Mousilli, described the pace of change as remarkable.   </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/08/15/4630778-1029058418.jpg" width="1000" height="562" alt="" title="Beyond fintech, the Kingdom has implemented comprehensive reforms to the legal framework governing all businesses. Shutterstock" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-0">Start-up</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/tags/saudi">Saudi</a></div></div></div> Fri, 15 Aug 2025 08:59:20 +0000 ameen.syed 2611908 at /node/2611445/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Mon, 2025-08-11 13:35</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥ led Middle East and North Africa startup funding in July, with 16 deals worth $396.5 million, reinforcing its position as the region’s largest market for venture capital. </p> <p> The Kingdom’s performance was boosted by three major rounds, including Q-commerce platform Ninja’s $250 million raise led by Riyad Capital, propelling it to unicorn status, foodtech startup Calo’s $39 million Series B extension, and SaaS provider Lucidya’s $30 million Series B, according to Wamda’s monthly report.  </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/08/11/4629627-1320111570.jpg" width="1000" height="666" alt="" title="The deals underscore º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s strength across e-commerce, foodtech, and enterprise technology, drawing strong participation from regional and international investors. Shutterstock" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/startups">startups</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/saudi-startups">saudi startups</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mena-startups">MENA startups</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/wamda">Wamda</a></div></div></div> Mon, 11 Aug 2025 10:47:10 +0000 sarah.glubb 2611445 at /node/2610434/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sun, 2025-08-03 02:50</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Lean Technologies is gearing up to seize new opportunities as º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and the UAE roll out major regulatory reforms poised to transform the region’s financial services landscape.
</p> <p> With the introduction of payment initiation services and open finance frameworks expected over the next 18 months, the company is entering a pivotal stage in its efforts to build the digital infrastructure underpinning financial innovation across the Gulf.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/08/03/4627083-1673052647.jpg" width="1200" height="807" alt="" title="Since its inception in 2019, Lean has partnered with over 300 enterprise clients and financial institutions across the UAE and º£½ÇÖ±²¥. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lean-technologies">Lean Technologies</a></div></div></div> Sat, 02 Aug 2025 23:55:50 +0000 romulo 2610434 at /node/2610246/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Fri, 2025-08-01 11:19</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s startup ecosystem continues to gain momentum, with a surge of early- and growth-stage investments across technology-driven sectors including AI, food tech, logistics, and sports. </p> <p> Kamco Invest has announced it acquired a stake in Foodics, a fast-growing restaurant technology and payments platform based in º£½ÇÖ±²¥.  </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/08/01/4626607-212963119.png" width="2140" height="1430" alt="" title="Founded in 2014, Foodics serves over 33,000 restaurants with an annual gross merchandise value of over $10 billion in 2024. Supplied" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/startup-wrap">Startup Wrap</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/startups">startups</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/fintech">fintech</a></div></div></div> Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:40:28 +0000 owen.bennett 2610246 at /node/2609584/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sun, 2025-07-27 04:22</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥ emerged as the Middle East and North Africa’s top-funded startup market in the first half of 2025, securing approximately 64 percent of the region’s total capital.</p> <p> Investments in the Kingdom surged to $1.34 billion, representing a 342 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to a report by Wamda and Digital Digest.</p> <p> This performance, supported by sovereign wealth backing, targeted government incentives, and strong domestic venture activity, solidified º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s dominance amid a broader regional funding rebound.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/07/27/4624956-1669018213.jpg" width="1200" height="806" alt="" title="Investments in the Kingdom surged to $1.34 billion, representing a 342 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. (SPA)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/startups">startups</a></div></div></div> Sat, 26 Jul 2025 21:22:09 +0000 romulo 2609584 at /node/2608912/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri%C2%A0">Nour El-Shaeri </a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Mon, 2025-07-21 17:57</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Ministry of Investment has granted 550 foreign new ventures the Startup Investment Registration, known as the Riyadi license, as of mid-2025, marking an annual rise of 118 percent. </p> <p> The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monshaʾat, has issued 364 licenses to business incubators and accelerators nationwide, according to a report by the body. </p> <p> Monshaʾat said these entities provide facilities for prototype development, mentorship, and connections to investors and commercial partners. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/07/21/4623238-1827175068.jpg" width="958" height="364" alt="" title=" º£½ÇÖ±²¥ led MENA VC funding in the first half of 2025, with $860 million raised. Getty" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/startups">startups</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/startup-investment-registration">Startup Investment Registration</a></div></div></div> Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:14:59 +0000 owen.bennett 2608912 at /node/2607873/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri%C2%A0">Nour El-Shaeri </a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-07-12 22:37</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥ continued to dominate startup momentum while the UAE saw a new unicorn emerging amid mixed funding trends across the region at the beginning of July.</p> <p> Digital freight platform TruKKer, headquartered in the Kingdom, has raised $15 million in private credit investment from Ruya Partners through its Ruya Private Capital I fund.  </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/07/12/4620555-1101737284.jpg" width="1200" height="807" alt="" title="º£½ÇÖ±²¥-listed Jahez Group has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 76.56 percent stake in Qatar’s Snoonu for $245 million. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/arab-startups">Arab startups</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/trukker">TruKKer</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/ruya-partners">Ruya Partners</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/tarmeez-capital">Tarmeez Capital</a></div></div></div> Sat, 12 Jul 2025 19:47:56 +0000 romulo 2607873 at /node/2607026/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-07-05 22:06</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and the wider Middle East and North Africa region have witnessed a surge of startup funding rounds in recent weeks, underscoring the Kingdom’s pivotal role in driving technology investment and digital transformation across diverse sectors. </p> <p> Saudi-based quick-commerce startup Ninja has raised $250 million in a funding round led by Riyad Capital, lifting its valuation to $1.5 billion and marking its emergence as the country’s latest technology unicorn. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/07/05/4618427-109872096.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="Founded in 2022 by Saud Al Qahtani and Canberk Donmez, Ninja delivers groceries across º£½ÇÖ±²¥, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/technology-infrastructure">Technology infrastructure</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/digital-transformation">digital transformation</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/category/tags/saudi-arabia">º£½ÇÖ±²¥</a></div></div></div> Sat, 05 Jul 2025 19:14:24 +0000 Sajjadkk 2607026 at