$525M deal strengthens Property Finder’s regional presence
Property Finder, the leading real estate platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announced that it has secured a $525 million investment in a landmark transaction led by […]
growth
Egypt’s Zaher AI raises $150K and joins Meska Venture Studio to pioneer Generative Engine Optimization
Cairo, Egypt – Zaher AI, the Egyptian startup specializing in Generative Engine Optimization (G.E.O.), has raised $150,000 in a funding round with participation from angel investor Dr. Ahmed Samy, founder
urpay and DigiZag announce strategic partnership to enhance digital shopping experiences
In a significant move to elevate digital shopping experiences, urpay, part of neoleap, has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with DigiZag, one of the region’s leading digital marketing networks.
Jahez secures $40 million Sharia-compliant credit facility from National Bank of Bahrain
Saudi Arabia’s Jahez International Company for Information System Technology (Jahez) has secured a 150 million riyals ($40 million) Sharia-compliant credit facility from the National Bank of Bahrain. The facility, structured
Hepsipay ends B2B operations, continues as a digital wallet
Turkish e-commerce giant Hepsiburada has officially announced that Hepsipay, its fintech subsidiary, has terminated its B2B operations. The “Pay with Hepsipay” service will no longer be available to businesses and
Robinhood applies for Dubai license to drive MENA expansion
Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD), the U.S.-based neobroker behind the popular trading app, has applied for a Category 4 license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Once approved, the
Bahrain launches 9th cohort of “Rise” program to empower entrepreneurs, featuring 10 local startups
Manama, Bahrain – August 17, 2025 – Spring Ventures Services, supported by Tamkeen, has announced the launch of the 9th cohort of the “Rise: Fundraising Program”, an intensive two-week training
Professional.me Secures $3.1M Seed Funding Led by Raha Beach Ventures
UAE-based HR technology company Professional.me, an AI-powered platform redefining how companies hire and manage top talent, has announced the closing of a $3.1 million seed funding round led by Raha
HUMAIN Launches Full Operation of AI Models in Partnership with OpenAI
Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN, announced during an interview on Al Arabiya News Channel the official launch of full-scale operations for AI models in partnership with OpenAI — a strategic
Dubai Land Department partners with Second Century Ventures to launch REACH Middle East Proptech Accelerator
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced a strategic partnership with Second Century Ventures to launch REACH Middle East, an eight-month accelerator program designed to support high-potential proptech startups. Backed
Spare Secures In-Principle Approval from CBUAE for Open Finance License
Saudi-based open finance infrastructure provider Spare has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) to be licensed for open finance operations in the UAE. This positions
PIF Retains Global Top Spot as Most Valuable Sovereign Wealth Fund Brand
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has retained its position as the world’s most valuable sovereign wealth fund brand for the second consecutive year, according to Brand Finance’s 2025 report. The
Saudi CareerTech Startup Flawless Raises $1.5M in Pre-Seed Round
Flawless, a Saudi-based startup specializing in AI-powered career guidance, has announced the successful closure of a $1.5 million Pre-Seed funding round, backed by a group of angel investors. Founded by
Beekod Raises $2M from H2O Investment to Accelerate Global Growth and Product Development
Beekod, a modular e-commerce super app developed in Turkey, has secured an investment from H2O Investment at a valuation of $2 million. The round marks a significant milestone for the
Clearspeed Raises $60M Series D to Scale Voice-Based Risk Assessment Across High-Stakes Sectors
SAN DIEGO, CA — June 26, 2025 — Clearspeed, the global leader in voice-based risk assessment technology, has closed a $60 million Series D funding round, bringing its total funding
Napptix Acquires Yazle’s MENA Operations to Expand Gaming Ad-Tech Capabilities
Napptix, a Dubai-based ad-tech company focused on gaming, has officially acquired the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) operations of Yazle Marketing Management, in a strategic move to strengthen its
SaturnX Raises $3M to Expand Stablecoin-Based Payment Infrastructure Across Asia
SaturnX, a UAE-based infrastructure provider for stablecoin-powered cross-border payments, has secured $3 million in a seed funding round led by White Star Capital, with participation from strategic investors. Founded in
Second Fully Tokenized Real Estate Project Sold Out on PRYPCO Mint in just one minute and 58 seconds
June 11, 2025 – Dubai, UAE: In a global milestone that reinforces Dubai’s leadership in real estate innovation, the Dubai Land Department has announced the successful sale of the second
UAE’s SANTECHTURE Secures CorroHealth Investment to Boost AI-Powered Healthcare Revenue Solutions
UAE | June 4, 2025 — U.S.-based CorroHealth, a leader in AI-powered financial management technologies for healthcare claims, has announced a strategic investment in UAE-based SANTECHTURE, a regional pioneer in
Esports World Cup Foundation and Amazon Announce Strategic Collaboration to Expand Global Reach
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced a three-year strategic collaboration with Amazon Ads, aimed at expanding the global reach of the Esports World Cup by integrating the tournament’s
A Strategic Partnership Backed by the Ministry of Investment Reshapes Saudi Arabia’s Logistics Sector
Where there’s a will, there’s a way! This timeless motto embodies the spirit of determined men and women who refuse to give up, forming the very foundation of strength, resilience,
Sunbolah Returns for its Second Edition as an Agri-Food Tech Accelerator Connecting Riyadh and Paris
Sunbolah, the sector-focused accelerator dedicated to agriculture and food technology, has officially launched the second edition of its program, bridging innovation between Riyadh and Paris. Targeting early-stage startups (Seed to
Taawoni Closes $1.6M Funding Round to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Co-op and Professional Training
Saudi-based Taawoni, a leading platform in cooperative training and professional development, has successfully closed a $1.6 million investment round led by M Capital, with participation from other supporting investors. Founded
PayTic Announces Strategic Partnership with NymCard, Marking GCC Entry
Dubai, 29st May 2025 – PayTic, a leading platform for payment operations automation, has announced a strategic partnership with NymCard, marking its official entry into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Strategic Dual Acquisition by Tech Universal Ventures to Strengthen Digital Infrastructure in the Gulf
UAE-based Tech Universal Ventures has announced the acquisition of FixSquad (UAE) and ELVA11 (Sweden) as part of its expansion strategy to strengthen its footprint across the Gulf region and global
Saudi BNPL Firms Post Record Profits Led by Tabby & Tamara”
In a major boost for Saudi Arabia’s Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) market, Tabby and Tamara reported a combined revenue of SAR 535.4 million in Q1 2025, marking a 39%
MediaTech & Entertainment
VUZ Raises $12M and Expands Presence in Saudi Arabia and Global Markets with IFC Backing
VUZ, a platform known for delivering interactive live video experiences from exclusive locations like award shows and global stadiums, has closed its Pre-Series C funding round with $12 million in
Mubadala to Invest $400 Million in South Korea’s Kakao Mobility as Part of VIG Partners-led Consortium
Abu Dhabi – May 2025 – Mubadala Investment Company, the sovereign wealth fund of the Government of Abu Dhabi, is preparing to invest $400 million in South Korea’s Kakao Mobility,
ITHCA Group Signs Strategic Investment Agreement with Lumotive to Advance Oman’s Semiconductor Ambitions
Muscat – In a move that reaffirms its commitment to global technology partnerships and national talent development, ITHCA Group has signed a strategic investment agreement with Lumotive, a US-based company
$25M DeFAI Fund Launched to Power AI-Driven Finance
During the ZIGChain Summit 2025 held in Dubai, it was officially announced that a $25 million DeFAI Innovation Fund has been launched to support AI-powered financial tools. This initiative is
BloomPath Raises $1.3M to Power AI-Driven Tools for Global Tech Teams
BloomPath, a US-based SaaS startup powered by artificial intelligence, has successfully closed its $1.3 million pre-seed funding round, led by Raed Ventures, with participation from Ulu Ventures, Wamda Capital, Plus
MedIQ Raises $6M Series A to Accelerate Expansion in Saudi Arabia and GCC
Pakistani health tech startup MedIQ has raised $6 million in a Series A funding round led by Rasmal Ventures (Qatar) and Joa Capital (Saudi Arabia), with participation from existing investors.
Qlik Launches New AWS Cloud Region in the Middle East to Empower AI and Ensure Data Sovereignty
Qlik, a global leader in data integration, quality, analytics, and artificial intelligence, has announced the launch of a new AWS cloud region in the Middle East, reinforcing its commitment to
Athar Accelerator Launches Sustainable Fundraising Program with 5 Promising Startups
In a significant move to boost the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, Athar Accelerator has announced the launch of its Non-Dilutive Fundraising Program, in partnership with New Silk Roads and
Amwaj International Acquires 18% Stake in Cledor to Strengthen Real Estate Footprint in Dubai
Amwaj International, a billion-dollar multinational conglomerate with over 10,000 employees and a global presence in 27 cities, has announced the acquisition of an 18% stake in UAE-based real estate development
Startup Funding in MENA Jumps 60% to $693 Million in Q1 2025
Startup funding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) saw a notable 60% surge in Q1 2025, reaching a total of $693 million, according to the latest Digital Digest
Arabic.AI Launches the First Fully Agentic AI Platform for Arabic Business Solutions
Dubai-based startup Arabic.AI has officially emerged from stealth mode, unveiling the first autonomous AI platform engineered specifically for the Arabic language. With operations spanning MENA, the U.S., and Europe, the
SIDEUP Partners with Kushk to Enhance Shipping Services in Oman
SIDEUP has announced a new partnership with Kushk in the Sultanate of Oman, aiming to improve the shipping and delivery experience for Kushk’s customers both locally and internationally. Through this
Alareeb Holding Acquires 80% of Two Sides Productions to Boost Saudi Media Content
Alareeb Holding has acquired 80% of Two Sides Productions, a leading audio‑visual content provider, in a strategic move to expand its creative business lines and strengthen its media content production
xAI Gears Up to Launch “Grok 3.5” with Advanced AI Features and Roadmap for Future Releases
xAI, led by Elon Musk, has announced that it is set to launch “Grok 3.5”, representing a significant leap in its AI platform’s capabilities, while simultaneously developing “Grok 4” slated for release
Strong Gains for Beltone Financial, EFG Holding & CI Capital on the Egyptian Exchange
Egypt’s financial services sector posted strong gains on the Egyptian Exchange last week, driven by heavy investor buying. Beltone Financial Holding’s share price rose 0.50% to EGP 2.03 from 2.02, lifting
Arab National Bank Launches FinTech Accelerator Program for Emerging FinTech Companies
Arab National Bank (ANB) has announced the launch of its inaugural “FinTech Accelerator Program for Emerging FinTech Companies”, marking the first such initiative by a Saudi bank aimed at supporting
Deloitte Unveils the Fastest-Growing Tech Companies in the Middle East and Cyprus in the Fourth Edition of the Fast 50 Program
Deloitte Middle East has announced the results of the 4th edition of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 program, celebrating the fastest-growing tech companies across the Middle East and Cyprus. The
Dubizzle Group Acquires Property Monitor to Enhance Real Estate Data Insights
UAE – Dubizzle Group, a leading digital marketplaces provider in the MENA region, has announced the acquisition of Property Monitor, a specialized platform offering comprehensive real estate market data for
Quiqup Launches Core Logistics Operations in Saudi Arabia as Part of Regional Expansion
Dubai, UAE – Quiqup, an Emirati e-commerce logistics service provider, has successfully launched its core order fulfillment and delivery operations in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in its regional
Shein Secures FCA Approval for Its London IPO Amid Regulatory and Trade Challenges
London – Shein, the global fast-fashion retailer founded in China and now headquartered in Singapore, has received approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for its planned initial public
Warner Bros. Discovery Invests $57M in OSN+ to Boost MENA Streaming and Local Content
In a strategic move to strengthen its foothold in the Middle East’s booming streaming market, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has acquired a 30% equity stake in Dubai-based OSN+, the flagship streaming platform of OSN Group, for $57
Kenyan Logistics Startup Leta Raises $5 Million in Initial Funding Round
Kenyan logistics startup Leta has successfully raised $5 million in an initial funding round. The company plans to use the funds to enhance its products and expand into strategic markets
Yalla Group Reports $339.7M Revenue in 2024, Up 6.5%
Yalla Group Limited announced its financial results for 2024, reporting revenues of AED 1.2 billion (approximately $339.7 million), a 6.5% increase compared to AED 1.1 billion in 2023. The fourth quarter of the year saw strong revenue growth of 12.2%,
Micropolis Robotics Completes IPO on the New York Stock Exchange
Micropolis Robotics, a UAE-based robotics manufacturing company, has successfully completed its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange. The company offered 3,875,000 ordinary shares at $4.00 per
Jahez’s Net Profit Rises 50% to Reach SAR 187.9 Million in 2024
Jahez International Company for Information Systems Technology has announced its consolidated annual financial results for the year ending December 31, 2024, with net profit increasing by 50% year-on-year to reach
5 Saudi Startups Reach Unicorn Status, 35 More on the Verge
The General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at) has announced that 5 Saudi startups have achieved unicorn status with valuations exceeding $1 billion, while 35 more startups are on
Saudi’s Aya Closes $1.6 Million Seed Funding Round
Aya, a Saudi-based e-commerce startup specializing in fashion, has successfully closed a Seed funding round worth 6 million SAR (approximately $1.6 million). The round was led by Khwarizmi Ventures, with
Why Startups in the Arab World Need a New Growth Model?
In recent years, the Arab world has witnessed an unprecedented boom in startups, driven by advanced technology, increased investments, and growing government support. However, despite this rapid rise, many of
ORA Technologies Raises $1.9 Million in Pre-Series A Funding
ORA Technologies, a Moroccan-based startup, has successfully closed a $1.9 million Pre-Series A funding round led by Witamax and Azur Innovation Management. This brings the company’s total local funding to
The Garage and Tuwaiq Academy Launch “The Garage Academy”
The Garage, in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy, has launched The Garage Academy, a specialized academy offering investment-focused technical programs. The academy aims to meet the needs of local and global
Klarna Plans IPO on New York Stock Exchange to Raise at Least $1 Billion
Klarna, one of the leading “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) and digital payments companies, is planning an initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange, aiming to raise
Saudi’s ALLaM Model Steps onto the Global Stage via Hugging Face
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has announced the listing of its Saudi AI model, ALLaM 7B, on the global platform Hugging Face, a leading hub for artificial
talabat Completes Acquisition of InstaShop for $32 Million
talabat, the leading online food delivery and shopping platform, has announced the completion of its acquisition of InstaShop for $32 million. The deal includes 100% of InstaShop’s shares, previously owned
Darwinbox Secures $140 Million in New Funding Round
Darwinbox, a global leader in HR technology solutions, has announced the closure of a $140 million funding round led by Partners Group and KKR, with participation from Gravity Holdings. Jayant
PayTabs Group Acquires Majority Stake in PayTabs Egypt
PayTabs Global, a leading payment solutions provider in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in PayTabs Egypt. This move aligns with the
LoftyInc Capital Closes Its Third Investment Fund at $43 Million
LoftyInc Capital, a firm specializing in supporting startups, has announced the closure of its third investment fund, LoftyInc Alpha, at $43 million. The fund aims to invest in startups at
SC Ventures Partners with Visa to Support Startups and SMEs in the Region
SC Ventures, the innovation and investment arm of Standard Chartered Bank, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Visa to develop innovative solutions supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
Khalifa Fund Continues to Support Entrepreneurs with Innovative Financing Programs
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has announced the continuation of its new financing packages as part of its ongoing programs to support Emirati entrepreneurs with startups and existing projects
Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) Invests in Artal Growth Opportunities Fund
Saudi Venture Capital (SVC), an initiative of the Social Development Bank in Saudi Arabia, has announced its investment in the Artal Growth Opportunities Fund, managed by Artal Capital, a private
Salica Spring Studios Invests in UAE Fintech Company BILRS
Salica Spring Studios, backed by Salica Investments and Oasis Fund of Funds, has announced a strategic investment in BILRS, a UAE-based company specializing in global bill payment solutions. Founded in
Fintech Company Ramp Reaches $13 Billion Valuation
US-based fintech company Ramp has achieved a new valuation of 13 billion following a share sale worth 150 million to early investors and employees. The deal included both existing and
Nana | Gears Up for Public Listing Following Strong Revenue Growth
Nana, a leading delivery and dark store platform, is preparing for a public listing in the near future, signaling its strong growth in the tech and logistics sector. The company
Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council Launches Grant to Support Startups
The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council has launched a new grant titled “Business Development Grant for Startups” during the Qatar Web Summit 2025. The grant aims to support early-stage
locate App Announces Plans for IPO on the Saudi Stock Market to Expand and Enhance Its Technological Capabilities
Locate App, a delivery platform specializing in restaurant, retail, and supermarket orders in the Eastern Province, has announced its intention to go public on the Saudi stock market. This move
Tabby’s Public Offering in Saudi Arabia: A New Era of Growth and Expansion
Tabby’s Public Offering in Saudi Arabia: A New Era of Growth and Expansion. As Tabby approaches its public offering in Saudi Arabia, the company is set to take a major
Alfanar Invests $1.4 Billion in Data Centers to Support Digital Economy Growth in Saudi Arabia
Alfanar has announced a $1.4 billion investment to develop four data centers in Saudi Arabia, with a combined capacity of up to 88 megawatts. This initiative aims to support the
Innovation & Leadership Breakfast, Dubai
Event Description Innovation & Leadership Breakfast is a monthly gathering that brings together tech startup leaders, investors, and industry experts to discuss the latest innovations and leadership strategies in the
Startups and Artificial Intelligence: A Growth Opportunity or a Survival Threat?
There’s no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide, from e-commerce and healthcare to finance and logistics. But for startups, AI presents a critical question: Is it an
Basetwo Raises $11.5M to Advance AutoPilot Technology and Expand Globally
Basetwo, an AI company specializing in industrial engineering solutions, has raised $11.5 million in a Series A funding round led by AVP Venture Capital, with participation from investors including : Glasswing