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Editorial Choice

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MENA startups raised $289 million in May 2025, a 25% increase from April. 
Egypt led the charge, with Nawy raising $75 million and additional startups attracting $50 million. 
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait also saw significant investment activity within the region. 
Despite AI hype, only $25 million was raised for AI startups, showing a gap in investor support. 
Fintech remained dominant, while WakeCap&#8217;s $28 million highlighted interest in construction innovation.

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TruKKer secures $15 million from Ruya Partners to enhance its digital logistics platform. 
The investment accelerates TruKKer&#8217;s regional growth and boosts tech capabilities across MENA and Central Asia. 
TruKKer simplifies freight logistics with real-time marketplace innovations and AI-driven process upgrades. 
Ruya Partners supports tech-driven logistics aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE&#8217;s futuristic strategy. 
TruKKer is poised for growth with backing from major investors like Mubadala and Investcorp.

Axian Telecom aims to take over Jumia, Africa&#8217;s leading e-commerce platform. 
They&#8217;ve increased their stake in Jumia to 9,18%, raising $600 million through bonds. 
Jumia&#8217;s strengths in digital retail and fintech, particularly JumiaPay, are key attractions. 
A full acquisition could see Jumia delisting from the New York Stock Exchange. 
This move reflects Axian&#8217;s strategy to enhance financial inclusion across Africa.

Emirati VC EQIQ invests $3 million in Instabank to boost Iraq&#8217;s digital banking. 
Instabank aims to improve financial inclusion in Iraq using AI and digital technology. 
EQIQ plans to double its funding pot to $30 million for tech startups in Iraq. 
This investment seeks to modernise Iraq&#8217;s financial ecosystems and support regional entrepreneurs. 
Optimism surrounds the potential for tech-driven banking innovation in Iraq.

InvestGB has launched the Lulwa USD Money Market Fund, aligning with Islamic finance principles. 
The fund offers weekly liquidity and requires a minimum entry of 3,000 dollars. 
It follows the success of their earlier Kuwaiti Dinar-based fund with notable returns. 
Gulf Bank acts as the selling agent, enhancing its wealth management offerings. 
InvestGB aims to offer varied investment products through strategic partnerships and diversified opportunities.

Vehere partners with Gulf Software Distribution to expand its AI-powered Network Detection &amp; Response. 
This deal covers UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and the Levant. 
Vehere&#8217;s system swiftly detects and disrupts cyberattacks using advanced AI-driven techniques. 
Their platform seamlessly integrates with existing security tools, simplifying security operations. 
The growing demand for robust cybersecurity solutions underlines the importance of this partnership.

The Founders’ Voice is where you’ll hear raw, honest conversations with the entrepreneurs and dreamers changing the game in the MENA region.

The Founders' Voice 🎙️

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“this Linkedin strategy will make wonder for you! “

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Stride Ventures completes first close of ADGM Fund V, strengthening its venture debt presence in GCC. 
With $1,2 billion already deployed, Stride focuses on shariah-compliant funding for fast-growing startups. 
The fund targets sectors like fintech, healthcare tech, logistics, and climate tech with $110-million pipeline. 
Stride plans to triple regional assets to $500 million by 2026, eyeing Saudi Arabia&#8217;s innovation growth. 
Founder Ishpreet Singh Gandhi emphasises supporting innovative businesses in the region&#8217;s dynamic growth story.

General Assembly Bahrain has renewed its partnership with Diwan Hub to boost local tech talent. 
Fatima Ebrahim and Ahlam Oun signed the agreement to upskill Bahrain’s workforce effectively. 
Diwan Hub provides space and support, enhancing General Assembly’s practical skills training programs. 
The collaboration focuses on equipping locals for success in the digital economy through various initiatives. 
Both institutions are committed to shaping a digitally skilled future for Bahrain.

Knowledge Group is acquiring UAE-based Biz Group to expand in the Middle East and North Africa. 
Both firms excel in digital learning, workplace training, and consulting solutions tailored for regional needs. 
The merger aims to enhance reach, scale, and offer client-centric, innovative learning solutions. 
Leaders from both firms are enthusiastic about the collaboration&#8217;s potential for growth and relevance. 
Keeping both brands intact will preserve continuity while opening up new opportunities.

Ninja has secured USD 250 million, valuing the startup at USD 1,5 billion. 
Founded by Saud Al Qahtani and Canberk Donmez, Ninja is a swift-commerce player in the region. 
The funding was led by Saudi-based Riyad Capital, supporting Middle Eastern tech ventures. 
Ninja plans for an IPO by 2027, aiming for a listing on the Saudi stock exchange. 
Saudi Arabia continues to attract significant regional and international investment.

stc Bahrain has launched &#8216;EMERGE&#8217;, an internship programme for Bahraini youth. 
The programme aims to make interns job-ready while focusing on personal growth and resilience. 
Over 80,000 hours of training have been completed by stc Bahrain since 2010. 
This year&#8217;s programme includes 22 participants, with special placements for Royal Humanitarian Foundation beneficiaries. 
The initiative partners with major universities, offering training in skills like design thinking and project management.

G42 in Abu Dhabi gains global recognition, named among TIME&#8217;s 100 Most Influential Companies. 
As the first UAE-based firm, its commitment to responsible AI expansion is spotlighted. 
Their &#8220;Intelligence Grid&#8221; aims to make AI as accessible and secure as utilities. 
G42&#8217;s diverse portfolio spans healthcare, energy, space, and more, driving global success. 
Recognition brings expectations, emphasizing ethical AI advancements in line with their inclusive mission.

Nearpay is the first Saudi fintech startup to expand into the US, offering contactless payments. 
Their smartphone-based solution could thrive as over 80% of US in-store transactions are contactless. 
Co-founder Mohammad Aleban aims to provide cost-saving, technology-driven payment solutions for US businesses. 
They achieved PCI CPoC certification, processed 40 million transactions, and raised $14 million in funding. 
Nearpay’s expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Vision 2030, promoting global growth of innovative, local businesses.

Flawless, a Saudi-based platform, raised $1,5 million in pre-seed funding for career guidance. 
The platform uses generative AI and social psychology insights for tailored career advice. 
The funding will enhance technology, refine services, and expand the team. 
Initially a blog, Flawless quickly transformed into a digital startup addressing market needs. 
This success story inspires regional startups to address real challenges with innovative solutions.

Byzanlink, a UAE startup, has secured a $1 million investment for digitising real-world assets. 
Investors include the National Programme for IT Development and prominent industry names like Outlier Ventures. 
The funding will enhance product development and compliance for smoother institutional adoption. 
Byzanlink aims to streamline and democratise investment access using blockchain technology. 
Their approach could significantly impact markets often exclusive to specific investors.

Jadwa Investment has completed a $50 million funding round for PetroApp&#8217;s expansion. 
PetroApp offers an innovative digital platform for fuel payments and additional vehicle services. 
The investment underscores Jadwa&#8217;s strategic focus on Gulf Cooperation Council area opportunities. 
This funding positions PetroApp strongly against competitors in the growing MENA digital landscape. 
Arageek will monitor PetroApp&#8217;s inspiring journey and potential market influence in Saudi Arabia.

Autoworld International FZCO invests AED 45 million in a new logistics hub in Jafza. 
The 162,000 sq ft facility will assemble Bajaj motorcycles and three-wheelers by 2026. 
Jafza&#8217;s prime location supports Autoworld&#8217;s market reach across the GCC and Africa. 
Africa&#8217;s two-wheeler market growth aligns with Autoworld&#8217;s strategic expansion plans. 
The initiative could create around 100 new jobs, boosting the local logistics sector.

STC Bahrain and Huawei have partnered to enhance 5G-Advanced and AI digital services. 
This collaboration aims to use Huawei&#8217;s tech expertise with STC Bahrain&#8217;s local knowledge. 
Key initiatives include deploying AI, managed networks, and training for local talent. 
This effort strengthens Bahrain&#8217;s ambition in digital transformation with 5G-A and AI solutions. 
Such strategic tech partnerships position Bahrain competitively in the Gulf&#8217;s tech landscape.

Tabreed and CVC DIF acquired PAL Cooling Holding from Multiply Group for AED 3,8 billion. 
PAL Cooling, founded in 2006, focuses on district cooling, with notable UAE operations. 
Expansion plans aim to reach a cooling capacity of 600,000 refrigeration tons. 
The acquisition aligns with Abu Dhabi&#8217;s property growth and UAE&#8217;s decarbonisation goals. 
Multiply Group&#8217;s sale unlocks liquidity for new ventures.

Emirati startup idea-L secured USD 1 million in a Pre-Seed investment round. 
Their platform uses AI and Web3 tech to transform ideas into investment-ready projects. 
Funding will help hire a technical team and launch their governance crypto token, GovToken. 
They plan to establish a Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO) called deVC Fund. 
Idea-L aims to democratise idea-funding using innovative technology and community governance.

ADQ plans to acquire a 35% stake in Limagrain Vegetable Seeds. 
ADQ and Limagrain will establish a research hub in Al Ain for desert-ready crops. 
The project supports UAE&#8217;s ambition to boost domestic food production significantly. 
This partnership aims to enhance UAE&#8217;s food security and expand Limagrain’s regional presence. 
The deal awaits regulatory approval but promises transformative agricultural innovation.

Ascom is acquiring a 90% stake in Ostool Transport, investing EGP 641 million. 
Established in 1975, Ascom specialises in producing various minerals like calcium carbonate and silica. 
This acquisition could enhance Ascom&#8217;s supply chain efficiency within Egypt&#8217;s logistics sector. 
Such investments often indicate increasing confidence amid economic shifts in Egypt. 
Ostool’s logistics expertise may help Ascom scale and expand its operational capabilities effectively.

Raya Holding launches final FutureTECH accelerator with GIZ support, focusing on emerging markets. 
Selected startups span sectors like IT, logistics, and fintech, aligning with Raya&#8217;s interests. 
Participants receive mentoring, collaboration opportunities, and can create proofs-of-concept. 
Top startups present at a demo night, vying for further support and potential funding. 
Winners join an Investment Readiness Programme for growth, enhancing startup development in MENA.

Chatlyn raised approximately USD 9,3 million in a Series A funding round. 
The startup integrates over 10 messaging channels, offering a unified, AI-driven platform for hotels. 
Chatlyn plans to expand significantly in the MENA region, focusing on the UAE. 
The goal is to enhance hotel operations with efficient guest communication and interaction tools. 
This funding marks a promising move towards transforming hotel guest experiences.

Altery Ltd has secured a regulatory licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). 
This licence allows customers to use UAE dirhams (AED) and other Gulf currencies locally. 
Altery&#8217;s multi-currency account system supports both fiat and cryptocurrencies. 
The licence is a major step in Altery&#8217;s global strategy for compliant financial hubs. 
Altery&#8217;s approval in Dubai enhances its credibility and future growth prospects in MENA.

Basatne MENA and Likewize launched &#8220;Upgrade &amp; Protect,&#8221; the Middle East&#8217;s first smartphone subscription service. 
This model allows GCC consumers to subscribe monthly, offering flexibility to swap or upgrade devices. 
The initiative supports sustainability, aligning with the UAE&#8217;s Net Zero 2050 strategy and phone recycling goals. 
The programme maximises device value and reduces electronic waste through circular economy principles. 
With smartphone demand growing, &#8220;Upgrade &amp; Protect&#8221; offers a timely solution for consumers and telecoms.

Aria Ventures launches a new EGP 50 million investment drive in Egypt&#8217;s deeptech sector. 
Focus areas include healthcare, agriculture, AI, machine learning, and biotechnology, among others. 
Plans to expand the fund to EGP 200 million within four years are underway. 
The &#8220;DeepTecher&#8221; competition is introduced to find and support innovative deeptech research. 
Aria Ventures offers startups comprehensive support, including consultancy and market research.

Etihad Atheeb Telecommunication Co (GO Telecom) acquires 51% of Ejad Tech for SAR 86,7 million. 
The payment includes an initial SAR 40 million, with instalments due by 2026. 
GO Telecom aims to expand beyond telecom services, focusing on digital transformation. 
MENA&#8217;s startup scene is energized as large firms invest in local tech talent. 
The integration will test Ejad Tech&#8217;s ability to maintain its innovative edge.

UAE-based Related secures a $8 million investment from Saudi firm Equivator. 
Related, with over a decade in loyalty schemes, serves 30 million customers across regions. 
New tech investments in AI and blockchain aim to boost their B2B and B2C offerings. 
Equivator’s CEO aims to build a regional powerhouse in loyalty and digital payments. 
Supporting Vision 2030, Related&#8217;s moves could bolster Saudi fintech innovation ambitions.

AppliedAI secured $55 million in its Series A funding round after relocating to Abu Dhabi. 
Investors include MEVP, G42, and Bessemer Venture Partners, signalling strong support. 
Funds will aid international expansion and enhance tech capabilities across regulated industries. 
Their AI tool, Opus, automates back-end operations, reducing manual processes drastically. 
AppliedAI is becoming a major player in Abu Dhabi&#8217;s growing digital innovation scene.