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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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Valu received approval from Jordan&#8217;s Central Bank to start BNPL operations, enhancing flexibility in spending. 
Their service allows customers to purchase essentials through manageable instalments, easing financial strain. 
Both consumers and merchants stand to benefit, widening accessibility and boosting sales. 
Valu&#8217;s groundwork involves strategic local partnerships, indicating a well-researched marketplace approach. 
With recent investment and listing on the EGX, Valu aims to lead regional fintech innovation.

LemFi has expanded its cross-border money transfer services to Egypt&#8217;s booming remittance market. 
The remittances to Egypt reached $29,6 billion in 2024, over 6% of the national GDP. 
LemFi&#8217;s mobile app offers fast, low-cost transfers to Egyptians abroad in the UK, US, Canada, and Europe. 
The company serves over 2 million customers and secured $53 million in Series B funding. 
Philip Daniel highlights Egypt&#8217;s strategic importance and LemFi&#8217;s commitment to reliable services for the diaspora.

Saudi Arabia announces new programmes to support local tourism startups through the Tourism Development Fund. 
The Grow Tourism Incubator provides workspaces, legal, and marketing support for budding startups. 
Tourism Hackathons &amp; Bootcamps aim to develop prototypes for innovative concepts across key regions. 
The Grow Tourism Accelerator offers networking and guidance, linking startups to investors globally. 
These initiatives align with Saudi&#8217;s Vision 2030, advancing the region&#8217;s dynamic startup culture.

Mwasalat and Birba will provide hydrogen-powered shuttles for the 2025 Green Hydrogen Summit. 
Shell&#8217;s station will fuel these vehicles, supporting Oman&#8217;s carbon neutrality goals. 
The Summit expects over 3,000 attendees, including global investors and researchers. 
Oman aims to become a major hydrogen hub, leveraging its strategic location and infrastructure. 
Hydrogen technology remains costly, but Oman&#8217;s commitment to sustainability is inspiring.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have signed an agreement to enhance AI and IoT collaboration. 
This partnership aims to advance education, training, and ethical governance in the Gulf region. 
The agreement aligns with both countries&#8217; Vision 2030 ambitions for technological leadership. 
Officials from both countries emphasize a robust and ethical regulatory framework. 
Challenges in tech governance are acknowledged, but the cooperation holds promise for innovation.

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

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Dubai Duty Free and Crypto com inked a deal to explore cryptocurrency use in their outlets. 
This collaboration aspires to enable payments with digital assets both online and in-store. 
Innovative customer options could make airport shopping easier and more fun. 
The partnership aligns with the UAE&#8217;s aim to enhance digital innovation in retail. 
Dubai Duty Free&#8217;s recent success supports this move towards embracing modern payment methods.

Amazon Payment Services partners with Tamara to enhance BNPL options in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. 
The BNPL industry is thriving, offering an easier way to manage finances without traditional credit. 
This collaboration boosts sales, reduces cart abandonment, and improves customer satisfaction for merchants. 
The partnership builds on Amazon&#8217;s existing payment solutions, supporting flexible, fee-free instalments. 
Businesses gain new revenue channels and streamlined processes with enhanced consumer finance trends.

Al-Futtaim Technologies partners with Johnson Controls to launch the OpenBlue smart building platform in UAE. 
The showcase demonstrated cutting-edge systems merging data analytics with energy efficiency. 
OpenBlue offers real-time operational insights, predictive maintenance, and improved occupant comfort. 
This partnership aims to transition buildings into fully digitised, responsive environments. 
Al-Futtaim positions itself to lead adaptive infrastructure breakthroughs in the Gulf region.

Al Seer Marine secures AED 760 million from ADCB to boost growth and diversify its fleet. 
This funding enhances Al Seer Marine&#8217;s strategic expansion into LNG, LPG, and petrochemicals. 
Al Seer Marine strengthens ties with local and international financial institutions for future projects. 
They are innovating with unmanned vessels, 3D printing, and naval shipbuilding. 
The company is poised to shape the maritime landscape with its forward-thinking initiatives.

Egyptian startup Nawy acquires a majority stake in UAE&#8217;s SmartCrowd to enter the Gulf market. 
Nawy&#8217;s innovative services include &#8220;Nawy Shares&#8221; for fractional investment and &#8220;live now, pay later&#8221; options. 
SmartCrowd allows investors to buy small income-generating real estate shares starting at $150. 
The acquisition aids Nawy&#8217;s UAE and broader GCC expansion plans, supported by recent $52m funding. 
Observers see this as a bold step towards cross-border collaborations in the MENA startup scene.

Jahez plans to acquire a 76,56% stake in Qatar&#8217;s tech startup Snoonu for $245 million. 
The transaction involves buying existing shares and subscribing to new shares, totalling $214 million in cash. 
Post-acquisition, Snoonu&#8217;s valuation will hit around $320 million, a significant milestone in Qatar. 
Jahez will fund the acquisition through liquidity, banking facilities, and its treasury shares. 
This move underscores growing cross-border tech interest and regional entrepreneurial spirit in the Gulf.

Xpanceo, a UAE startup, raised $250 million in Series-A funding for innovative tech. 
The company aims to develop XR contact lenses with features like night vision and health monitoring. 
Faced with challenges, funds will help perfect prototypes, targeting clinical trials by 2026. 
Founded by Russian and Ukrainian partners, it&#8217;s a testament to entrepreneurship&#8217;s borderless spirit. 
The UAE continues to be a hub for ambitious tech projects and visionary innovation.

Seef Properties teams up with Bahrain&#8217;s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) to reduce energy use. 
Their commercial hubs aim to enhance energy efficiency and comply with national sustainability standards. 
The efforts support Bahrain&#8217;s ambitious target for carbon neutrality by 2060. 
A significant solar energy project will generate cleaner electricity and cut down carbon emissions. 
Seef Properties highlights the importance of collaboration for achieving sustainable development goals.

STC Bank named &#8220;Best Digital Bank in Saudi Arabia&#8221; by Inc Arabia Magazine. 
Initially launched as a digital wallet, STC Bank quickly transitioned to a full-service bank. 
With 14 million users, STC Bank has aligned services with young Saudi digital users&#8217; needs. 
The recognition underscores STC Bank&#8217;s innovation and efficiency in the competitive financial sector. 
Inc Arabia&#8217;s honour adds prestige, reflecting STC Bank’s significant impact on Saudi fintech.

Blacklane and EVIQ partner to expand electric vehicle charging stations in Saudi Arabia. 
This collaboration supports Vision 2030&#8217;s goal of green, smart mobility in the Kingdom. 
A fleet-charging hub will open at Blacklane&#8217;s new headquarters in Riyadh. 
Future training programs will teach chauffeurs charging best practices for premium service. 
With strong backing, the partnership could significantly impact Saudi Arabia&#8217;s transport ecosystem.

Huspy raised $59 million in a Series B round to boost its European growth ambitions. 
The startup plans to enter the vibrant Saudi Arabian market, expanding its regional footprint. 
Led by Balderton Capital and Peak XV Partners, the round included several heavyweight investors. 
Huspy digitally streamlines property buying, inspired by founder Jad Antoun&#8217;s Dubai mortgage struggles. 
It connects homebuyers with agents and mortgage providers, aiming to reshape traditional sectors.

UAE-based AI platform icogz secures USD 1,4 million in pre-seed funding. 
Funds will enhance Aryabot’s AI engine, integrating over 200 algorithms for business intelligence. 
Plans include regional expansion into Southeast Asia and strengthening their team. 
icogz focuses on creating accessible and intuitive business intelligence tools for non-tech users. 
The startup aims to advance enterprise AI solutions, positioning itself as a key regional player.

Rekaz, a Saudi startup, secures $5 million in seed funding to simplify service businesses. 
Led by COTU Ventures, the platform aims to streamline scheduling, payments, and client management. 
Rekaz&#8217;s solution caters to gyms, salons, and mobile providers, impacting 7,000 businesses regionally. 
The startup focuses on AI-powered insights and personalised onboarding for seamless integration. 
Expansion plans target enhancing technology and market presence across the GCC and beyond.

ContactNow partners with Kashier to expand Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services in Egypt. 
The integration will enhance Kashier&#8217;s payment systems, expanding ContactNow&#8217;s consumer reach. 
Ahmed El Moselhy highlights this collaboration as pivotal in aligning with market trends. 
Khaled Raslan emphasises the value of flexible payment solutions for business growth. 
This partnership boosts financial inclusion and digital innovation amid rising fintech trends.

Property Finder collaborates with Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre for the Madhmoun MLS project. 
The Madhmoun platform aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in Abu Dhabi&#8217;s property market. 
Training sessions for local real estate agents started on June 17, engaging over 500 participants. 
Future sessions will cover platform benefits and best practises to ensure agent readiness. 
Property Finder supports ADREC&#8217;s initiative, promoting trust and accuracy in property listings.

Toyow launches in GCC, enhancing investment access through asset tokenisation using blockchain technology. 
The platform aims to increase the global asset tokenisation market to $13,55 trillion by 2030. 
They’ve partnered with Nisus Finance for a $500 million real estate Security Token Offering. 
Toyow’s platform allows diverse investments, including real estate, art, luxury cars, and even films. 
Emphasising compliance, scalability, and transparency, Toyow makes high-value assets accessible to everyday investors.

Juhayna Food Industries partners with Saudi&#8217;s Al Rashed Distribution to expand in Saudi Arabia. 
Juhayna exports to 48 countries, usually leveraging local distributors for easier market entry. 
In 2024, Juhayna&#8217;s net profits jumped 168%, reaching EGP 2,73 billion. 
A recent EGP 1,90 billion loan will fund a new citrus production line for expansion. 
Partnerships and product diversification help Juhayna thrive despite competitive market challenges.

EFG Hermes is advising on a $190 million investment by DPI into Alameda Healthcare in Egypt. 
The investment is a minority stake and will support Alameda in expanding hospital operations. 
The deal is one of Egypt&#8217;s largest healthcare foreign direct investments, benefiting local banks. 
EFG Hermes has advised on over $2.5 billion in transactions over the past 18 months. 
The firm topped equity capital markets in MENA in 2024, according to the London Stock Exchange.

BioSapien has expanded its Pre-Series A funding round to over $8 million. 
Globivest recently joined as a new investor, adding to previous backers like Global Ventures. 
Their flagship product, MediChip, targets cancer treatment by delivering drugs directly to tumour sites. 
This innovation aligns with the UAE&#8217;s med-tech goals and supports regional startup growth. 
BioSapien aims to transform this funding into a substantial, impactful healthcare solution.

Zain KSA and Huawei unveil the Riyadh Antenna Platform, a leap in Saudi telecoms infrastructure. 
The sleek, compact antenna reduces wind load and installation hassle, fitting urban constraints perfectly. 
Recent spectrum purchase boosts Saudi&#8217;s sub-6 GHz allocation, leading the G20 group. 
Remote adjustments via Antenna Information Sensor Unit and Remote Azimuth Steering reduce maintenance costs. 
Aligned with Vision 2030, it enhances digital experiences and supports startup growth in telecoms.

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.