Pulled Off 16 Deals in Egypt and 4 in the Gulf: Racking up a total of $2 billion, cementing their regional influence. 
 Ambitious Growth Plans: Aiming to ramp up assets under management to EGP 3 billion in Egypt and $100 million in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2025. 
 Upcoming IPOs on the Horizon: Eyeing initial public offerings for Egyptian companies in the logistics and industrial sectors—stay tuned! 
 Diverse Financial Endeavors: Juggling everything from securitization bonds and sukuk issuances to loan arrangements in real estate and tourism.

Navigating Dubai's Startup Ecosystem: Your Guide to Incubators & Accelerators

Saudi Arabia's Top Business Incubators and Accelerators Empowering Startups

Multiple accelerator and incubator programmes are now accepting applications. 
Opportunities span various industries, including tech, language, literature, and water technologies. 
High-profile backers include NEOM, Misk, and Sanabil Investments. 
Some programmes offer global partnerships, such as 500 Global and Orbit Startups MENA. 
Aimed at nurturing startups with funding, mentorship, and market access.

Collaborative Investment: QIA joined forces with Bpifrance under the Future French Champions initiative. 
Innovative ‘Cat Qubit’ Tech: Alice &#038; Bob’s approach drastically cuts the hardware needed for fault-tolerant quantum computing. 
Global Strategy: QIA’s involvement highlights its broader goal of diversifying investments and championing game-changing technologies. 
Significant Infrastructure Push: About half of the funds will go toward building a new lab and production facility in Paris. 
Growing Ecosystem: This funding round cements the Gulf region’s commitment to fueling the next wave of quantum breakthroughs.

Marsad&#8217;s innovative platform blends digital savvy with traditional marketing wisdom. 
 Currently active in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S., Marsad is eyeing further expansion in the MENA region. 
 Features like payroll coverage solutions and AI-driven customer outreach are game-changers for startups. 
 The &#8220;Start Up Sync&#8221; app connects companies with new customers by showcasing them alongside other ventures in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Empowering Career Advancement: UpLevel provides smart, sustainable solutions for personal career growth and enhanced organizational performance. 
 Comprehensive Services: Offers specialized career coaching, creative mentorship, and training programs aligned with international best practices. 
 Founded by Visionaries: Established in 2024 by entrepreneurs Idrees Al-Shaya and Hamad Al-Luhaidan. 
 Boosting Employee Performance: Connects employees with seasoned coaches possessing real-world experience to elevate their professional journey. 
 Vision for the Future: Aims to make a significant impact on career development in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Foz App secured SAR 2 million (around $533,000) in a pre-seed funding round. 
 Funding will accelerate technological advancements and enrich user experience. 
 Expansion plans target broader reach within Saudi Arabia and neighboring regions. 
 The app offers digital coupons with discounts over 50% and features an engaging daily auction system. 
 Saudi Arabia&#8217;s e-commerce market is rapidly growing, driven by high internet usage and government initiatives.

Tailored AI Solutions: Nexta focuses on transforming sectors like retail, professional services, and manufacturing with customized AI applications. 
 Backing from Tech Giants: The venture has received enthusiastic support from industry leaders such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, and NVIDIA. 
 Years in the Making: Over three years of dedicated research and development have culminated in the sophisticated AI products Nexta offers. 
 Real-World Success: Successful pilot projects with medium to large retail companies have demonstrated the practical impact of Nexta&#8217;s technologies. 
 Future Partnerships: Strategic alliances are being formed to expand the reach and implementation of Nexta&#8217;s innovative solutions.

Pioneering AI Technologies: RetailHub is renowned for its innovative AI-driven shelf analysis systems that help retailers keep shelves stocked, minimize stockouts, and elevate the overall shopping experience.
 Commitment to Sustainability: By reducing food waste and optimizing inventory, RetailHub not only boosts retailers&#8217; bottom lines but also contributes to environmental conservation—a cause close to many hearts.
 AngelSpark&#8217;s Visionary Investment: Founded in 2023, AngelSpark is dedicated to empowering early-stage startups that push the boundaries of innovation. Their investment in RetailHub underscores their mission to fuel growth in cutting-edge industries.
 Shaping the Future of Retail: This partnership is poised to accelerate the development of advanced retail technologies, promising to bring about a new era of efficiency and sustainability in the retail sector.

Strong Investor Confidence: The funding round attracted significant investment from Rhino Ventures, Born Capital, Goanna Capital, Evolution VC, Freesearch VC, and Tiferes VC, highlighting strong trust in Pluto&#8217;s vision.
 Launch of &#8220;Pluto Connect&#8221;: Pluto unveiled its innovative &#8220;Pluto Connect&#8221; solution, allowing banks and financial institutions to seamlessly integrate its corporate card and spend management features into their own services.
 Empowering SMEs: Through partnerships with major global banks, Pluto currently supports over 30,000 SMEs, streamlining their financial operations and empowering growth.
 Regional Expansion Plans: Pluto is gearing up to extend its reach not just to Saudi Arabia, but also to Turkey, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, aiming to become a regional fintech powerhouse.
 Advancing AI Capabilities: The company is set to enhance its AI-driven platform to offer a fully automated accounts payable management system tailored specifically for SMEs.

DataQueue, based in Palestine and the Netherlands, focuses on AI data training and no-code platforms. 
Funding came from Ibtikar Fund and Flat6Labs Jordan Seed Fund; the amount remains undisclosed. 
The startup develops platforms like VoiceHub and CallStudio to simplify AI deployment. 
Plans include expanding in Arabic-speaking and European markets and advancing AI for IoT and robotics. 
This funding marks a follow-on investment by Ibtikar Fund after its contribution in August 2023.

Strategic Partnership to Boost Startups: Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital are collaborating to support early-stage startups throughout the GCC, focusing particularly on the UAE. 
 Creation of a Special Investment Vehicle: They plan to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to identify and invest in high-potential startups, providing them with the needed capital and mentorship. 
 Bringing Decades of Experience: Fuel Venture Capital brings over 80 years of combined venture funding experience and a diverse portfolio that spans 32 countries, enhancing the global reach of this initiative. 
 Aligning with the UAE’s Vision: Mintiply Capital will offer strategic guidance and support to local startups, aligning their efforts with the UAE’s goals for innovation-driven economic growth and diversification.

Revie&#8217;s Milestone: Secured $2,5 million in seed funding led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber. 
 Founder Vision: Established in 2024 by entrepreneur Ibrahim Abu Khadra to simplify renovation hassles. 
 Platform Benefits: Connects clients with trusted contractors and designers for a seamless experience. 
 Future Plans: Funding will enhance technology, scale operations, and boost customer satisfaction. 
 Economic Impact: Aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurship. 
 Industry Response: Investors express high confidence in Revie&#8217;s potential to transform the market.

ZenAdmin has formally acquired LivLyt, a Dubai-based IT services platform that specializes in device management and SaaS solutions. 
This marks ZenAdmin’s official entry into the Middle Eastern market, showcasing the company’s intent to collaborate with local tech hubs like Hub71 and address regional business needs. 
The acquisition is expected to broaden ZenAdmin’s offerings, providing a unified IT management experience tailored to SMEs and startups looking to optimize their IT operations. 
Founded in 2022, LivLyt has quickly gained prominence by focusing on SaaS and device lifecycle management, catering to modern workforces across the UAE. 
ZenAdmin continues to deliver end-to-end IT services—ranging from procurement and device leasing to SaaS integration and employee support—strengthening its global footprint with this new addition.

Led by Wa’ed Ventures, the investment arm of Saudi Aramco. 
Contributions from Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation and Dubai-based Global Ventures. 
Offers monthly subscriptions covering smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets. 
Launch targeted for Q1 2025.

Diverse Focus Areas: The fund zeroes in on early-stage projects in DeFi, blockchain infrastructure, real-world asset tokenization, gaming, and the metaverse. 
 Strategic Investments: Over the next three years, Sigma Capital plans to back 100 early-stage projects, manage 25 liquid tokens, and invest in 10 fund-of-funds. 
 Experienced Leadership: At the helm is CEO and Managing Partner Vineet Budki, a visionary in the Web3 arena with over 300 successful investments under his belt. 
 Global Collaboration: By teaming up with Web3 hubs across 10 major cities, Sigma Capital aims to provide startups with invaluable market insights and robust support. 
 Regional Impact: This initiative highlights the UAE&#8217;s rising status as a global hotspot for blockchain innovation and investment.

The funding round was spearheaded by JOA Capital, with significant contributions from Aljazira Capital and esteemed angel investors.
 Jeel Pay&#8217;s unique model allows parents to pay tuition fees in manageable monthly installments, relieving financial pressure while schools receive payments upfront.
 The capital infusion will drive the development of cutting-edge digital solutions and the recruitment of top talent to enhance operational efficiency.
 The investment echoes the Kingdom&#8217;s commitment to financial inclusion and literacy, key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030.

Nawy, Egypt&#8217;s trailblazing proptech platform, has officially acquired ROA, renowned for its cutting-edge property management solutions.
 The launch of &#8216;Nawy Unlocked&#8217; aims to empower property owners by turning their idle or unfinished properties into income-generating rentals.
 Comprehensive services include high-end finishing, stylish furnishing, tenant sourcing, and hassle-free lease management.
 Offering a helping hand, Nawy covers up to 50% of finishing costs, recouped gradually from the rental income, easing the financial burden on owners.
 Mostafa El-Beltagy, CEO of Nawy, expresses that this initiative sets a new benchmark in real estate by providing all-encompassing, user-friendly solutions that maximize property investments.

Funding Amount: $4 million in seed funding. 
 Lead Investors: Shorooq Partners and Outliers Venture Capital. 
 Technology Focus: Cryptographic biometric checkout solutions using FIDO-passkeys. 
 Target Market: MENA region&#8217;s burgeoning $250 billion payment sector. 
 Future Plans: Strengthen partnerships with merchants and banks, and develop instant financing options for online shoppers.

Dynamic Partnership: Majaz teams up with i-be Hub to empower Arabic language startups. 
 Shared Vision: Driving innovation and expanding the global footprint of Arabic content. 
 Combined Expertise: Blending Majaz&#8217;s creative flair with i-be Hub&#8217;s startup savvy. 
 Impressive Background: i-be Hub has fostered over 175 startups, worth upwards of SAR 250 million. 
 Cultural Impact: Initiative underscores the importance of Arabic language in today&#8217;s digital world.

Editorial Team

Editorial Team, Author at Arageek

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