Overseas shopping VAT claims are becoming simpler thanks to French fintech, Inovat. 
Backed by Emirati firm AngelSpark, Inovat eases travel-related tax refunds with digital solutions. 
Tourists can conveniently manage VAT refunds via existing banking and travel apps. 
AngelSpark&#8217;s investment allows Inovat to expand globally and improve traveller experiences. 
Digital integrations mean fewer hassles for tourists, reclaiming taxes easily through familiar platforms.

Super Capital collaborates with Axel Peyriere to launch a Middle East and Africa investment club. 
The club will fund startups with rounds from €100,000 to €250,000. 
Sectors like healthtech, fintech, SaaS, and logistics are the main focus for investments. 
Super Capital aims to provide strategic support and connections to promising founders. 
Challenges remain due to currency volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and infrastructure issues.

Ransomware attacks and data breaches are increasingly challenging businesses globally, according to Rubrik Zero Labs. 
Rubrik and Rackspace Technology have joined forces to create the Rackspace Cyber Recovery Service. 
This service aims to rapidly restore data and workloads after cyber attacks in the cloud. 
Using AI and zero-trust frameworks, the service offers swift, automated recovery and security solutions. 
Launching in April 2025, this solution is crucial for adapting to complex digital transformation risks.

Stride Ventures expands in Saudi Arabia, opening a second office and boosting local teams. 
The Gulf venture debt market, driven by Saudi Arabia, grows at a 54% CAGR. 
Vision 2030 and initiatives like the &#8220;Jada Fund of Funds&#8221; support economic diversification. 
Venture debt financing aids startups, benefitting sectors like fintech, logistics, and health tech. 
Global talents are moving to Saudi Arabia, recognising its dynamic venture capital landscape.

SMEs face challenges in accessing finance due to strict traditional bank criteria. 
The Arab Fund and Shorooq&#8217;s partnership offers tailored debt solutions for tech startups. 
Badir Fund, active since 2009, supports private-sector growth with substantial financing. 
Shorooq Partners&#8217; success stories highlight innovative support for fintech and self-storage firms. 
The collaboration aims to bridge the SME credit gap and boost financial inclusion in MENA.

Khwarizmi Ventures plans to launch its second fund, raising $100-$120 million. 
The fund will focus on seed and Series A startups, especially in Saudi Arabia. 
Their first fund valued at $70 million was largely invested in promising startups. 
They seek startups with a solid product, revenue signs, and growth plans. 
The expectation is for significant growth in local startups and potential unicorns.

Tech Universal Ventures acquires FixSquad and ELVA11 to expand in the Gulf region. 
FixSquad provides smartphone repair services and plans regional franchising to unify service quality. 
ELVA11 specialises in AI-driven applications and efficient software solutions, like digital IKEA. 
These acquisitions aim to enhance digital infrastructure and services across consumer, business, and education sectors. 
The strategy reflects a trend towards combining hands-on repair with smart European tech expertise.

DisrupTech launches a USD 70 million fund to continue supporting fintech and emerging tech sectors. 
Having invested in 21 startups, the firm is looking for strategic exits by 2027. 
MNT-Halan reached unicorn status in 2022, planning expansion to Turkey and Pakistan. 
The firm aims to strengthen collaboration with banks, corporates, and regulators across Egypt. 
Fintechs in the Middle East are attracting significant investments, signalling growth in the sector.

COREangels MEA has launched a $10 million fund for tech startups in the Middle East and Africa. 
The focus is on companies aligning with sustainable development goals, offering $150,000 investments each. 
Startups gain access to consulting and technical support, helping them expand into new markets sustainably. 
PTS Holdings, known for ecosystem building, steers this initiative with strategic advice and investor backing. 
The fund will target fintech innovations such as embedded finance and digital payments.

Valu, an Egyptian fintech, raised $27 million from Saudi investors for its upcoming stock exchange listing. 
Founded in 2017, Valu initially dominated the &#8220;buy now, pay later&#8221; market in Egypt. 
The company now offers financing packages, investment solutions, and luxury goods financing. 
With new funding and regulatory approval, Valu aims to enhance digital services and expand. 
Saudi backing highlights Egypt’s dynamic fintech scene, with Valu as a leading innovator.

Iraq&#8217;s tech scene gains momentum with EQIQ&#8217;s venture capital expansion to $30 million. 
EQIQ targets e-commerce, logistics, and fintech sectors, supporting startups and established businesses. 
The fund allocates 80% to build interconnected companies for a stronger digital ecosystem. 
Seasoned investor Mohammed Al-Hakim leads EQIQ, spurring growth in Iraq&#8217;s digital economy. 
EQIQ&#8217;s proactive approach helps nurture local startups, enhancing Iraq&#8217;s digital innovation landscape.

Graphiant, a US tech firm, secured $19 million from Saudi&#8217;s Wa&#8217;ed Ventures and Taly Ventures. 
This Series B funding round raises Graphiant&#8217;s total to $102 million, with notable investors involved. 
Graphiant specialises in &#8220;Networks-as-a-Service,&#8221; enhancing secure cloud connectivity for global brands. 
A new regional hub in Riyadh aligns with Saudi Arabia&#8217;s push to boost its tech industry presence. 
The Networks-as-a-Service market is expected to reach $92 billion by 2030, highlighting strong growth.

VUZ has secured $12 million in a Pre-Series C funding round led by the IFC. 
Investors include AlJazira Capital and CrossWork VC, among notable Saudi family offices. 
The company offers immersive content, competing with YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. 
VUZ plans global expansion, with targets of 5 billion views by 2026. 
Khaled Zaatarah sees massive growth potential, especially in emerging markets.

Saudi e-commerce startup Ziadah secured seed funding from an angel investor. 
Founded by Ali AlDihnayn and Mahmoud Omar, Ziadah helps boost merchants&#8217; average order value. 
The startup tracks customer behaviour, integrating with existing e-commerce platforms for better insights. 
Securing investment early on highlights Ziadah&#8217;s potential in a crowded e-commerce market. 
Ziadah&#8217;s growth reflects the burgeoning startup ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the region.

MaxAB-Wasoko is acquiring Egypt’s Fatura to strengthen their position in Africa&#8217;s e-commerce markets. 
EFG Finance becomes a key shareholder in MaxAB-Wasoko, securing a board seat for strategic decisions. 
The acquisition aligns with MaxAB-Wasoko’s goal to be a &#8220;one-stop-shop&#8221; for African retailers. 
This move promises enhanced credit solutions and a broader product range for small retailers. 
Fatura&#8217;s successful model will integrate with MaxAB&#8217;s supply chain, boosting efficiency and growth.

Egyptian startup Darwinz AI secures funding from Flat6Labs&#8217; Saudi fund. 
Founded by Mohi Abu Allam, it offers AI-driven decision-making tools for businesses. 
The firm provides market data analysis and predictive analytics to forecast trends. 
Flat6Labs supports regional startups, highlighting Saudi Arabia&#8217;s commitment to MENA technologies. 
Darwinz AI&#8217;s success signals growing tech collaboration across the Middle East and North Africa.

ReelSaga, an India-based startup, secured $2,1 million in seed funding to expand regionally. 
Picus Capital and others participated, supporting their plan to enter the Middle East market. 
The funds will enhance app development for high-quality, short dramas, ideal for mobile consumption. 
Inspired by China&#8217;s mini-drama industry, ReelSaga plans to create many short episodes. 
They aim to tap into the growing demand for quick, engaging content suited for smartphones.

Thndr secures $15و7 million from Prosus and other top investors, boosting its growth. 
CEO Ahmed Hammouda sees this funding as validation of Thndr&#8217;s important mission in fintech. 
Thndr introduces &#8220;Thndr Alpha&#8221; for beginners and &#8220;Thndr X&#8221; for seasoned traders. 
Plans are underway to expand into asset management, transforming Thndr into a full financial institution. 
With over four million users, Thndr aims to solidify its presence in Egypt&#8217;s fintech sector.

Classy Games Studios secured funding to develop their new game &#8220;Silly Suspects&#8221;. 
The funding comes from Merak Capital and Exel, highlighting Saudi Arabia&#8217;s gaming industry growth. 
Merak Capital&#8217;s commitment aims to make Saudi Arabia a major gaming hub globally. 
Classy Games Studios connects European and Middle Eastern markets with unique gaming experiences. 
&#8220;Silly Suspects&#8221; is anticipated by gaming enthusiasts as a potential breakout hit.

Flat6Labs invests in Saudi-based AI platform RVIN to support DeepTech growth. 
RVIN specialises in AI assistants for e-commerce, enhancing customer engagement effectively. 
Their AI offers customised support, optimised for Arabic content and multiple channels. 
Flat6Labs aims to nurture disruptive startups, boosting sustainable growth in the market. 
Innovations like RVIN give regional SMEs access to advanced tech tools.

Amwal Capital Partners launched a $150 million Islamic financing fund for Gulf startups and SMEs. 
The fund aims to bridge a $250 billion credit gap with flexible, asset-backed financing options. 
SMEs in GCC countries, like Saudi Arabia, face limited banking access, making new solutions essential. 
Initial deals target the booming GCC tourism and agri-food trading sectors to ensure growth. 
This fund could be the needed boost for Gulf entrepreneurship, underexplored by traditional lenders.

STV and Google have launched a $100 million AI fund for MENA startups. 
AI funding in the region was only 1,5% in 2024, compared to 38% in the US. 
The partnership will invest in user-oriented AI applications and supportive infrastructure. 
Google aims to enhance regional AI opportunities through programs like &#8220;AI Opportunity in the Region.&#8221; 
The collaboration seeks to advance regional tech and economic growth through enhanced innovation.

TEKEVER has become Europe&#8217;s latest unicorn, surpassing a billion-dollar valuation in a fundraising round. 
The round was led by UAE-based Ventura Capital with major financial players like Baillie Gifford. 
TEKEVER&#8217;s drones have logged 10,000 combat hours in Ukraine, aiding significant military successes. 
CEO Ricardo Mendes stresses flexibility and rapid innovation over just larger military budgets. 
The company continues to attract tech investors with its commitment to smarter defence solutions.

Hama Financial has received approval to offer investment management and fund operations services. 
They plan to focus on diversified portfolios using real estate and private equity funds. 
Future expansion into investment banking includes IPOs, mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring. 
CEO Abdulilah Al-Se&#8217;ab brings over 17 years of real estate fund management expertise. 
The firm&#8217;s strategic entry aims to offer bespoke financial management services to investors.

UAE startup AqlanX secures $10 million from Australian tech company Lakeba for business automation expansion. 
Funding, supported by NextGen FDI, aims to spread DoxAI solutions across the Middle East. 
AqlanX, specialising in Arabic-language AI, targets streamlined corporate processes and efficiency enhancements. 
AqlanX partners with University of Wollongong Dubai to establish an AI Centre of Excellence. 
Minister highlights the initiative&#8217;s role in fostering cross-sector collaboration in AI.