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Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

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The fintech sector secured over $1 billion in funding during Q1 2025 in the MENA region.
Total startup investments reached $1,5 billion, according to a report by Wamda.
Sectors like insurtech and e-commerce attracted less funding, while interest in SaaS declined for the second consecutive month.
Investors are favoring practical tech solutions that directly impact consumers’ daily lives.
The data indicates a clear shift in investment trends, with increased competition expected in fintech and proptech sectors.

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ViAct secured $7,3 million in Series A funding led by Venturewave Capital. 
Funding will enhance AI models for predicting risks in high-safety sectors like construction. 
Expansion plans include entering Saudi Arabia&#8217;s growing tech-savvy construction market. 
Additional recruitment in AI, engineering, and sustainability will support this growth. 
The investment will upgrade technology for better workplace safety and sustainability initiatives.

Kilow, a Saudi health tech startup, has launched an Arabic-language app for weight loss. 
Founded by Fahed Al Essa, the app focuses on health tracking, coaching, and medical support. 
Kilow&#8217;s platform is tailored to Saudi cultural habits, offering practical and sensible solutions. 
The service includes initial free medical consultations and personalised monthly plans. 
Future plans include AI-driven features and regional expansion beyond Saudi Arabia.

BKN301 secured $23,8 million to accelerate global expansion, especially into the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 
Investors like CDP Venture Capital SGR and Azimut Libera Impresa SGR participated in the funding. 
CEO Stefano Mucchioli sees this as investor confidence in their scalable business model. 
The fintech aims for a 36% CAGR in EBITDA by 2028, focusing on digital payment solutions. 
BKN301&#8217;s &#8220;BaaS Orchestrator&#8221; offers services like payment processing and AI-driven open banking.

Sadeq, specialising in digital signatures, raised 5,5 million Saudi Riyals. 
The funding was led by Fund X by Unifonic, with strategic investment from Unifonic. 
Co-founder Salem Al-Badawi noted it will enhance their technical infrastructure and scale the platform. 
Sadeq is set to incorporate advanced technologies, ensuring it remains ahead in digital authentication. 
The investment indicates confidence in Sadeq’s vision and the attractiveness of digital solutions in Saudi Arabia.

Dr Khulood Almani is transforming Saudi Arabia&#8217;s tech landscape with AI innovation and sustainability. 
As CEO of HKB Tech, she&#8217;s advancing digital transformation and supporting tech startups. 
HKB Tech&#8217;s Saudi AI Centre of Excellence promotes cutting-edge research with partners like Google and NVIDIA. 
Dr Almani advocates for ethical AI standards, privacy, and transparent governance in the tech sector. 
Saudi Arabia is investing $100 billion in AI, boosting the economy and creating new job opportunities.

NEOM Investment Fund is investing in Liberation Labs, a US biotech firm. 
Liberation Labs specialises in precision fermentation to produce alternative proteins without animals. 
The investment supports NEOM&#8217;s aim to be a hub for large-scale specialist food production. 
This aligns with Vision 2030, as Saudi Arabia diversifies beyond oil. 
NEOM’s moves could position it as a global leader in sustainable food innovation.

Saudi tech company Yalla Plus launched Yalla AI, focusing on Arabic-speaking users. 
Built in line with Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Vision 2030, Yalla AI serves various digital needs. 
Yalla AI integrates smoothly with Yalla Plus&#8217;s existing retail management software. 
It offers tools for digital marketing, data visualisations, and improving connectivity. 
Tech investments in the MENA region are rising, highlighting potential for digital solutions.

Saudi Media Company and Multiply Group have signed an MoU to innovate in advertising technology. 
Their collaboration focuses on AI-driven tech, digital innovation, and expanding in the MENA region. 
The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Vision 2030, advancing digitalisation and economic growth. 
SMC aims to lead in advanced advertising solutions, boosting their effectiveness through automation. 
Multiply Group seeks to create transformative AdTech platforms by understanding regional audience behaviours.

Lucidya received a SAR 5 million grant from Saudi Arabia&#8217;s National Technology Development Program. 
The funding will help Lucidya expand its operations and innovate in AI-driven customer experiences. 
Saudi Arabia aims to become a global tech leader by 2030 through initiatives like NTDP. 
Lucidya’s pioneering platform uses AI to transform customer data into meaningful business insights. 
The grant supports Lucidya&#8217;s plan to reach new markets and elevate regional CX standards.

Telr partners with Saudi Awwal Bank to support Saudi Arabia&#8217;s Vision 2030 cashless goals. 
The collaboration promises more efficient, secure digital transactions for merchants across the Kingdom. 
Businesses benefit from features like flexible payment links, QR codes, and &#8216;Buy Now, Pay Later&#8217; options. 
Telr supports 120 currencies and 30 languages, aiding Saudi firms in reaching global audiences. 
The partnership empowers SMEs to expand and thrive within Saudi Arabia&#8217;s evolving digital economy.

Terra Drone Corporation has partnered with Aramco to enhance drone technology in Saudi Arabia. 
The collaboration aims to improve safety, efficiency, and technological growth in the oil and gas sector. 
Terra Drone Arabia will play a crucial role in developing local expertise and nurturing Saudi talent. 
This partnership supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming for an innovation-led economic transformation. 
Terra Drone’s unmatched expertise combined with Aramco&#8217;s reach promises advancements in the energy industry.

Saudi start-up ?STUCK raised significant pre-seed funding to address Arabic linguistic and cultural gaps. 
Led by Mena Tech Fund, the round included KAUST Innovation Fund and prominent Saudi investors. 
?STUCK blends AI and human expertise to deliver culturally authentic Arabic and English content. 
The platform offers flexible AI-human modes, catering to businesses&#8217; diverse needs for accuracy and speed. 
Led by CEO Asmaa Naji, ?STUCK aims to expand innovation and enter the Chinese language market next.

Fast-growing Egyptian startup Rabbit expands into Saudi Arabia, opening a new HQ in Riyadh. 
Rabbit aims to deliver 20 million items in Saudi Arabia by 2026, focusing on q-commerce. 
This move aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, driving digital transformation and inviting innovation. 
Rabbit&#8217;s strategy includes creating a localised brand, leveraging tech expertise and local partnerships. 
Their sustainable growth model and strong local supplier network bolster their ambitious expansion plans.

FeeSolution secured $300,000 in pre-seed funding to enhance its school payment platform. 
The startup aims to simplify school payments and financial admin for schools and parents. 
Founded in Saudi Arabia, FeeSolution plans to start trading in early 2025. 
Funds will expand their team and increase their school clientele. 
The investment positions FeeSolution well within Saudi Arabia&#8217;s growing fintech landscape.

Alareeb Holding acquires 80% of Future Integrated Management to expand in Saudi Arabia. 
The acquisition reflects Alareeb&#8217;s ambition to strengthen its position in the services sector. 
Ahmed Al-Obaid emphasised the importance of boosting corporate efficiency with this alliance. 
Musaed Al-Tamami sees this as an opportunity to enhance client value and service offerings. 
Alareeb aims to drive innovation in management solutions, supporting Saudi Arabia&#8217;s growth vision.

Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan are driving an online gift sales boom in the MENA region. 
This festive season has seen an increase in online shopping, blending tradition with convenience. 
Saudi Arabia and UAE lead in growth, with significant spikes in orders and GMV. 
Mobile shopping surged, particularly among Gen-Z, reshaping retail dynamics in the region. 
Gifting remains pivotal, with popular items including flowers, sweets, and gourmet gift sets.

Saudi fintech Madfu has gained Sharia compliance certification from Shariyah Review Bureau (SRB). 
Founded in 2023, Madfu offers BNPL solutions, easing immediate payment burdens. 
The certification reinforces their alignment with Islamic principles, boosting customer trust. 
CEO Dr Ahmad Alwasheel emphasises their commitment to Sharia-compliant financial solutions. 
Madfu&#8217;s blend of fintech innovation and religious adherence taps into a growing market.

Mila Celebrations, launched in 2024, provides hassle-free event planning services in Saudi Arabia. 
The startup, founded by a team of Saudi entrepreneurs, covers Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar. 
Co-founders aim to remove stress from planning corporate and personal events. 
Mila is rapidly gaining attention in Saudi Arabia&#8217;s evolving startup ecosystem. 
It&#8217;s an exciting newcomer, poised to make waves with seamless event organisation.

Donald Trump plans a Middle East trip in May for a major investment deal. 
He&#8217;s targeting a $1 trillion investment, including military equipment sales to UAE and Qatar. 
Geopolitical issues like Ukraine&#8217;s war and Gaza tensions are expected topics. 
The trip aims to expand the Abraham Accords and strengthen regional relationships. 
Details are still being finalised, but the White House confirms ongoing preparations.

Flynas is set to go public on Riyadh&#8217;s stock exchange, boosting the Gulf IPO trend. 
The airline plans to offer a 30% stake, following Air Arabia and Jazeera Airways&#8217; IPOs. 
Operating over 70 routes, flynas aims to expand its fleet to 160 aircraft by 2030. 
Backed by Prince Alwaleed&#8217;s Kingdom Holding, the IPO supports Saudi Arabia&#8217;s economic diversification. 
Saudi Arabia aims to become a major tourism destination, enhancing its diverse economy.