Startups /main-category/startups en Saudi ecosystem sees seeds rounds and dedicated funds /node/2587821/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-01-25 21:57</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Ƶ’s startup ecosystem has seen notable activity across multiple industries with local firms securing sizable funding rounds and venture capitals announcing dedicated funds. </p> <p> Domestic property technology firm Rize secured a $35 million series A investment funding round led by Raed Ventures, with participation from Nama Ventures, Hala Ventures, JOA Capital, Aqar Platform, and SEEDRA Ventures. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/01/25/4567282-2031125168.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="Founded last year by Lawrence Ong and Christina Khalife, Arable aims to boost sustainable farming by operating hydroponic farming systems. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/startup-ecosystem">Startup ecosystem</a></div></div></div> Sat, 25 Jan 2025 19:04:15 +0000 Sajjadkk 2587821 at MENA startup funding ends year on the rise /node/2586930/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-01-18 21:54</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Funding for startups across the Middle East and North Africa ended 2024 on an upward trajectory, raising $279 million in what was an 8 percent rise from November.</p> <p> The investment was spread across 42 deals, yet when debt financing — which accounted for 44 percent of the total — is excluded, the amount falls to $156 million. </p> <p> Despite the month-on-month increase, the total sum marks a significant 76 percent drop compared to the same period in 2023, highlighting a challenging environment for the region’s startups. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/01/18/4564947-1107868096.jpg" width="1195" height="723" alt="" title="Palestinian-Dutch company TAP raised $1 million in funding led by Invest International, alongside contributions from impact angel investors. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/investment">Investment</a></div></div></div> Sat, 18 Jan 2025 19:00:32 +0000 Sajjadkk 2586930 at Saudi entertainment authority launches 3rd startup accelerator to drive innovation  /node/2586131/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri%C2%A0%C2%A0">Nour El-Shaeri  </a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sun, 2025-01-12 13:43</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Ƶ’s entertainment sector is set for growth as the General Entertainment Authority launches the third edition of its accelerator program, which will support 32 startups.</p> <p> The initiative is designed to drive innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and help shape the future of the Kingdom’s entertainment industry, according to the Saudi Press Agency.</p> <p> The 10-month accelerator program offers participating startups a comprehensive suite of benefits, including mentorship, consulting, co-working spaces, and international exposure.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/01/12/4562849-348774205.jpg" width="1000" height="667" alt="" title="The General Entertainment Authority has launched the third edition of its accelerator program, offering consulting, mentorship, and international exposure to participating startups. Shutterstock" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudi-entertainment">Saudi entertainment</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/saudi-general-entertainment-authority-gea">Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA)</a></div></div></div> Sun, 12 Jan 2025 10:47:09 +0000 ameen.syed 2586131 at Ƶ’s startup ecosystem kicks off 2025 on a strong note /node/2586067/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-01-11 21:43</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Ƶ’s venture capital and startup ecosystem kicked off 2025 with fresh funding rounds as the Kingdom continues its regional dominance.</p> <p> Zension Technologies raised $30 million in a series A funding round led by Wa’ed Ventures, the venture capital arm of Saudi Aramco.</p> <p> The round also saw participation from Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation and regional investor Global Ventures.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/01/11/4562648-2130445546.jpg" width="1260" height="773" alt="" title="Zension Technologies specializes in providing warranties, device buy-back services, and subscription-based technology upgrades. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div></div></div> Sat, 11 Jan 2025 18:49:31 +0000 Sajjadkk 2586067 at Egypt’s Connect Money gets ready to land in Ƶ /node/2585241/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2025-01-04 21:42</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Ƶ’s fintech growth has grabbed the attention of Egypt’s Connect Money as the company commences its expansion plan.</p> <p> Founded this year by Ayman Essawy, Marwan Kenawy, and Momtaz Moussa, Connect Money provides a white-label card issuing platform that allows businesses to offer debit and credit cards to their customers without building fintech infrastructure or securing regulatory licenses.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/01/04/4560519-29802725.jpg" width="1200" height="672" alt="" title="Connect Money provides a white-label card issuing platform that allows businesses to offer debit and credit cards to their customers. (Supplied)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/egypt">Egypt</a></div></div></div> Sat, 04 Jan 2025 18:50:25 +0000 Sajjadkk 2585241 at Saudi Venture Capital invests in VC fund by Global Ventures /node/2584965/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nirmal-narayanan">Nirmal Narayanan</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Wed, 2025-01-01 18:19</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Startups in Ƶ’s technology sector are poised to benefit from a new investment announcement by Saudi Venture Capital, which has committed funds to Global Ventures III, according to a press release.</p> <p> The early-stage venture capital fund managed by Global Ventures exceeds $150 million in size and will primarily target investments in technology and tech-enabled sectors across Ƶ, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/01/01/4559773-632147507.jpg" width="1000" height="667" alt="" title="Saudi Venture Capital is a subsidiary of the Small and Medium Enterprises Bank, which is part of Ƶ’s National Development Fund. Shutterstock" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudi-venture-capital">Saudi Venture Capital</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/global-ventures">Global Ventures</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/saudi-technology">Saudi technology</a></div></div></div> Wed, 01 Jan 2025 15:24:17 +0000 sarah.glubb 2584965 at International investors flock to Ƶ’s expanding VC market in 2024   /node/2584926/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri%C2%A0-%C2%A0">Nour El-Shaeri   </a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Wed, 2025-01-01 10:37</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Ƶ’s venture capital ecosystem showed remarkable growth in 2024, driven by robust government support, an influx of international investors, and a maturing entrepreneurial scene, according to industry experts.   </p> <p> Aligned with its economic diversification strategy, the Kingdom has prioritized startups and VC investments as pivotal components of its transformation under Vision 2030.   </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025/01/01/4559666-354134475.jpg" width="1000" height="510" alt="" title="Aligned with its economic diversification strategy, the Kingdom has prioritized startups and VC investments as pivotal components of its transformation under Vision 2030. Shutterstock" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/venture-capital">VENTURE CAPITAL</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/vc-0">VC</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/investment">Investment</a></div></div></div> <span class="label abs-el uppercase special"> Special </span> Wed, 01 Jan 2025 07:51:07 +0000 ameen.syed 2584926 at Startups of the Year: eyewa and Lean Technologies attract top US investors to Mideast /node/2584842/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri%C2%A0">Nour El-Shaeri </a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Tue, 2024-12-31 13:36</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Saudi startups eyewa and Lean Technologies have set a new benchmark in attracting international investment and driving innovation across the Middle East in 2024. </p> <p> Operating in the retail and fintech sectors, respectively, these companies have secured significant funding rounds and reached major milestones, cementing their roles as pivotal players in the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.  </p> <p> <strong>The future of eyewear  </strong></p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024/12/31/4559428-198112080.png" width="1102" height="683" alt="" title="Eyewa now has more than 150 stores across the Middle East. eyewa " /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div></div></div> Tue, 31 Dec 2024 11:01:19 +0000 owen.bennett 2584842 at Startups of the Year: Zid and Salla revolutionize Ƶ’s e-commerce landscape  /node/2584723/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri%C2%A0">Nour El-Shaeri </a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Mon, 2024-12-30 13:56</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: E-commerce in Ƶ witnessed a landmark year in 2024, with startups Zid and Salla leading the charge to reshape the Kingdom's — and region’s — digital economy.  </p> <p> These two firms have empowered merchants, enhanced digital infrastructure, and set the stage for exponential growth in Ƶ’s online retail sector. </p> <p> <strong>Zid: Where commerce meets innovation </strong></p> <p> For Zid, a Riyadh-based e-commerce enabler, the introduction of its “Total Commerce” vision at Ripple 2024 marked a defining moment in its scale-up journey.  </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024/12/30/4559139-273976162.jpg" width="1000" height="667" alt="" title="Saudi startups drove innovation in the online retail sector in 2024. Shutterstock" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div></div></div> Mon, 30 Dec 2024 11:17:23 +0000 owen.bennett 2584723 at Saudi startup investment shifts focus to AI, enterprise software, and SMEs /node/2584526/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2024-12-28 10:03</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Ƶ’s startup ecosystem is gaining momentum, propelled by government-backed initiatives and an influx of investor interest. While the fintech sector remains a primary focus, emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, enterprise systems, and small-to-medium enterprise investments are drawing attention.</p> <p> As part of its Vision 2030 initiative to reduce its dependence on oil, Ƶ is positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation, creating fertile ground for startups and attracting significant venture capital flows.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024/12/28/4558583-2022725199.jpg" width="1000" height="672" alt="" title="Ƶ’s startup ecosystem could shift to artificial intelligence in the future. Above, the Global AI 2020 Summit in Riyadh on Oct. 21, 2020. (AFP file photo)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div></div></div> Sat, 28 Dec 2024 07:06:46 +0000 Arbee 2584526 at BNPL emerges as the preferred payment option for Saudi consumers /node/2584441/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Fri, 2024-12-27 11:35</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: The fintech landscape in Ƶ is rapidly transforming daily financial practices, with buy now, pay later services gaining significant popularity. This shift is simplifying access to flexible payment options, reshaping how people manage their finances and make purchases across the nation.</p> <p> According to a recent report from leading BNPL provider Tabby, 77 percent of Saudi consumers now use BNPL for essential purchases. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024/12/27/4558359-740794732.jpg" width="1000" height="667" alt="" title="According to a recent report from leading BNPL provider Tabby, 77 percent of Saudi consumers now use BNPL for essential purchases. Shutterstock" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/investment">Investment</a></div></div></div> Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:43:45 +0000 ameen.syed 2584441 at Startup Wrap – MENA startup ecosystem flourishes as year comes to an end /node/2583855/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2024-12-21 15:52</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa region are gaining momentum, with funding rounds and expansions fueling innovation.</p> <p> From artificial intelligence to fintech, health tech to media, these developments highlight the region’s growing ecosystem and investor confidence.</p> <p> Aiming to boost the regional space, Saudi Venture Capital Co. has announced its investment in the $150-million Middle East Venture Fund IV, managed by Middle East Venture Partners. The fund targets technology startups with high growth potential across Ƶ.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024/12/21/4556753-1717485826.jpeg" width="1000" height="748" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div></div></div> Sat, 21 Dec 2024 12:56:53 +0000 Arbee 2583855 at Tech-savvy Saudis push consumer fintech to new heights /node/2583093/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nour-el-shaeri-0">Nour El-Shaeri</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Sat, 2024-12-14 22:30</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Ƶ’s tech-savvy population is pushing consumer fintech to new heights, with innovations such as buy now, pay later gaining significant traction, according to industry experts. </p> <p> In an interview with Arab News, Arjun Singh, partner and global head of fintech at Arthur D. Little Middle East, described the Kingdom’s consumer finance landscape as undergoing a natural evolution, with an increasing array of financial products tailored to meet the diverse needs of its expanding market. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024/12/14/4554833-997252468.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="The Saudi buy now, pay later market is expected to grow from $1.4 billion in 2024 to $2.8 billion by 2029. (SPA)" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/start-week">Start-up of the Week</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/savvy">Savvy</a></div></div></div> Sat, 14 Dec 2024 19:43:24 +0000 Sajjadkk 2583093 at COP16: Blended finance crucial to fostering sustainable entrepreneurship, says Egyptian official /node/2582643/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/nirmal-narayanan%C2%A0">Nirmal Narayanan </a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Wed, 2024-12-11 12:25</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: The concept of blended financing, where public, private, and corporate funding is provided to startups, is crucial to fostering sustainable entrepreneurship globally, according to an official. </p> <p> During COP16 in Riyadh on Dec. 11, the Digitalization and Entrepreneurship Adviser to Egypt’s Ministry of International Cooperation, Tamer Taha, emphasized that startups should focus on attracting investors who are aware of climate change impacts and the necessity to embrace sustainable practices. </p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024/12/11/4553617-154947739.jpg" width="1044" height="551" alt="" title="Digitalization and Entrepreneurship Adviser to Egypt’s Ministry of International Cooperation Tamer Taha. Screenshot. " /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/COP16">COP16</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/GreenAndBlue">Green &amp; Blue</a></div></div></div> Wed, 11 Dec 2024 09:52:32 +0000 owen.bennett 2582643 at Saudi edtech platform AlGooru raises $4m to boost expansion, AI development /node/2582413/business-economy <div class="field field-name-field-rbitem-author field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">article author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/article-authors/miguel-hadchity">Miguel Hadchity</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Author:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datestamp field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">Mon, 2024-12-09 18:51</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p> RIYADH: Saudi-based educational technology platform AlGooru has successfully raised $4 million in a pre-Series A funding round, combining both debt and equity financing.</p> <p> The round was led by Constructor Capital, with additional support from Hub71, angel investors, and family offices.</p> <p> Founded in 2021 by CEO Khalid Abou Kassem and Omer Awad, AlGooru connects students with on-demand private tutors, offering educational services in 20 core subjects, including mathematics, science, and language development.</p></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-binary field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024/12/09/4553017-2078064361.png" width="900" height="500" alt="Founded in 2021 by CEO Khalid Abou Kassem and Omer Awad, AlGooru connects students with on-demand private tutors, offering educational services in 20 core subjects, including mathematics, science, and language development. Supplied" title="Founded in 2021 by CEO Khalid Abou Kassem and Omer Awad, AlGooru connects students with on-demand private tutors, offering educational services in 20 core subjects, including mathematics, science, and language development. Supplied" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-1 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Main category:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/economy">Business &amp; Economy</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/main-category/startups">Startups</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-taxonomy-vocabulary-9 field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/startups">startups</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/ai">AI</a></div></div></div> Mon, 09 Dec 2024 15:54:55 +0000 shahrukh.jamshed 2582413 at