/main-category/startups en /node/2596797/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, 2025-04-12 22:01</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:聽Startups across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia are securing fresh capital and expanding into new markets, signaling strong investor confidence.</p> <p> Saudi-based business-to-business marketplace Sary has announced it will merge with Bangladesh鈥檚 commerce platform ShopUp to create the SILQ Group, a newly formed entity aiming to transform cross-border trade across South Asia and the Gulf.</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/2025/04/12/4591357-1881474553.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="Cairo-born quick commerce startup Rabbit has expanded its operations to 抖阴短视频 by opening a regional headquarters in Riyadh. (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, 12 Apr 2025 19:09:22 +0000 Sajjadkk 2596797 at /node/2596028/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, 2025-04-05 22:06</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:聽For startups aiming to go public, the path from early-stage to initial public offering is marked by critical transitions that simultaneously test the founders and the business itself.聽</p> <p> While many young companies achieve rapid initial traction, only a select few manage to scale sustainably and navigate the complexities of public markets.聽</p> <p> Investors who specialize in early-stage funding play a crucial role in shaping a startup鈥檚 foundation, ensuring that it is built for long-term success rather than short-term growth.聽</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/2025/04/05/4589285-1282532793.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="Investors who specialize in early-stage funding play a crucial role in shaping a startup鈥檚 foundation, ensuring that it is built for long-term success. (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/startups">startups</a></div></div></div> Sat, 05 Apr 2025 19:14:24 +0000 Sajjadkk 2596028 at /node/2595294/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">Sat, 2025-03-29 23:01</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:聽The Middle East and North Africa鈥檚 startup ecosystem is ending the first quarter of 2025 with significant momentum, marked by high-value deals, strategic acquisitions, and international expansion plans across multiple industries.</p> <p> From fintech innovation to food and beverage consolidation and media sector growth, these developments underscore the region鈥檚 evolving startup landscape and its increasing global influence.聽</p> <p> <strong>Nayla Finance secures $4 million to transform SME lending in 抖阴短视频</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/2025/03/29/4587320-685308329.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="EHC Investment, through its energy arm Emirates International Gas, has completed the full acquisition of Abu Dhabi鈥檚 Al-Fanar Gas Group. (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/mena-startups">MENA startups</a></div></div></div> Sat, 29 Mar 2025 20:05:14 +0000 Sajjadkk 2595294 at /node/2594513/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, 2025-03-22 22:51</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:聽Startups across the Middle East and North Africa region continue to attract investor interest, with fintech, gaming, and healthcare ventures securing significant funding rounds.</p> <p> UAE-based fintech NymCard raised $33 million in a series B funding round led by QED Investors, with participation from Lunate, Dubai Future District Fund, and Mashreq Bank, as well as Knollwood, Reciprocal, and FJ Labs.</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/2025/03/22/4585272-365761592.jpg" width="1124" height="749" alt="" title="UAE-based gametech startup PlaysOut has secured $7 million in a seed funding round at a valuation of $70 million. (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/startups">startups</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/mena">MENA</a></div></div></div> Sat, 22 Mar 2025 19:58:50 +0000 Sajjadkk 2594513 at /node/2593728/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, 2025-03-15 22:56</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:聽A wave of new investments is fueling the growth of startups across various sectors, from fintech and e-commerce to healthcare and sustainability.</p> <p> The latest funding rounds highlight investor confidence in emerging technologies and innovative business models reshaping markets in the region and beyond.</p> <p> Aya, a Saudi e-commerce platform specializing in modest fashion, has closed a SR6 million ($1.5 million) seed funding round.</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/2025/03/15/4583224-1726071896.jpg" width="1000" height="597" alt="" title="The latest funding rounds highlight investor confidence in emerging technologies and innovative business models reshaping markets in the region. (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/mena-startups">MENA startups</a></div></div></div> Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:01:41 +0000 Sajjadkk 2593728 at /node/2593586/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, 2025-03-14 13:39</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: Family offices have traditionally been influential in private capital investment, but their role in business funding and early-stage startups has often remained under the radar. 聽</p> <p> Historically, these entities have prioritized wealth preservation, stability, and strategic investments aligned with their company interests. 聽</p> <p> A shift is underway, however, with family offices increasing their exposure to venture capital through direct investments, fund allocations, and partnerships with startup incubators. 聽</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/2025/03/14/4582819-888551069.jpg" width="1000" height="510" alt="" title="Family offices across the Middle East and North Africa are recalibrating their investment strategies. 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/family-offices">family offices</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/venture-capital">VENTURE CAPITAL</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/startups">startups</a></div></div></div> Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:53:53 +0000 owen.bennett 2593586 at /node/2592929/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, 2025-03-08 22:42</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:聽抖阴短视频鈥檚 investment landscape continues to expand across diverse sectors, with industry leaders participating in global funding rounds, driving innovation beyond the Middle East and North Africa region.聽</p> <p> Aramco Ventures has led a $30 million Series A funding round for US-based climate tech startup Spiritus, joined by Khosla Ventures, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, and TDK Ventures.聽</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/2025/03/08/4581102-1076206265.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="Aramco Ventures led a $30 million Series A funding round for US-based climate tech startup Spiritus to help scale its direct air capture technology. (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/aramco-ventures">Aramco Ventures</a></div></div></div> Sat, 08 Mar 2025 19:49:12 +0000 Sajjadkk 2592929 at /node/2592789/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, 2025-03-07 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: 抖阴短视频鈥檚 corporate venture capital arms are playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and advancing economic diversification by aligning their investment strategies with both national and corporate objectives.</p> <p> Between 2020 and the third quarter of 2024, corporate investors accounted for 27 percent of the 1,361 unique investors in the Middle East and North Africa region, deploying approximately $380 million, according to a report by MAGNiTT.</p> <p> 抖阴短视频 saw the highest ratio, with CVC鈥檚 making up 30 percent of local unique investors.</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/2025/03/07/4580739-387620393.jpg" width="1000" height="510" alt="" title="The Saudi VC market is burgeoning, according to experts. 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/venture-capital">VENTURE CAPITAL</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/aramco-ventures">Aramco Ventures</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/tali-ventures">tali ventures</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/startups">startups</a></div></div></div> Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:48:14 +0000 owen.bennett 2592789 at /node/2592625/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%C2%A0">MIGUEL HADCHITY聽</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">Thu, 2025-03-06 13:12</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: Micro, small, and medium enterprises in 抖阴短视频 will have access to聽SR240 million ($64 million) in debt-based crowdfunding, after the Kingdom鈥檚 SME Bank announced a new model to support businesses.</p> <p> The new initiative allows the聽bank to allocate money while partnering with crowdfunding platforms Manafa, Lendo, and Tameed, which manage the portfolio聽and finance聽MSMEs on flexible terms for up to 12 months, according to the Saudi Press Agency.</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/2025/03/06/4580323-1820443134.jpg" width="1000" height="419" alt="" title="This phase of the program will have a particular focus on startups and e-commerce businesses. 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/sme-bank">SME Bank</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/saudi-smes">Saudi SMEs</a></div></div></div> Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:33:46 +0000 owen.bennett 2592625 at /node/2592273/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聽</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, 2025-03-03 15:08</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: Investment in Middle East and North Africa startups surged nearly fivefold in February, with funding reaching $494 million across 58 deals, according to Wamda鈥檚 monthly report.聽</p> <p> The sharp increase follows a January dominated by debt financing, which accounted for 90 percent of investments.聽</p> <p> However, in February, debt financing dropped to 15 percent, with equity investments driving growth. Excluding debt, month-on-month funding rose 371 percent.聽</p> <p> <strong>抖阴短视频 and UAE lead regional investment聽</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/2025/03/03/4579393-812995480.jpg" width="1000" height="684" alt="" title="Saudi startups secured the largest share of funding in February, raising $250.3 million across 25 deals. 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/startups">startups</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/wamda">Wamda</a></div></div></div> Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:18:38 +0000 owen.bennett 2592273 at /node/2592081/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, 2025-03-01 22:48</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:聽Startups across the Middle East and North Africa region continue to attract significant investment, with fintech, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence-driven ventures leading the charge.</p> <p> Recent funding rounds and acquisitions highlight the region鈥檚 growing appeal to investors, particularly in 抖阴短视频, the UAE and Egypt.</p> <p> 抖阴短视频-based cybersecurity firm CQR raised $3 million in a funding round led by Shorooq. Founded in 2023 by Naser Al-Dossary, the company provides AI-driven, product-based cybersecurity solutions for businesses.</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/2025/03/01/4578855-679218435.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="DHL eCommerce, the logistics arm of DHL Group, has acquired Saudi-based parcel logistics company AJEX for an undisclosed amount. (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/mena-startups">MENA startups</a></div></div></div> Sat, 01 Mar 2025 19:53:06 +0000 Sajjadkk 2592081 at /node/2591324/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%C2%A0">NOUR EL-SHAERI聽聽聽</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, 2025-02-23 18:15</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 continue to attract significant investment, with funding rounds and acquisitions shaping the region鈥檚 growing tech ecosystem. 聽<br /> From artificial intelligence infrastructure and fintech to automotive SaaS and second-hand fashion, companies are securing capital to expand operations, enhance technology, and enter new markets.聽<br /></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/2025/02/23/4576832-1803436990.jpg" width="1000" height="657" alt="" title="Qme, an Egypt-based B2B SaaS startup, has raised $3 million in a seed funding round led by AHOY and a group of angel investors from the GCC. 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></div> Sun, 23 Feb 2025 15:15:34 +0000 sarah.glubb 2591324 at /node/2591196/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, 2025-02-22 11:02</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: 抖阴短视频鈥檚 advertisement space is set to see a new level of data analysis after startup Quantum banked $7 million to boost its technology and expansion plans.</p> <p> The Riyadh-based ad tech firm, founded by Omar Malaikah and Sara Bin Ladin in 2020, plans to use the funds from its pre-series-A round to scale its operations, enhance its platform and explore new markets, solidifying its position in the region鈥檚 growing digital advertising ecosystem.</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/2025/02/22/4576483-1678041476.jpg" width="1000" height="416" alt="" title="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> Sat, 22 Feb 2025 08:06:28 +0000 Arbee 2591196 at /node/2590358/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, 2025-02-15 21:48</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:聽抖阴短视频鈥檚 LEAP 2025 tech conference, held from Feb. 9 to 12, showcased the Kingdom鈥檚 growing startup ecosystem, with multiple funding rounds, acquisitions, and expansion plans announced during the event. 聽</p> <p> The conference, a key platform for innovation and investment, further cemented 抖阴短视频鈥檚 role as a regional hub for fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and emerging technologies. 聽</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/2025/02/15/4574193-1722872646.jpg" width="1200" height="716" alt="" title="Launched by Abdelrahman Sherief, Ahmed Ismail, Ismail Omar, and Mohammed El-Horishy, Taager helps entrepreneurs start and scale online businesses. (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/leap-2025">LEAP 2025</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/startup-ecosystem">Startup ecosystem</a></div></div></div> Sat, 15 Feb 2025 18:56:18 +0000 Sajjadkk 2590358 at /node/2589462/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聽</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, 2025-02-08 13:54</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: 抖阴短视频鈥檚 startup ecosystem continues to gain momentum ahead of the Kingdom鈥檚 flagship technology conference, LEAP 2025, fintech, artificial intelligence, and industrial technology companies securing major funding rounds.</p> <p> Key investments include Saudi-based peer-to-peer lending platform Forus securing a $60 million credit facility from Fasanara Capital.聽</p> <p> The funding will enable Forus to provide over $150 million in working capital loans to Saudi small and medium-sized enterprises.聽</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/2025/02/08/4571762-1505237602.jpeg" width="2048" height="1165" alt="" title="Fasanara Capital CEO Francesco Filia (L) with Forus Founder and CEO Nosaibah Al-Rajhi. 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 class="field-item even"><a href="/category/tags/saudi">Saudi</a></div></div></div> Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:59:07 +0000 ameen.syed 2589462 at