US-based VC firm 500 Global has launched the 500 MENA L.P. fund, dedicated to investing in high-growth technology startups across the MENA region. 500 MENA L.P. is backed by Jada…

UAE-based fintech Pluto has raised a pre-Series A funding round at $4.1 million. The round is led by existing and new investors, including Rhino Ventures, Born Capital, Goanna Capital, Evolution…

Egypt-based edtech Eyouth has partnered with Singapore-based global education consultancy EDT&Partners and launched a joint programme, aiming to develop digital skills for 1 million youth in Africa and the Middle…

UAE-based retail SaaS provider Retailhub has raised an investment from Angelspark for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2022 by Daniel Alimov and Roman Tikhonov, Retailhub is a platform that automatically…

UAE-based HRtech Ogram has secured a $3 million investment from Tanami Capital.  Founded in 2017 by Karim Kouatly and Shafiq Khartabil, Ogram is a digital staffing marketplace that enables businesses…

Oman-based SaaS provider Sampo AI has closed its pre-seed funding round, securing $750,000 co-led by Omantel Innovation Labs and Waad VC, with participation from Hexnture and a group of Saudi…

Saudi Arabia-based agritech Arable has closed a $2.55 million Seed funding round, led by undisclosed investors. Founded in 2024 by Lawrence Ong and Christina Khalife, ARABLE creates hydroponic farms for…

Saudi Arabia-based proptech Rize has closed a Series A investment round worth $35 million in a mix of equity and debt.  The round was led by Raed Ventures, with participation…

The startup ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) showed a significant deceleration in December 2024, raising $$279 million across 42 deals. However, when debt financing is removed, which…

UAE-based remittances fintech Jingle Pay has raised funding from Bank Alfalah, a Pakistan-based bank, for a 9.9% stake.  Founded in 2019 by Amir Fardghassemi, Jingle Pay allows its users to…