The Middle East and North Africa's (MENA) startup ecosystem experienced a remarkable surge in activity during February 2025. The region witnessed a significant influx of investment, with startups raising a total of $494 million across 58 deals. This impressive figure represents a nearly fivefold increase compared to the investment amount secured in the same month…

An article by Hannah Curran, the founder & CEO of PureBorn  In many ways, we are in an exciting era for SMEs. Accessible digital tools and platforms have enabled smaller business owners to streamline operations, reach wider audiences, and compete with their larger counterparts on a more level playing field. Meanwhile, innovations like AI-driven analytics, blockchain…

Qatar-based AI-enabled healthtech Lillia has raised a $1.7 million grant from the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council. Founded in 2020 by Sujit Chakrabarty, Lillia was formed through the 2024 merger of Qatar-based Droobi Health LLC and India-based Smit.fit. Its AI-powered platform enables healthcare providers, insurers, corporations and public sector entities to manage chronic…

A consortium of investors has launched "Al Madinah Angels" to support the entrepreneurial landscape in Saudi Arabia's Al Madinah Al Munawarrah, as part of Al Madinah Ventures Initiatives. The network is a collaboration between VMS, Al Madinah Chamber, and Numu Angels. The initiative is set to create new opportunities for businesses in Al Madinah Al Munawarrah, providing founders with the…

Saudi Arabia-based cybersecurity firm CQR has secured a $3 million funding round led by Shorooq. Founded in 2023 by Naser Aldossary, CQR provides businesses with AI-driven, product-based cybersecurity solutions. This investment will accelerate CQR's ability to scale and expand its AI capabilities. Press release: CQR, Saudi Arabia's leading Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity firm, has successfully secured a $3 million funding…

Egypt-based fintech Fawry has invested $1.6 million in three Egyptian fintech companies, which are Dirac Systems, Virtual CFO, and Code Zone, acquiring equity stakes of 51.0%, 56.6%, and 51.0%, respectively.  Founded in 2008, Fawry is the largest e-payment platform in Egypt, with services including enabling electronic bill payments, mobile top-ups and provisions. These investments align with…

German logistics company DHL eCommerce, the e-commerce logistics specialist of DHL Group, has acuired Saudi parcel logistics company AJEX for an unknown value. AJEX, founded in 2021 and backed by Ajlan & Bros Holding, offers a range of customer-centric solutions from express distribution, e-commerce services, and road freight to ocean and airfreight, with presence in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain,…

Egypt’s fintech sector has expanded 5.5 times in the past five years, driven by digital payments, lending, and B2B marketplaces, according to Entlaq's latest report, which was launched in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt. Government initiatives and the Fintech & Innovation Strategy are fostering financial inclusion…

UAE-based fintech Flow48 has closed a $69 million Series A funding round in a mix of debt and equity. The round is led by Breega and has seen further investments from 212, Speedinvest, Daphni, Endeavor Catalyst, Evolution Ventures, and Plus VC, among others. Founded in 2022 by Idriss Al Rifai, Flow48 provides upfront financing to…