Saudi Arabia Leads MENA Startup Funding in H1 2025

Saudi Arabia has become the leading startup funding destination in the MENA region during the first half of 2025, securing US$1.34 billion in investments—a staggering 342 percent increase from the same period in 2024, according to a report by Wamda and Digital Digest.

The Kingdom accounted for 64 percent of total MENA startup funding, signaling its growing dominance in the regional innovation and venture capital ecosystem. The fintech sector was the key growth engine, attracting US$969 million across 20 transactions. Construction tech and property tech followed, raising US$48 million and US$39 million, respectively. The surge in capital reflects a mix of government-driven initiatives, rising digital adoption, and expanding investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions.

Key Highlights

• Saudi Arabia led MENA startup funding with US$1.34B in H1 2025—up 342% YoY
• Fintech sector dominated, raising US$969M across 20 deals
• MENA startups secured US$2.1B across 334 deals—a 134% YoY rise

Key players driving this funding momentum included STV, Wa’ed Ventures, Raed Ventures, and global giant JPMorgan, which participated in a debt round for Saudi fintech startup Lendo.

Across the broader MENA region, startups raised a total of US$2.1 billion through 334 deals, representing a 134 percent YoY increase. The activity illustrates a maturing entrepreneurial ecosystem where regional hubs like the UAE and Egypt continue to contribute, but Saudi Arabia is clearly outpacing peers in both scale and velocity of funding.

Also Read: CBUAE & Presight Launch AI Venture to Power UAE's Financial Future

As capital inflows accelerate, especially in emerging verticals like fintech, proptech, and construction tech, Saudi Arabia is increasingly positioned as the go-to startup hub of the Middle East—combining scale, policy support, and strategic global investor interest.