Saudi Startups Raise $3 Billion in 2025 - A New Record

The Kingdom Leads the Region in Startup Funding

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - January 5, 2026 - A new report reveals that Saudi startups raised a record $3 billion in funding during 2025, achieving 85% growth compared to the previous year.

Key Figures

Funding by Stage

• Seed rounds: $400 million (180 deals)
• Series A: $800 million (45 deals)
• Series B and above: $1.8 billion (25 deals)

Funding by Sector

• FinTech: $1.2 billion (40%)
• Artificial Intelligence: $600 million (20%)
• E-commerce: $450 million (15%)
• HealthTech: $300 million (10%)
• Other sectors: $450 million (15%)

Top Deals

Largest 5 Funding Rounds in 2025

1. Tamara - $400 million (FinTech)

   • Buy Now Pay Later services
   • Expansion to 10 new markets

2. Nana - $250 million (Delivery)

   • Fast delivery platform
   • Reaching 50 Saudi cities

3. Salla - $200 million (E-commerce)

   • E-commerce stores platform
   • Serving 100,000 merchants

4. Lucidya - $150 million (AI)

   • Social media analytics
   • Regional and global expansion

5. Foodics - $120 million (FinTech)

   • Payment solutions for restaurants
   • Competitor acquisitions

Active Investors

Local Funds

• Public Investment Fund (PIF)
• STV (Saudi Technology Ventures)
• RAED Ventures
• Impact46

International Investors

• Sequoia Capital
• SoftBank Vision Fund
• Tiger Global
• Andreessen Horowitz

Growth Factors

Regulatory Environment

• Simplified company incorporation procedures
• New bankruptcy laws
• Intellectual property protection

Government Support

• Monsha'at program for small businesses
• Government incubators and accelerators
• Tax exemptions for investors

Infrastructure

• 99% internet penetration
• Increased digital payment adoption
• Promising young demographic base

2026 Outlook

Analysts expect continued growth with:

• 50% funding increase reaching $4.5 billion
• Emergence of Saudi Arabia's first "decacorn" ($10 billion company)
• 5 startup IPOs in the Saudi market

Statements

The Head of the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority stated:

"We are witnessing a fundamental transformation in Saudi entrepreneurship ecosystem. Government support and a stimulating regulatory environment have made the Kingdom the top destination for investors in the region."

These figures reflect the success of the Kingdom's efforts in building a diversified economy based on innovation and entrepreneurship.