RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem continues to gain momentum, with multiple companies across diverse sectors securing significant funding.
From fintech to auto tech, these startups are attracting substantial investments, reflecting the growing confidence in the Kingdom’s entrepreneurial landscape.
One such company to pick up investment is Saudi Arabia-based autotech Syarah, which secured $60 million in a series C funding round led by Artal Capital, with participation from Elm, Impact46, Tawuniya, and Derayah Ventures.
This latest round brings the company’s total investment to more than $82 million.
Syarah was founded in 2015 by Salah Sharef and Fayez Al-Anazi. (Supplied)
Founded in 2015 by Salah Sharef and Fayez Al-Anazi, Syarah enables customers to purchase new and used cars online and have them delivered to their doorstep.
The company’s platform also offers used cars with a free inspection report, a five-day return policy, and a one-year warranty.
The funds will be used to drive Syarah’s continued expansion and growth in the Saudi automotive market.
Saudi fintech Malaa secures $17.3 million in Series A
Saudi fintech Malaa has closed a $17.3 million Series A round, led by SNB Capital, with additional support from Derayah Financial, Khwarizmi Ventures, Impact46, and WKN.
Established in 2021 by Ali Al-Oraini and Faisal Al-Qarni, Malaa provides a wealth management platform designed to help users make informed financial decisions through data-driven solutions.
The company plans to leverage the new funding to introduce a range of investment and savings products, enhancing its financial services offerings. Malaa previously raised $1.7 million in a seed round in 2022.
Saudi-based Thakaa Med secures seed funding for AI healthtech solutions
Saudi Arabia-based healthtech startup Thakaa Med has raised an undisclosed amount in seed funding from the Falak Angels syndicate.
Founded in 2022 by Al-Waleed Al-Badr, Thakaa Med specializes in AI-driven health care technologies aimed at providing predictive, preventive, and personalized medical solutions.
The funds will support the development of the company’s AI models and the market launch of its core products, Dental IQ and Chest IQ, which aim to revolutionize diagnostic capabilities in health care.
Tabby acquires digital wallet Tweeq
Saudi Arabia-based buy now pay later fintech Tabby has finalized its acquisition of Tweeq, a digital wallet licensed by the Saudi Central Bank.
Founded in 2019 by Hosam Arab, Tabby handles over $6 billion in annual transaction volume.
Tweeq, launched in 2020 by Saeed Albuhairi and Abdulaziz Almalki, offers a digital spending account that allows users to manage their finances efficiently.
The acquisition enables Tabby to expand its financial product suite by adding digital wallets, spending accounts, and money management tools. Tabby closed a $200 million Series D round in November 2023, crossing a $1.5 billion valuation.
Speaking to Arab News, Arab explained that the acquisition will open an array of services that tap into customer needs.
“We have really grown and seen extremely strong demand and appetite from the consumer for what we have offered. But we believe that the consumer needs are a lot broader and a lot wider,” he said.
“Tweeq’s acquisition really helps us to make the next step in our journey of starting to offer more than just a buy now, pay later solution and really getting into the financial needs of our everyday consumer,” Arab added.
Tarabut strengthens position with Vyne acquisition
Open banking platform Tarabut has acquired London-based fintech Vyne to expand its global reach.
Founded in Bahrain in 2019 by Abdulla Al-Moayed, Tarabut connects banks and fintechs through a universal application programming interface.
Vyne, established in 2019, offers real-time account-to-account payments for businesses. The acquisition will enhance Tarabut’s ability to deliver faster and more interconnected financial services across the region.
Earlier in 2023, Tarabut raised $32 million in a Series A round led by Pinnacle Capital.
In an interview with Arab News, Al-Moayed highlighted the reasons behind the acquisition.
“Vyne’s account-to-account payment technology brings a level of depth and efficiency to the region that’s unmatched by anything currently available,” he said.
“By enabling faster transactions and offering a comprehensive tech stack, we’re not just speeding up payments — we’re adding significant value with features like seamless reconciliation. This will make payments not only quicker but also more cost-effective, setting a new standard in the financial services sector across the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia,” he added.
Wattnow closes multi-million dollar funding round
Tunisia-based clean tech Wattnow has completed a multi-million dollar funding round, led by Lateral Frontiers and 216 Capital.
Other investors include Outlierz Ventures, Satgana, Octerra Capital, and strategic angels such as Karim Beguir, founder of InstaDeep, and Guillaume Amblard.
Founded in 2018 by Issam Smaali, Wattnow helps businesses optimize their energy usage through a combination of hardware and software solutions.
The fresh capital will support Wattnow’s global expansion and enhance its technology offering. The firm raised $1.3 million in a pre-series A round in 2022.
Cercli raises $4 million in seed funding
UAE-based HR tech Cercli has raised $4 million in a seed round led by Silicon Valley’s Afore Capital, with additional participation from COTU Ventures, Y Combinator, and Rebel Fund.
The round also included notable angels such as Karim Atiyeh, Sebastian Mejia, and Tony Jamous.
Founded in 2023 by Akeed Azmi and David Reche, Cercli offers businesses tools to reduce human error and compliance costs across different markets. (Supplied)
Founded in 2023 by Akeed Azmi and David Reche, Cercli offers businesses tools to reduce human error and compliance costs across different markets. The new funding will support the company’s growth and help attract top-tier talent.
This round marks Afore Capital’s debut in the Middle East and North Africa as it aims to tap into the region’s hidden potential.
Ziina closes $22 million series A
UAE-based fintech Ziina has raised $22 million in a series A round led by Altos Ventures, alongside Fintech Collective, Avenir Growth, and Activant Capital.
Founded in 2020 by Faisal Toukan and Sarah Toukan, Ziina allows users to send and receive payments via phone number, without the need for IBAN or Swift codes.
The funding will support the company’s plans to evolve from a payments platform into a full-suite financial services provider for both consumers and businesses, starting with the introduction of its new ZiiCard.
Hulexo secures seed investment for ERP expansion
UAE-based enterprise resource planning provider Hulexo has raised an undisclosed seed round from Arzan VC.
Launched in 2021, the firm provides customized ERP solutions to retailers, helping them streamline their operations through subscription-based services.
The investment will fund Hulexo’s expansion into the Kuwaiti and Saudi markets.
Verofax secures $3 million bridge round
UAE-based Web3 services provider Verofax has raised $3 million in a bridge round led by King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, Plug & Play Tech Center, Navig8 Group, and Trove Capital UK.
Verofax, founded in 2018 by Wassim Merheby and Jamil Zablah, uses Web3 technologies such as augmented reality, blockchain, and AI to enhance user experiences in tourism, retail, and brand marketing.
The funding will support Verofax’s expansion in the Middle East and Europe, including projects involving AI-powered guides for tourists and sports fans.
