RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s advertisement space is set to see a new level of data analysis after startup Quantum banked $7 million to boost its technology and expansion plans.
The Riyadh-based ad tech firm, founded by Omar Malaikah and Sara Bin Ladin in 2020, plans to use the funds from its pre-series-A round to scale its operations, enhance its platform and explore new markets, solidifying its position in the region’s growing digital advertising ecosystem.
In an interview with Arab News, Malaikah described the funding as a “huge milestone,” highlighting its significance beyond a financial boost.
“It’s not just about the money; it’s about what it enables us to do. We’re now in a position to scale our operations, refine our platform, and explore new markets with confidence. It also reinforces that our vision for transforming adtech is resonating with the right people,” he said.
The round, led by HearstLab, marks the global media investment firm’s first-ever Middle East investment.
“We’re incredibly proud to have HearstLab on board. As their first investment in the Middle East, it’s a validation (of) the unique value Quantum brings to the market,” Malaikah said.
“They were drawn to our ability to bridge the gap between advertisers and publishers in a way that’s both efficient and transparent. Their expertise in media and technology is going to be a game-changer for us as we push forward.”
Quantum’s platform directly connects advertisers with publishers.
“At its core, Quantum is about making ad buying smarter and simpler,” Malaikah explained. “Advertisers can use our platform to directly buy premium ad space, cutting out a lot of inefficiencies and middlemen. For publishers, it’s about better monetizing their inventory. We’re solving the pain points both sides have faced for years — things like high costs, lack of transparency, and complicated processes.”
Omar Malaikah, CEO and founder of Riyadh-based ad tech firm Quantum. (Supplied)
With the funding, Quantum plans to focus on expanding its market presence, starting with the Gulf Cooperation Council region and later targeting international opportunities.
“The GCC is our immediate focus, but we’re also looking at other markets with high growth potential, like Southeast Asia,” Malaikah said. “These regions have similar challenges in the ad tech space, and we see a lot of opportunities to bring our solutions there.”
Quantum also plans to refine its technology and add new features to its platform. “We’re investing in new features to stay ahead of the curve and provide even more value to our clients,” said Malaikah. “Growing our sales and client base is a big priority too, as we want to build on the momentum we’ve already achieved.”
The company has already gained strong traction since its founding in 2018, working with high-profile clients including Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Nestle, Goody, and Almarai.
“Since launching in 2018, we’ve achieved some amazing things,” Malaikah said. “We’ve grown our client base significantly, established strong partnerships, and gained recognition as a leader in the adtech space in the region. Being the first GCC company to secure investment from HearstLab is another big highlight for us.”
Quantum’s data-driven approach to advertising is central to its appeal. “Data is at the heart of what we do,” Malaikah emphasized, adding: “Our platform gives advertisers deep insights into how their campaigns are performing, which helps them make smarter decisions and get better results. It’s all about maximizing the return on their investment.”
He also shared a notable success story, saying: “One client in retail, for example, used our platform to increase their ROI by 40 percent, which was a real validation of our model.”
Revenue growth is another key target for Quantum, and Malaikah said: “While I can’t share exact numbers just yet, our goal is to double our revenue in the next year by expanding our client base and entering new markets. It’s an ambitious target, but one we’re ready to meet.”
As the company grows, it is also scaling its workforce, with a focus on hiring both locally and internationally. “We’re definitely hiring,” Malaikah said, adding: “We’re focusing on building our local talent in Saudi Arabia, but we’re also looking at international hires to bring in specialized expertise. Growing the team is a big priority as we scale.
Partnerships are a key element of Quantum’s strategy moving forward. “Partnerships are a big part of our growth strategy,” he explained. “While acquisitions aren’t on the immediate horizon, we’re always exploring ways to collaborate with companies that align with our vision and can help us grow faster.”
With its streamlined platform, advanced data analytics, and strategic growth plans, Quantum aims to reshape ad tech in the Middle East and beyond.
“Right now, our focus is on scaling the platform and expanding our market reach,” Malaikah said, underlining the company’s commitment to driving innovation in the sector.
Building Quantum during the pandemic presented unique challenges, particularly in establishing trust with clients without face-to-face interactions.
“But we adapted quickly — leaning heavily on digital communication and proving the value of our platform through results,” said Malaikah.
“Sara and I started Quantum because we saw a massive gap in the advertising market. Advertisers and publishers were frustrated by inefficiencies and a lack of transparency. We knew we could build something better — something that really met their needs.”
Looking ahead, Quantum has ambitious plans: “In three to five years, we see Quantum as a global player in adtech. Our goal is to be the go-to platform for advertisers and publishers looking for efficiency, transparency and results. We’re excited to scale, innovate and keep driving the industry forward.”
