RIYADH: The Middle East and North Africa’s startup ecosystem is ending the first quarter of 2025 with significant momentum, marked by high-value deals, strategic acquisitions, and international expansion plans across multiple industries.
From fintech innovation to food and beverage consolidation and media sector growth, these developments underscore the region’s evolving startup landscape and its increasing global influence.
Nayla Finance secures $4 million to transform SME lending in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh-based fintech startup Nayla Finance has raised $4 million in a seed funding round led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber. The investment will support the company’s mission to address Saudi Arabia’s substantial small and medium-sized enterprises financing gap, estimated at $30 billion.
The funding includes $2.7 million allocated for micro-business debt financing.
Nayla Finance is deploying artificial intelligence and alternative data sources to develop credit scoring for small businesses, with particular emphasis on the food and beverage, e-commerce, and retail sectors.
The firm’s co-founder and CEO, Shaqran Alyahya, emphasized the company’s distinctive approach, saying: “We are building what others hesitate to — empowering important drivers of the Saudi economy with financial solutions designed for their reality.”
The startup’s digital-first platform eliminates traditional banking hurdles by offering streamlined applications, real-time risk assessment, and sector-specific financial products.
Nayla Finance leverages data-driven credit evaluation and a fully digital platform to streamline financing access for small businesses. (Supplied)
Nayla’s co-founder and chief risk officer, Khalid Naili, added: “By leveraging technology, alternative data, and advanced risk models, we are redefining creditworthiness and unlocking financing for businesses that drive the economy.”
The firm leverages data-driven credit evaluation and a fully digital platform to streamline financing access for small businesses, eliminating the bureaucratic hurdles associated with conventional banking systems.
Epik Foods acquires Sauce Capital in $15 million deal
UAE-based Epik Foods has made a strategic move to strengthen its position in the Gulf Cooperation Council’s food and beverage sector by acquiring Abu Dhabi’s Sauce Capital. The transaction was supported by $15 million in fresh funding from Ruya Private Capital. The acquisition creates one of MENA’s largest F&B operators, combining 75 brands under a single umbrella. It significantly enhances Epik’s presence in Saudi Arabia through Sauce Capital’s established operations in the Kingdom.
The expanded group now operates across 50 locations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, encompassing quick-service restaurants, digital food brands, meal kits, and catering services.
NKN Media secures $9.5 million for global growth
Dubai-based NKN Media has announced a significant funding milestone, having secured 35 million Emirati dirhams ($9.5 million) with plans to raise an additional 50 million dirhams.
This capital injection will fuel the company’s ambitious international expansion strategy, reflecting the growing influence of MENA-based media enterprises.
NKN Media is extending its successful Dubai Property Expo to leading global markets, including London, Turkiye, New York, and Moscow.
It is also launching several new intellectual properties, including the Ultimate Realty Awards in May, the third season of Icons of the UAE in September, and the Majlis Premium startup fundraising forum in October.
Growing at an excellent pace, our expansion reflects the demand for high-quality media experiences.
Abdul Majid Khan, Group CEO of NKN Media
Additionally, the company is expanding its presence in the inflight media sector, building on the success of its Spice Route magazine to capture premium travel audiences worldwide.
Group CEO of NKN Media, Abdul Majid Khan, said that the company was at a “defining moment in its journey.”
He added: “Growing at an excellent pace, our expansion reflects the demand for high-quality media experiences. With our recent success, we are not only scaling our flagship events but also venturing into new markets and media verticals.”
According to the CEO, the firm’s focus remains on “delivering impactful content and world-class events that drive business growth.”
He further noted that the next phase of NKN Media expansion would be about scale, innovation, and global reach.
The company benefits from partnerships with major networks, including India Today, Republic TV, and NDTV, along with operations in seven countries across the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
EHC Investment acquires Al-Fanar Gas Group
In a notable deal for the UAE’s energy sector, EHC Investment, through its energy arm Emirates International Gas, has completed the full acquisition of Al-Fanar Gas Group, Abu Dhabi’s largest gas distributor and maintenance provider. This strategic move significantly strengthens EHC’s position in the UAE’s evolving energy landscape.
The acquisition combines Al-Fanar Gas Group’s 30 years of market experience with EIG’s resources and vision, creating a powerhouse in gas distribution and infrastructure services.
Ali Al-Gebely, managing director and board member of EHC Investment, said: “This acquisition will allow us to strengthen that commitment while unlocking new avenues for growth and innovation.”
He added: “Together, we can utilize our combined capabilities to expand our reach and to pioneer next-generation solutions that meet the dynamic demands of our clients and contribute to the nation’s energy ambitions.”
The deal aligns with the UAE Energy Strategy’s goals of infrastructure modernization and operational efficiency enhancement.
