Up to $2m pledged to 13 fintech startups at Biban Investors’ Arena

The Investors’ Arena is one of the forum’s key events. SPA
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Updated 07 November 2025
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Up to $2m pledged to 13 fintech startups at Biban Investors’ Arena

RIYADH: The Investors’ Arena at Biban Forum 2025, recorded 37 investment intentions during day two, with a total value of SR7.4 million ($1.97 million). 

These were directed toward 13 fintech startups following a series of live pitches presented by the companies before a panel of investors and experts, reflecting the vibrancy of Saudi Arabia’s investment environment and the maturity of the participating startups’ business models.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the Investors’ Arena is one of the forum’s key events, offering an interactive platform that brings together entrepreneurs and investors to showcase innovative solutions and business models, hold instant meetings that open doors to funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.

It also enables companies to better understand market trends and enhance the readiness of their products and expansion strategies.

Biban 2025 aims to strengthen a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem built on innovation and sustainability through specialized programs and initiatives focused on developing entrepreneurial capabilities and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises. 

The forum hosted more than 85 workshops led by local and international experts, focusing on areas such as finance and investment, management, marketing, digital transformation, and global expansion. It also features over 10,000 investment opportunities showcased on the Forsah platform.

The forum, organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority is being held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunities.” 

It brings together more than 200 local and international speakers, 1,000 exhibitors from among entrepreneurs, investors, and experts, representing over 150 countries around the world.


PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025

Updated 27 February 2026
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PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund-backed AviLease achieved exceptional performance and sustainable business growth during 2025, supported by the strategic expansion of its global platform.

According to its financial results for 2025, AviLease recorded total revenues of $664 million, an annual increase of 19 percent, driven by disciplined growth in its asset portfolio and strong performance in aircraft remarketing amid sustained global demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Profit before tax doubled compared to the previous year, reaching $122 million. The year witnessed an expansion in AviLease’s portfolio, reaching 202 owned and managed aircraft, leased to over 50 airline companies in more than 30 countries. 

The total value of the company’s assets stabilized at $9.3 billion. AviLease maintained a 100 percent fleet utilization rate, reflecting the resilience of its business model, the efficiency of its asset management, and the strength of its strategic relationships with airlines around the world.

AviLease concluded purchase agreements for aircraft from Airbus, including the A320neo family and A350F, and Boeing 737 aircraft, aiming to enhance its future asset portfolio with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. This step will contribute to supporting future growth and meeting increasing customer demand for the latest aircraft, aligning with the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a leading global aviation hub.

AviLease strengthened its prestigious credit standing by obtaining a strong Baa2 credit ratings from Moody’s and BBB from Fitch, reflecting its financial solidity, managerial discipline, and efficiency in managing leverage. The company also successfully issued senior unsecured bonds worth $850 million last November under Regulation 144A/RegS. This issuance contributed to diversifying its funding sources and enhancing its financial flexibility.

Commenting on the results, AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne said: “This exceptional performance reflects the quality of the company’s investment portfolio, the strength of its partnerships with airlines, and its strategic focus on responsibly deploying capital into highly sought-after, efficient, modern aircraft assets.”

He added: “As aviation markets continue to grow, AviLease is strategically positioned to continue its expansion plans and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders, contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitions.”

Throughout 2025, AviLease continued to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s growing aviation sector and contributed directly to the launch and scaling of the new national carrier, Riyadh Air, by completing a sale and leaseback transaction for a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which thereby became the first aircraft to join the airline’s fleet.

AviLease also established a strategic partnership with Hassana Investment Co. This partnership aims to provide an opportunity for local and international investors to enter the aircraft financing asset class and benefit from AviLease’s technical expertise and operational capabilities to support partnership growth and enhance performance. 

Hassana Investment Co. has agreed to acquire an initial portfolio of 10 modern aircraft from AviLease.