Startup Researcher Middle East

Flow48 secures $69 million Series A funding to expand SME lending across emerging markets, with a focus on Saudi Arabia and South Africa. The round, a mix of debt and equity, was led by BREEGA with participation from 212, Speedinvest, daphni, Endeavor Catalyst, Evolution Ventures, and Plus VC (+VC). Founded by Idriss Al Rifai, Flow48 leverages AI-driven risk assessment and alternative data to offer revenue-based financing solutions without equity dilution. With this funding, the company is set to scale its operations and enhance its platform, driving financial inclusion for underserved businesses. More at: https://lnkd.in/eGeiD9GX #Fintech #Funding #SMELending #EmergingMarkets

Yashaa Global Capital secures regulatory approval to launch its $75 million global sports VC fund at ADGM. Backed by sporting legends like Shikhar Dhawan and AB de Villiers, alongside investment experts Mohammed Sirajuddin and Arif Padaria, the fund aims to drive innovation in SportsTech, Esports, Fitness & Wellness, and MediaTech. Positioned in Abu Dhabi’s premier financial hub, it bridges global investors with cutting-edge sports startups. More at: https://lnkd.in/eiiqxw6X #SportsInvestment #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #Esports

Brick secures R$5 million funding to expand its AI-powered fraud prevention and underwriting software, led by Honey Island by 4UM Investimentos and Broom Ventures, with support from Alessio Alionço (Pipefy) and João del Valle (EBANX). Founded in 2021 by Vinicius Schroeder, Vitor Soares da Silva, Carlos Schwabe, and Guilherme Ninov, Brick has grown rapidly, multiplying its revenue 16x while optimizing capital efficiency. With over 600 clients, including top car rental companies, the startup is reshaping risk assessment in the insurance and vehicle protection industries. More at: https://lnkd.in/eEshDgqm #AI #FraudPrevention #Insurtech #Funding

Lola Inc. secures $1.3 million pre-seed funding to revolutionize cake customization across the GCC. Led by Vision Ventures (VV) and Plus VC (+VC), with support from angel investors, this Bahrain-founded foodtech startup is set to expand in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Founded in 2023 by Othman Janahi, Lola is redefining personalized gifting with a tech-driven platform that lets customers design cakes in under a minute. More at: https://lnkd.in/e5D6tJ7K #Foodtech #Funding #Startups #Personalization

omnispay secures $1.5 million seed funding to revolutionize SME payments in the GCC, led by Mercatus Capital Pte. Ltd. with support from regional and international investors. Founded by Vimal Kumar, Simanta Das, and Praveen Kiran, Omnispay empowers SMEs with an all-in-one Collect, Pay & Borrow platform, reducing transaction costs and enhancing cashflow management. With 1,600+ businesses onboarded and 40% month-on-month growth, it’s driving financial inclusion and digital transformation in the region. More at: https://lnkd.in/eifCzR_b #Fintech #Funding #SMEs #GCCStartups

Qatari AI healthtech startup Lillia secures $1.7 million from Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council to develop an AI-powered digital twin for chronic disease management. Backed by Qatar Development Bank, QSTP, and M Venture Partners (MVP), Lillia is set to expand across MENA and Southeast Asia, transforming healthcare with predictive analytics and precision treatment. Founded in 2024 through the merger of Droobi Health LLC and Smit.fit, Lillia is led by Sujit Chakrabarty, Founder and CEO, and is pioneering AI-driven chronic care solutions. More at: https://lnkd.in/eMcKF86s #HealthTech #AI #Funding #DigitalHealth

Journify secures $4 million funding to revolutionize first-party data activation, led by Silicon Badia and RZM Investment. The funding will support its AI-powered SaaS platform, helping brands optimize data-driven marketing with enhanced audience engagement and compliance-first solutions. Founded in 2023 by Taoufik El Jamali, Amine Chouki, and Omar AlShoubaki, Journify is redefining customer data management with its Conversion API (CAPI) and Composable Customer Data Platform (CCDP). More at: https://lnkd.in/eYbcVK3M #MarketingTech #Funding #AI #DataDrivenMarketing

MANSA secures $10 million in funding to revolutionize cross-border payments through stablecoin liquidity. The $3M equity round was led by Tether.io, with support from Faculty Group, Octerra Capital, Polymorphic Capital, and Trive Digitals, while $7M in liquidity financing came from DeFi platforms, quant funds, and hedge funds. Founded in 2023 by Mouloukou S., and Nkiru Uwaje, Mansa is building a next-generation liquidity infrastructure to streamline global transactions for payment platforms, remittance firms, and forex providers. With $31M in processed transactions and a 37.5% monthly growth rate, the company is on track to hit a $1B TPV run rate this year. More at: https://lnkd.in/e4XBQYrz #Fintech #Stablecoin #CrossBorderPayments #Funding

The Box Self Storage Services LLC secures $12.5 million in funding for expansion and smart storage solutions, led by Shorooq Partners. The investment will support a new flagship facility in Dubai, enhancing flexible and secure self-storage options for individuals and businesses. Founded in the UAE by Wadih Haddad, The Box is a leading player in the self-storage industry, offering modern, adaptable spaces that cater to the evolving demands of urban living. With this investment, the company is set to redefine storage standards across the region. More at: https://lnkd.in/ee6Dy8GG #SelfStorage #Funding #UrbanLiving #SmartStorage

🚀 Largest Startup Funding Rounds in Bahrain (2024) Amid a broader downturn in venture funding across the region, Bahrain’s startup ecosystem has demonstrated resilience, with select startups securing significant capital despite market headwinds. While investor sentiment has remained cautious, a few Bahraini startups have defied the trend, attracting substantial funding rounds to fuel their expansion: - Ahlan App, founded by Faisal Rashed, raised $3M from Hope Ventures, Al Rajhi Holdings, and angel investors. - Right Calories, founded by Abdulla Sulibeekh, secured $265K from Hope Ventures via the Beban TV show. - Motolines, founded by Ahmed Ashoor, landed $82K from Hope Ventures on Beban TV. - ReQahwa-founded by Hamad Alrowaish, and Hasan Faisal, received $48K from Hope Ventures and Dr. Wissam Fahed. - Unipal, founded by Ali Alalawi and Ali Al Shaer, closed a Pre-Series A round backed by Falak Angels Syndicate. - Receiptable, founded by Chris Purdie, raised a pre-seed round led by HP Spring Studios. - Daleel, co-founded by PK ., and Ridaa S., secured an undisclosed round from Hambro Perks Spring Studios and Flat6Labs UAE. - Tajweed, founded by Khalil Alqaheri, received funding from Tenmou to expand its digital learning platform. - Travilege, founded by Salman AlMarzooq, secured investment from Tenmou to scale its travel tech solutions. As these startups secure critical funding, they reinforce Bahrain’s position as a rising hub for innovation in the MENA region. The resilience and adaptability of these ventures will be key to shaping the kingdom’s entrepreneurial future. 📢 For the full breakdown of these funding rounds, check out our latest article (link in the comments). #Bahrain #Startups #Funding