Startup Researcher Middle East

Naif Al Rajhi Investment (NRI) has acquired a strategic stake in Mawdoo3.com, founded in 2010 by Rami Alqawasmi and Mohammad Jaber. Mawdoo3 is a pioneering AI company specializing in Arabic language technologies and large language models (LLMs). Having raised $25M across three funding rounds, it is recognized for innovations in Arabic NLP and AI tools. This partnership will accelerate digital transformation, drive Arabic AI innovation, and support Mawdoo3’s global expansion from Saudi Arabia. Stay ahead in the startup world! 🌟 Get a weekly digest of key happenings and insights delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. Don't miss out—subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eNJwg5jb 🚀 #ArtificialIntelligence #ArabicLanguage #Innovation

Baghdad-based Eduba App | ايدوبـــا, founded in 2019 by Azad Hassan, Haider Shabaan, and Raed Kadhim, has been acquired by a leading telecommunications conglomerate for a seven-figure amount. Eduba started as a school management app, gaining traction with private schools and earning accreditation from the Ministry of Education—a rare feat in the sector. The acquisition marks a new chapter as Eduba’s innovative platform integrates with the telecom giant's portfolio, promising exciting synergies for Iraq's education landscape. Stay ahead in the startup world! 🌟 Get a weekly digest of key happenings and insights delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. Don't miss out—subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eNJwg5jb 🚀 #Edtech #Innovation #IraqStartups #Acquisition

Jordan’s ISSFJO - Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF) has invested $5M in Vision Ventures (VV)' Saqr Fund II to support early-stage startups from pre-seed to pre-Series B. The partnership aims to empower Jordanian entrepreneurs and facilitate access to Saudi and GCC markets, driving regional innovation.  Led by Founding Partner and CEO Kais Al-Essa, Vision Ventures has been one of MENA’s most active VCs since 2019, fostering collaborations and M&A activities across markets. ISSF CEO MOHAMMED ALMUHTASEB emphasized the alignment with Jordan's innovation ecosystem and Vision Ventures’ dedication to local talent development.  Stay ahead in the startup world! 🌟 Get a weekly digest of key happenings and insights delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. Don't miss out—subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eNJwg5jb 🚀 #Startups #VentureCapital #Innovation #Jordan

UK-based Watercycle Technologies, co-founded by Dr. Ahmed Abdelkarim and Dr. Sebastian Leaper, has secured $5.6M in Series A funding. The round was led by Par Equity, with participation from Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Aer Ventures, and the University of Manchester Innovation Factory. The company has developed a groundbreaking technology for sustainable mineral recovery, recently producing over 100 kg of battery-grade lithium carbonate. Backed by Innovate UK grants, the funds will accelerate commercialization, expand desalination innovations, and forge new partnerships globally, including in the MENA region. Stay ahead in the startup world! 🌟 Get a weekly digest of key happenings and insights delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. Don't miss out—subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eNJwg5jb 🚀 #ClimateTech #Funding #Sustainability #MineralRecovery

Jada Fund of Funds announces its commitment to SEEDRA Ventures Fund II, reinforcing its mission to empower early-stage businesses in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. Led by Haitham Alforaih, SEEDRA Ventures aims to drive innovation and support entrepreneurs advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Stay ahead in the startup world! 🌟 Get a weekly digest of key happenings and insights delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. Don't miss out—subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eNJwg5jb 🚀 #VentureCapital #SaudiArabia #MENAStartups #Innovation

nybl has partnered with Qatar Development Bank (QDB) in a strategic investment agreement to accelerate AI-driven innovation across the MENA region. Led by Noor Alnahhas, and known as the "Google of contextual data," nybl is set to transform industries with its cutting-edge AI solutions, turning raw data into actionable insights. Stay ahead in the startup world! 🌟 Get a weekly digest of key happenings and insights delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. Don't miss out—subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eNJwg5jb 🚀 #AI #Innovation #MENA #Qatar

Wahed, a Sharia-compliant digital investment platform, has secured strategic funding from Qatar Development Bank (QDB) during the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2024. Founded in 2017 and led by Mohsin Siddiqui, Wahed is recognized for its ethical investment portfolios and for launching the first Sharia-compliant ETF in the US. This partnership strengthens Wahed's presence in the Middle East and supports QDB’s mission to foster innovative startups contributing to Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Stay ahead in the startup world! 🌟 Get a weekly digest of key happenings and insights delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. Don't miss out—subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eNJwg5jb 🚀 #Fintech #ShariaCompliant #StartupFunding #Qatar

ShipFinex, a blockchain-powered maritime fintech platform, secures $1.5M in seed funding led by Gaurav Mehta , Chairman of Best Oasis Limited, with participation from Vivek Seth (ADNOC Logistics & Services) and Yasovardhan Chinni (Nanlian Ship Management LLC). Co-founders Vikas Pandey (CEO) and Ravi Shankar, FICS aim to revolutionize maritime finance with fractional ownership of maritime assets via Maritime Asset Tokens (MATs). Stay ahead in the startup world! 🌟 Get a weekly digest of key happenings and insights delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. Don't miss out—subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eNJwg5jb #MaritimeFinance #Blockchain #Fintech #Funding

Locad secures $9M in Pre-Series B funding, co-led by Global Ventures and ReefKNoT Investments, with participation from Sumitomo Equity Ventures, Antler Elevate, Febe Ventures, and JG Summit. Founded in 2020 by Constantin Robertz, Jannis Dargel and Shrey Jain, Locad empowers consumer brands with its cloud-based supply chain-as-a-service platform, streamlining omnichannel distribution and localized fulfillment. Stay ahead in the startup world! 🌟 Get a weekly digest of key happenings and insights delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. Don't miss out—subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eNJwg5jb 🚀 #Funding #Logistics #Ecommerce #SmartLogistics

EdfaPay secures $5M in Pre-Series A funding, led by Omantel Innovation Labs, with support from Aljabr MENA and Waad Investment. This milestone strengthens EdfaPay's presence in Saudi Arabia and drives its expansion across MENA, including a significant move into Oman. Co-founders Ghormallah Al-Ghamdi and Nedal Sabbah highlight plans to enhance their SoftPOS technology and deliver cutting-edge payment solutions for startups, SMEs, and freelancers. Backed by top investors like NUWA Capital and Sanabel 500, EdfaPay is shaping the future of fintech across the GCC, North Africa, and Asia. Stay ahead in the startup world! 🌟 Get a weekly digest of key happenings and insights delivered to your inbox every Monday morning. Don't miss out—subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eNJwg5jb 🚀 #Fintech #Funding #SaudiArabia #MENAStartups