Latest news with #SR3.2
Arabian Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Saudi VC Market Surges Past 2024 Total in Six Months
Saudi Arabia has attracted SR3.2 billion in venture capital funding for startups during the first half of 2025, overtaking the Kingdom's total VC investment for the whole of 2024. MAGNiTT data show Saudi accounted for 56 per cent of all VC inflows into the Middle East and North Africa region in that period. Investor confidence in the Kingdom is heightened by its alignment with Vision 2030 reforms and concerted government backing. The 114 venture capital deals completed in H1 represent a record for Saudi Arabia, underscoring robust market momentum. This performance marks a 116 per cent annual increase in dollars invested compared with H1 of 2024, and a 31 per cent jump in the total number of deals year‑on‑year. The Kingdom's dominance is even more pronounced considering the UAE, its closest competitor, secured only $447 million across an identical number of transactions. ADVERTISEMENT Fintech continues to lead the investment wave, with payment and lending platforms drawing substantial capital. Yet new segments such as enterprise software and edtech are emerging rapidly, supported by local VC funds and international investors chasing mid-stage opportunities. A premium MAGNiTT report highlighted that Saudi Arabia surpassed both the UAE and Singapore during the first quarter. Early- and growth-stage funding increased significantly, buoyed by local investors and sovereign capital rolling out fresh programmes and accelerators. The government's role is clearly evident. Public investment vehicles such as Saudi Venture Capital Company continue to provide foundational support. SVC's CEO, Dr Nabeel Koshak, emphasised this intervention: 'The Kingdom's leading position…comes as a result of many governmental initiatives…launched to stimulate the VC and startups ecosystem within the Saudi Vision 2030 programmes. We at SVC are committed to continuing to lead the development of the ecosystem'. Sovereign-led schemes including LEAP and a series of early-stage programmes funded by the state have helped attract both domestic and overseas capital. MAGNiTT noted the interplay between public-sector drive and private-sector participation as a key factor behind the surge. Growth-stage rounds are now dominating the landscape. Local funds have broadened their spectrum, actively backing Series A and B startups. International investors are following suit, particularly in fintech and enterprise solutions tailored to market-specific needs. Comparatively, Singapore led emerging markets with $1.28 billion across 120 deals in H1, yet its funding volume fell by 37 per cent year‑on‑year and deal numbers declined 31 per cent. This contrast points to Saudi's sustained upward trajectory amid weakening growth elsewhere. Other emerging markets in the MENA and adjacent regions lagged behind: Türkiye raised $226 million, Vietnam $216 million, Egypt $185 million, among others.
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia leads MENA in venture capital with $860 million in H1 2025
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia maintained its position as the top destination for venture capital investment in the Middle East and North Africa during the first half of 2025, attracting SR3.2 billion ($860 million) in funding for startups, surpassing the total VC investment recorded in all of 2024. The figures, released by MAGNiTT, a platform specializing in startup investment data, highlight the Kingdom's robust and evolving economic environment under the Vision 2030 framework. According to the report, Saudi Arabia accounted for 56% of all venture capital investment in the MENA region during H1 2025. The Kingdom also achieved a record number of deals, with 114 venture capital transactions completed during the same period, a strong indicator of investor confidence and the attractiveness of the Saudi market. This milestone reinforces Saudi Arabia's status as the region's largest economy and underscores the growing competitiveness of its startup ecosystem.
