MENA Startup Funding Hits Record $7.5 Billion in 2025
Wamda's annual report confirms 2025 as MENA's strongest year — 647 startups raised $7.5B, a 225% year-on-year surge led by fintech.
Wamda's annual report confirmed MENA startup funding reached $7.5 billion in 2025 across 647 startups — a 225% YoY increase. Debt financing accounted for $4 billion, but equity-led investment also grew 77% year-on-year.
Saudi Arabia led with $5 billion across 211 deals, followed by the UAE with $2 billion across 218 startups. Fintech dominated at 58% of total funding. Investment accelerated sharply in H2 with $5.7 billion raised July-December.
Wamda described the ecosystem as entering a phase of scale and selective consolidation, with larger rounds concentrating capital in proven companies rather than distributing widely.