Saudi Arabia’s Venture Capital Ecosystem Continues to Thrive with $20 Million Investment in Booster IV Fund
Saudi Venture Capital Co. has announced a significant investment of $20 million into the Booster IV fund, managed by Beco Capital. This fund focuses on early-stage investments across the Gulf region, supporting high-growth and disruptive startups from seed stage to series A.
Booster IV’s investment strategy covers various sectors with a strong emphasis on Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region. Currently, the fund oversees $495 million in assets across four funds, showcasing its commitment to the region’s startup space.
Saudi’s BIM Ventures and Japan’s SBI Holdings Launch $2 Billion BIM Capital Joint Venture
Saudi Arabia-based BIM Ventures and Japan’s SBI Holdings have joined forces to launch BIM Capital, a joint venture aimed at driving growth in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. This initiative targets private equity, venture capital, debt funds, and real estate development, with a goal of attracting over $200 million in foreign direct investment and managing assets exceeding $2 billion.
The firm will focus on high-growth sectors, particularly technology ventures and emerging industries, offering investors access to innovative opportunities for transformative growth.
Mush Social Secures $1.2 Million in Pre-Seed Funding Led by Nifal Consulting
Saudi-based Mush Social has successfully closed a $1.2 million pre-seed funding round led by Nifal Consulting, with support from Nahr Al-Jazeera Holding and angel investors. Founded in 2022, Mush Social operates a unique social platform where users can earn points and own virtual assets through interactive features, potentially monetizing their online interactions.
The funding will drive the development of advanced technologies to enhance user value and engagement on the platform.
Ayen Acquires Egyptian ConTech Elmawkaa in Seven-Figure Deal
Saudi property tech company Ayen has acquired Egyptian construction technology firm Elmawkaa in a significant seven-figure Saudi riyal transaction. Founded in 2018, Ayen provides data-driven property evaluation solutions and will integrate Elmawkaa’s construction materials marketplace into its platform, strengthening its market position in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
Elmawkaa, established in 2017, offers a digital marketplace for competitive quotations on building materials, simplifying procurement for construction companies.
Aramco Ventures Backs IOTA Software’s $10.4M Series A2 Round
Aramco Ventures has participated in a $10.4 million Series A2 funding round for IOTA Software, a cloud-native platform for industrial performance optimization. Led by Altira Group, with contributions from Oxy Technology Ventures and Second Avenue Partners, the funding will enable IOTA to expand its teams, enhance technology infrastructure, and strengthen marketing efforts.
IOTA’s platform aggregates business and operations data to facilitate decision-making across industrial sectors.
Warburg AI Raises $250K in Seed Funding for Financial AI Solutions
UAE-based Warburg AI has secured $250,000 in seed funding from undisclosed investors. Founded in 2024, Warburg AI develops adaptive artificial intelligence and machine learning tools for financial institutions, focusing on algorithmic trading, real-time risk management, and asset optimization.
The capital will be directed towards product development and expanding the customer solutions team.
Brands.io Raises Seed Funding to Expand AI-Focused Domain Services
UAE’s Brands.io, an AI-driven domain name provider, has raised an undisclosed amount in seed funding from unnamed investors. Founded in 2024, Brands.io offers customized domain names tailored for AI companies.
The investment will support platform development, technical enhancements, and expansion into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with a focus on strengthening GCC presence.
NorthLadder Secures $10M in Series B Funding for Expansion in Pre-Owned Electronics Market
UAE-based NorthLadder, a trade-in platform for pre-owned electronics, has raised $10 million in a Series B funding round led by stc Group’s corporate venture capital arm, tali ventures. Founded in 2021, NorthLadder addresses the growing demand for reselling pre-owned devices, with plans to enhance technology and expand presence, particularly in Europe.
CE-Ventures Co-Leads $10M Funding Round for CrossBridge Bio’s Cancer Therapies
UAE-based CE-Ventures has co-led a $10 million funding round for CrossBridge Bio, a Houston-based biotech firm focused on developing dual-payload antibody drug conjugates for targeted cancer treatments. The investment will support the advancement of CrossBridge Bio’s lead candidate, CBB-120, targeting solid tumors and expanding its pipeline of dual-payload ADCs.
Saudi Arabia’s Signature Startup Event Biban 24 Sees Deals to Support SMEs
Biban 24, Saudi Arabia’s premier event for startups and SMEs, witnessed over $5 billion in agreements and financing initiatives signed during the first three days. Organized by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, the event secured numerous agreements and financing portfolios aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia’s SME sector in alignment with Vision 2030 goals.
These deals included partnerships with leading banks, international memoranda of understanding, and investment opportunities to enhance funding access for SMEs, highlighting Monsha’at’s commitment to supporting economic diversification through SME growth.