Weekly Market Highlights

19th of March 2026

This week’s headlines highlight significant activity across MENA’s startup and investment landscape, including venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, fintech, AI, and alternative assets. The developments reflect growing regional innovation, increasing global investment inflows, and strategic expansions, demonstrating the maturation of ecosystems in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, and beyond.

Riyadh-based AI startup Infobrim raised its first angel round at a $3.5M valuation to scale its AI-native business intelligence platform. The company enables real-time analytics and predictive insights for enterprises, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 push for data-driven decision-making.

Utexo secured $7.5M in a seed round led by Tether to expand its infrastructure enabling USDT payments on Bitcoin via Lightning and RGB. The platform targets financial institutions seeking faster, low-cost, and private stablecoin transactions.

Kudwa raised $1.1M to grow its AI-powered financial planning and analytics platform. It automates reporting, forecasting, and insights, positioning itself as a “financial brain” for modern finance teams across multiple markets.

Miftah closed a pre-seed round (undisclosed) ahead of launch. The startup is building a verified real estate marketplace using identity checks and biometric validation to reduce fraud and improve transparency in Syria’s fragmented property market.

Yassir acquired Paris-based Kawarizmi to build a retail media and adtech ecosystem. The deal strengthens Yassir’s ability to monetise first-party data and expand programmatic advertising across MENA, Europe, and Africa.

Qualiphi acquired Career Club (from iCareer) in a six-figure deal to expand AI-powered career services. The platform connects universities, employers, and students, and has already supported over 500,000 users while expanding into the GCC.

Wa’ed Ventures backed Resemble AI to bring voice AI and deepfake detection technology to Saudi Arabia. The move addresses rising AI-driven fraud and supports secure, locally deployable AI infrastructure in the region.

Value Makers Studio (VMS) launched a Cairo-based accelerator to help startups expand into Saudi Arabia. The program offers up to $28K per startup, mentorship, and access to a large expert network, targeting seed-stage companies with regional ambitions.

Starlink is now available in the UAE with residential and business plans, targeting remote connectivity use cases. While not competing with fibre in cities, it provides flexible internet access for deserts, offshore sites, and mobile users.

Saudi Arabia’s EGDC raised its stake in Capcom to 10% after acquiring 26.7M shares. The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to expand globally in the gaming industry and diversify investments.

Egypt’s startup ecosystem raised $614M in 2025, with over $300M in VC funding across 69 deals. The market is shifting toward fewer but larger strategic deals, increased use of debt financing, and a focus on scalable, proven startups rather than early experimentation.

Venture capital in Qatar grew 81% year-over-year, totaling $59 million across 33 deals. Growth was driven by a $3 billion Fund of Funds from Qatar Investment Authority, attracting global VCs to Doha. The market is increasingly international, though capital remains concentrated among a few investors.

Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) launched a national IoT ecosystem map that identifies key market players and aligns them with regulatory frameworks, aiming to attract investment, improve market transparency, and accelerate IoT adoption in Saudi Arabia.

SAMA licensed Wekad Digital Brokerage Solutions to operate in digital financing intermediation, as part of its efforts to enhance financial sector efficiency, promote fintech innovation, and expand financial inclusion across Saudi Arabia.

SAMA granted Edge Financing Company a license to provide SME financing and consumer finance, bringing the total number of licensed finance companies in Saudi Arabia to 71, supporting sector growth and broader access to financial services.

Overall, the region’s tech and investment sectors are moving toward more strategic, scalable, and globally connected opportunities. From AI and fintech to real estate and alternative investments, companies and funds are leveraging capital, innovation, and cross-border partnerships to strengthen their market positions and drive long-term growth across MENA.