Startup funding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) reached US$3.5 billion across 74 deals in September 2025, according to Wamda.

This marks a sharp rebound from August’s US$337.5 million, driven mainly by large deals in Saudi Arabia.

Excluding US$2.6 billion in debt financing, equity funding still showed significant growth.

Saudi fintechs led the surge, with Tamara raising a US$2.4 billion debt facility, Hala securing US$157 million in series B, and Lendo and Erad raising US$50 million and US$33 million in debt, respectively.

Saudi Arabia recorded 25 startups raise US$2.7 billion, while the UAE followed with US$704.3 million across 26 startups.

Oman and Morocco trailed with US$7.7 million and US$6.8 million, respectively, while Egyptian startups raised US$3.2 million amid ongoing economic challenges.

Fintech was the top-funded sector, accounting for US$2.8 billion, followed by proptech at US$528.6 million, largely due to Property Finder’s US$525 million round.

Male-founded startups captured most funding, with women-led ventures raising less than 5%.

🔗 Source: Wamda