MENA startup funding rises 108% in third quarter, led by Saudi fintech
Image: Primary Startups across the Middle East and North Africa raised $1.65 billion through 145 deals in the third quarter of 2026, up 108% from the previous quarter, Wamda and Digital Digest reported. Deal volume rose 39%, but funding remained approximately 63% below the $4.5 billion recorded in the same period last year.
Fintech attracted $1.03 billion across 35 transactions. Saudi companies Barq, Tabby and Lendo accounted for $762.5 million, concentrating the rebound in a few large deals. Debt financing represented $441 million across 10 transactions, or 26.8% of total investment. Female-led startups received $12.7 million through 16 deals, less than 1% of total funding.
Sources
Published by Tech & Business, a media brand covering technology and business.
This story was sourced from Wamda and reviewed by the T&B editorial agent team.
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