Sustainability in E-commerce: Insights from Seamless KSA 2024

Oct 10, 2024

Kholoud Hussein 

 

As Saudi Arabia pursues its Vision 2030 goals of diversifying the economy and promoting sustainability, the intersection of e-commerce and sustainability is becoming increasingly important. The Seamless KSA 2024 event brings together retailers, e-commerce leaders, fintech innovators, and government officials to discuss the latest trends and innovations in digital commerce, with sustainability emerging as a key theme. This article explores how Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector embraces sustainable practices, technology's role in this transformation, and the insights shared at Seamless KSA 2024.

 

Sustainability in E-commerce: A Growing Priority

 

E-commerce has seen explosive growth in Saudi Arabia, particularly in recent years. The sector is expected to reach $30 billion by 2026, according to a 2024 report by Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA). However, with this rapid expansion comes increased pressure on logistics, packaging, and energy consumption, all of which have environmental implications. As a result, sustainability is becoming a priority for the Kingdom’s e-commerce industry, driven by both government initiatives and changing consumer expectations.

 

Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi emphasized at Seamless KSA 2024, “Sustainability is no longer an option, but a necessity. The future of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia will be shaped by how businesses integrate sustainable practices into their operations, from packaging and delivery to energy consumption and waste management.”

 

In line with Vision 2030, which includes ambitious environmental goals such as reducing the Kingdom’s carbon footprint, the e-commerce sector is under increasing scrutiny to adopt sustainable practices. Seamless KSA 2024 provided valuable insights into how these practices are being implemented and the technologies driving this transformation.

 

1. Sustainable Packaging and Waste Reduction

 

One of the key areas of focus in the sustainability discussion at Seamless KSA 2024 was sustainable packaging. As e-commerce orders continue to rise, so does the use of packaging materials, much of which is plastic or non-recyclable. Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce giants, including Noon and Jarir, are beginning to recognize the environmental impact of excessive packaging and are adopting eco-friendly alternatives.

 

During a panel discussion at Seamless KSA, Noon’s COO, Ali Kothari, remarked, “As we scale our e-commerce operations, the need for sustainable packaging becomes critical. We are actively investing in biodegradable and recyclable materials, reducing our reliance on plastic, and working with suppliers to minimize packaging waste.”

 

Companies are also exploring innovations such as minimalist packaging, which reduces the size and volume of materials used, and reusable packaging solutions, allowing consumers to return packaging for reuse. These efforts are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader environmental goals, including the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to promote circular economy practices and reduce waste.

 

In a 2024 report by McKinsey & Company, it was highlighted that e-commerce businesses can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 15% through sustainable packaging solutions alone. This not only addresses environmental concerns but also meets the growing demand from eco-conscious consumers who are increasingly factoring sustainability into their purchasing decisions.

 

2. Optimizing Logistics and Reducing Emissions

 

Another critical element of sustainability in e-commerce is the optimization of logistics and delivery processes. The rise of same-day delivery and on-demand logistics has led to an increase in the number of delivery vehicles on the road, contributing to carbon emissions and traffic congestion. Seamless KSA 2024 highlighted the role of AI and big data in optimizing delivery routes, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing the environmental impact of logistics.

 

According to a 2024 study by PwC, optimizing last-mile delivery operations through AI-powered route planning and electric vehicle (EV) adoption could reduce carbon emissions from e-commerce logistics by 25% in the Kingdom. Several e-commerce companies are already experimenting with electric delivery vehicles and alternative energy solutions to power their logistics networks.

STC Pay CEO Ahmed Al-Enizi spoke at the event, stating, “The future of e-commerce logistics is sustainable. By adopting electric delivery vehicles and leveraging AI to optimize delivery routes, we can not only reduce our operational costs but also significantly lower our environmental impact.”

 

Additionally, drone delivery is emerging as a futuristic solution for reducing emissions in last-mile delivery. Though still in the testing phase, drone delivery has the potential to revolutionize logistics in Saudi Arabia by cutting delivery times and emissions. Seamless KSA 2024 showcased several drone technology demonstrations, highlighting the potential of this technology to make e-commerce more environmentally friendly.

 

3. Renewable Energy Integration in E-commerce Operations

 

A major theme at Seamless KSA 2024 was the integration of renewable energy into e-commerce operations. As warehouses and fulfillment centers grow in size and scale, so do their energy consumption needs. To meet the demands of high-volume operations while adhering to Saudi Arabia’s environmental goals, many e-commerce companies are investing in solar power and other renewable energy sources to power their facilities.

 

Amazon Saudi Arabia, for example, announced at Seamless KSA 2024 that it plans to power its new fulfillment centers in Riyadh entirely with solar energy by 2026. Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon MENA, said, “Sustainability is central to our operations. By integrating renewable energy into our facilities, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also supporting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to increasing renewable energy adoption.”

 

The Saudi Green Initiative, launched as part of Vision 2030, aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the Kingdom’s energy mix to 50% by 2030. E-commerce companies are aligning with this target by incorporating solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and smart building technologies in their logistics centers, warehouses, and office spaces. These energy-efficient solutions not only reduce the environmental impact of e-commerce but also offer cost savings in the long run.

 

4. Promoting Circular Economy and Sustainable Consumer Behavior

 

Beyond operational changes, Seamless KSA 2024 also addressed the role of circular economy principles and promoting sustainable consumer behavior in the e-commerce space. A growing number of companies are introducing recycling programs, product refurbishment, and second-hand marketplaces to extend the life cycle of products and reduce waste.

 

For example, Mumzworld, a leading e-commerce platform for mothers and children, launched a recycling initiative that allows customers to return used baby products such as strollers and toys, which are then refurbished and resold at a discount. This not only reduces waste but also encourages consumers to participate in sustainable practices.

 

Hala Al-Tuwaijri, CEO of the Center for Sustainability and Waste Management, emphasized at the event, “E-commerce businesses have a responsibility to promote sustainable consumption. By adopting circular economy models and engaging consumers in recycling and reuse initiatives, we can reduce the environmental footprint of online shopping.”

 

Seamless KSA 2024 also highlighted the importance of educating consumers about the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. Many companies now offer carbon-neutral or carbon-offset options at checkout, allowing customers to compensate for the carbon emissions generated by their purchases. This growing trend aligns with consumer demand for greater transparency and accountability from businesses regarding their sustainability efforts.

 

5. The Role of Government and Policy in Driving Sustainability

 

The Saudi government’s active role in promoting sustainability was a key topic at Seamless KSA 2024. Through various initiatives and regulatory frameworks, the government is encouraging e-commerce businesses to adopt sustainable practices. The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), for instance, is working closely with fintech companies to integrate sustainable finance solutions that support environmentally conscious business practices.

 

In his opening remarks at Seamless KSA 2024, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance, said, “The government is committed to creating a regulatory environment that encourages sustainability across all sectors, including e-commerce. By incentivizing companies to adopt green technologies and sustainable practices, we are ensuring that economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.”

 

The National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), launched as part of Vision 2030, also plays a key role in the e-commerce sector’s transition to sustainability. The program encourages private companies to invest in renewable energy solutions and provides financial incentives for businesses that adopt sustainable energy practices.

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainability in Saudi E-commerce

 

The discussions and innovations showcased at Seamless KSA 2024 indicate that sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern for Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector. It is becoming a core component of business strategy, driven by both government initiatives and consumer demand. As Saudi Arabia continues to lead the MENA region in e-commerce growth, the integration of sustainable practices will be essential in ensuring the long-term success and resilience of the industry.

 

Technology as a Catalyst for Sustainable E-commerce

 

The role of technology, particularly AI, IoT, and blockchain, will be critical in accelerating the transition to sustainable e-commerce. These technologies are already being used to optimize supply chains, reduce emissions, and provide greater transparency in product sourcing and delivery. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will offer even more opportunities for e-commerce businesses to reduce their environmental impact and improve efficiency.

 

Consumer Demand for Sustainability

 

As eco-conscious consumers become a larger share of the market, businesses will need to meet their expectations by offering sustainable products, transparent supply chains, and environmentally friendly options. Companies that fail to address sustainability may face increasing pressure from both consumers and regulators, making it

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From Tabuk to Najran: Can Fintech Reach Saudi Arabia’s Remote Regions?

Ghada Ismail

 

Saudi Arabia’s fintech story reads like a tale of two kingdoms. In Riyadh and Jeddah, cash feels almost antique; it’s only a matter of phone taps, QR codes flash, and money moves in seconds. Yet a few hundred kilometers away, in Tabuk’s rugged northwest or Najran’s mountain valleys, daily commerce often sounds like the rustle of paper bills and the scratch of a pen across a ledger. The country’s financial future is unfolding at two different speeds.

 

It isn’t infrastructure that draws the line. Mobile penetration tops 95 percent, 5G towers rise even in sparsely populated stretches, and e-payments already dominate national retail transactions. The gap is more subtle: culture, trust, and the rhythms of rural life. Convincing a farmer in Al-Jawf to swap cash for code demands more than bandwidth; it calls for products that fit local habits, clear value that outweighs tradition, and a level of human connection that an app alone can’t supply.

 

Saudi Arabia has the digital highway; the challenge is building the entry points. Whether fintech can cross that last mile will determine if the Kingdom’s financial revolution remains an urban triumph or becomes a truly nationwide transformation.

 

Infrastructure: A Kingdom Already Wired

From an infrastructure perspective, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned. Internet penetration is extremely high (estimates are over 95%), mobile device ownership is widespread, and 4G/5G networks are expanding into previously marginal areas. These foundations matter: without reliable connectivity and devices, fintech is impossible. Already, electronic payments account for a large and growing share of retail transactions. The requisite backbone is largely in place.

 

Urban Comfort vs. Rural Reality

Still, real comfort with fintech is uneven. In Riyadh, merchants often expect digital payments; in remote towns, cash remains king. Limited bank branch presence in outlying areas means residents may need to travel far for physical banking. Older generations or those with less exposure to digital tools are often wary of apps because of perceived complexity, security risk, or distrust of unseen financial entities. Small businesses in remote regions may lack formal accounting or consistent electricity or internet service, undermining the good infrastructure in theory.

 

Simpler Fintech for Seniors: An Overlooked Opportunity

When designing fintech for broader inclusion, startups should think about older adults—not just young, tech-savvy users. For many seniors, a confusing interface or too many steps can be as big a barrier as a lack of connectivity. Startups that build apps designed with simplicity in mind—large readable text, simple menus, voice instructions, minimal jargon, offline support, and even human assistance options—could unlock fintech adoption among older generations in remote areas.

Such apps might include:

  • Simplified banking apps with fewer screens and more guidance.
  • “Lite” or basic versions of wallets that avoid overwhelming options.
  • Remote or agent-assisted onboarding, so elders who are less comfortable with tech can get help.
  • Voice or audio assistance in Arabic, possibly even local dialects.
  • Clear, transparent fees so there is no distrust arising from surprise costs.

 

Some relevant observations:

  • Al Rajhi Bank’s app is praised for being user-friendly and for continuous improvements. But it is still a general-purpose banking app, not specifically tailored to seniors.
  • STC Pay and others provide digital wallets with simple features like QR payments, bill payments, etc. These features could serve seniors well if designed with accessibility in mind. But I saw no specific senior-oriented version. 
  • In lists of “budgeting” or “open banking” apps, ease of use is often mentioned, but not specifically accommodations for low digital literacy or elderly users

This suggests a gap in the market: there is room for fintech startups in Saudi Arabia that explicitly build for the last mile of inclusion—older adults in remote towns. The right design could make a big difference in whether fintech isn’t just available, but also usable for all.

 

Vision 2030’s Digital Mandate

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, together with the Financial Sector Development Program and the national Fintech Strategy, explicitly aims to make financial services more inclusive. Regulatory reforms—such as digital-banking licenses, open banking, and upgraded payment systems—are meant to lower barriers for innovators. Central bank policies and government incentives are pushing toward universal access, financial literacy initiatives, and infrastructure investment. These provide an enabling environment for fintech expansion—but regulatory support alone does not ensure adoption.

 

Business Models Built for the Last Mile

For fintechs to succeed beyond major cities, they must adapt business models to the realities of rural and remote regions. One promising route is agent networks: local shops or service points that act as touchpoints for users who prefer or need human interaction. Another is partnering with telecom companies, which already have reach and existing trust in many small towns. Retail chains, post offices, or municipality kiosks could also serve as infrastructure hubs. Products may need to be cheaper, simpler, and require minimal digital literacy to use.

 

Winning Hearts, Not Just Downloads

Building adoption is as much a question of trust and culture as tech and regulation. Transparent pricing, clear value, local language support, and human customer service are essential. For someone who has never used a fintech app, a failed transaction or confusing fee can be discouraging. Financial education programs tailored for rural communities, delivered through trusted local groups, can help. Even hybrid models—digital onboarding followed by in-person support—may work better than fully remote approaches in many small towns.

 

The Credit Gap: Data as Collateral

One area where fintech can make a big difference is credit access. Many small business owners outside big cities lack formal financial histories or audited accounts. Traditional lenders often reject their loan applications. Fintechs that use alternative data—mobile money flows, POS history, utility payments—can build credit profiles and offer small, short-term business loans or inventory financing. That could unlock productivity in sectors like agriculture, small retail, regional logistics, and crafts.

 

Public–Private Partnerships in Action

There are clear roles for both the state and private sector. Government subsidies or guarantees can de-risk fintech pilot projects in areas where margins are thin. Regulators can provide frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protection, especially for users less experienced with financial services. Banks with branch networks can collaborate with fintech startups to extend service reach. Telecommunications companies can help with distribution and customer chains. Examples include STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Mobily, and Zain.

The idea is that these companies already have:

  • Extensive physical presence through stores and service centers, even in remote towns.
  • Trusted customer relationships with millions of subscribers.
  • Existing billing and payment systems that can be integrated with fintech services.

Because of this reach, telecom companies can help distribute fintech products, handle customer sign-ups or cash-in/cash-out services, and support outreach in areas where banks or fintech startups have little presence.

 

Operations on the Ground

Fintech’s promise often runs into operational hurdles. Reliable power and internet are not uniformly guaranteed in remote areas. Cash-in and cash-out logistics are tricky: even if payments are done digitally, someone often needs to handle cash for daily expenses. Merchant acceptance is uneven, especially among small stores with thin margins. Fintech systems need to integrate smoothly with existing business workflows—if reconciliation is difficult, or if the app doesn’t handle local languages or dialects, adoption drops.

 

Measuring Real Impact

Success should be measured with more than download counts or the number of transactions. Key metrics include how fintech reduces time and cost for small businesses, increases savings or access to credit, reduces reliance on informal systems, improves incomes, and raises financial inclusion. Pilot programs should track outcomes over months or years, comparing communities with and without these services, and gather feedback to refine products.

 

From Connectivity to Inclusion

In the end, fintech in Saudi Arabia has moved closer than ever to being able to serve the Kingdom fully, from Tabuk to Najran. The infrastructure, regulation, and technology are largely in place. But for fintech to truly reach remote regions, providers must adapt: offering services in culturally relevant ways, building trust through human touchpoints, designing affordable and useful products, and partnering with existing local networks.

If they succeed, the result won’t just be more people using fintech apps; it will be a more inclusive economy in which rural and remote areas share more fully in the gains of digital finance. Vision 2030’s promise is big; now the test is whether fintech can land softly and stick across every valley, desert, and mountain of the Kingdom.

Dyna.Ai: Powering Saudi Arabia’s AI-Driven Financial Future under Vision 2030

Kholoud Hussein 

 

In today’s rapidly transforming digital economy, artificial intelligence has emerged as both a disruptor and an enabler, redefining how industries operate and compete. Nowhere is this transformation more visible than in the financial services sector, where AI is powering new models of efficiency, personalization, and compliance. With global investment in AI accelerating, and financial institutions seeking tools that balance innovation with trust, the conversation around AI’s role has never been more critical.

Against this backdrop, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global hub for AI and digital transformation under Vision 2030, investing billions to cultivate expertise, infrastructure, and sustainable innovation. The Kingdom’s ambitious agenda has created fertile ground for technology leaders to collaborate with regulators, enterprises, and entrepreneurs in building a robust digital economy.

It is in this context that Sharikat Mubasher sat down exclusively with Tomas Skoumal, Chairman & Co-founder of Dyna.Ai, to discuss how the company’s Agentic AI Suite and enterprise solutions are reshaping the financial landscape. In this interview, Skoumal outlines Dyna.Ai’s competitive edge, the challenges it helps financial institutions overcome, and the company’s role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a regional AI powerhouse.

 

Dyna.Ai positions itself as a leader in AI-as-a-Service, with solutions already reshaping finance and beyond. How do you define your unique edge in such a competitive and fast-moving AI market?

Our edge is the ability to combine deep financial services experience with modern AI solutions that are enterprise-ready and built for measurable business outcomes. In the financial services sector, technology adoption isn’t about deploying the most recent innovation, but it’s about delivering results such as improving customer engagement, reducing operational risk, and generating new revenue streams.

Our flagship Agentic AI Suite and our Enterprise Solutions Suite for financial services provide multi-modal, multi-channel engagement with 95%+ accuracy and sub-200 millisecond response times. Products like VoiceGPT and AvatarGPT power AI employees that enable our customers to scale hyper-personalization, multilingual support, and real-time interactions in banking and insurance workflows. It is this combination of advanced platform capabilities and practical industry integration, underpinned by industry-leading security, that sets us apart.

 

AI is becoming central to financial services worldwide. From your perspective, what specific challenges in banking and fintech is Dyna.Ai solving most effectively today?

Banks and fintechs are being tested across a few major priorities: personalizing customer services at scale, managing risk in real time, and remaining compliant within complex regulatory environments. Our AI copilots and digital agents redefine personalized engagement, while other enterprise solutions like E-KYC solutions address the core needs of Saudi Arabia’s $39.9 billion fintech market, which is projected to reach $125 billion by 2034.

With 75% of Saudi financial transactions already digital and job postings in AI growing 54% annually, our Agent Studio enables institutions not only to deploy AI but to train their own AI teams and build long-term capabilities. These solutions help financial institutions stay ahead of customer expectations while enhancing trust, compliance, and efficiency.

 

Your expertise spans advanced AI models, human-AI interaction, and big data analytics. How are you combining these capabilities to deliver solutions that are both cutting-edge and practical for clients?

We see the future of finance requiring systems that can communicate with human fluency and operate with the precision of advanced data analytics. Our approach integrates commercial LLMs with our proprietary Dyna LLM through the Agent Studio platform, giving banks the flexibility to meet local regulatory requirements while setting new global standards. Our suite of highly tailored Agentic AI products, with culturally adapted capabilities, allows for intuitive engagement in culturally relevant ways. Add to this data-rich applications like fraud prevention and AI-driven decision engines, and the result is a suite of tools that are cutting-edge yet embedded in clear business cases such as Shariah-compliant products, compliance monitoring, and customer service.

 

Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in AI and digital transformation under Vision 2030. How do you see Dyna.Ai contributing to this national agenda, and what opportunities excite you most in the Kingdom?

Saudi Arabia plans to train 20,000 AI specialists by 2030 and has pledged $20 billion in AI investments. With 66 of Vision 2030’s 96 goals tied to data and AI, this is one of the world’s most ambitious transformations. Dyna.Ai directly supports these efforts through our Agentic AI Suite, including Agent Studio, VoiceGPT, and AvatarGPT. Our Saudi office and growing local team reflect our commitment to long-term capability building. As we grow our partnerships across industries, including banking, fintechs, government, telecommunications, etc, we are excited to provide enterprise-ready tools that not only scale operations but also build indigenous AI expertise, ultimately positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional AI hub.

 

The global debate around AI often touches on trust, ethics, and transparency. How is Dyna.Ai addressing these concerns to ensure clients can scale AI responsibly?

Responsible AI is fundamental to our mission. From the start, we designed the Agentic AI Suite with guardrails such as transparency, explainability, and compliance monitoring. Governance features allow clients to understand, audit, and control how AI-driven decisions are made, whether in lending, fraud detection, or customer engagement. For example, our AI employee products provide explainable interactions in Arabic and other languages. We work closely with regulators to ensure our solutions meet both global and Saudi standards. This commitment builds the trust needed for sustainable scaling across the financial services ecosystem.

 

As you participate in Money 20/20 Saudi Arabia, what do you hope to achieve from this gathering of global financial leaders, and how does it align with your growth ambitions in the region?

Money20/20 allows us to show, not just tell. Through live demonstrations of the Agentic AI Suite, including real-time Arabic engagements, we want financial leaders to witness the business impact of AI in action. With Saudi fintech projected to reach $125 billion by 2034 and AI expected to add $320 billion to the MENA economy by 2030, we see this event as a chance to build strategic partnerships that align with the Kingdom’s economic trajectory. Our presence at the event is about reinforcing our commitment to Vision 2030 and partnering with Saudi banks, insurers, and fintechs to innovate at scale.

 

As Tomas Skoumal highlights, Dyna.Ai is not just deploying advanced technology but building trust and long-term capability in financial services. Through its Agentic AI Suite, the company is enabling hyper-personalized engagement, compliance-driven innovation, and scalable digital solutions that align closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. With its growing local presence and commitment to responsible AI, Dyna.Ai positions itself as a strategic partner in turning the Kingdom’s AI ambitions into reality.

Pivoting for Startups: Turning Setbacks into Opportunities

Ghada Ismail

In startups, the original idea is rarely the winning one. Markets shift, customer needs evolve, and sometimes the product simply doesn’t click. The difference between failure and breakthrough often comes down to one thing: the ability to pivot.

A pivot isn’t about giving up. It’s about adjusting course to find what truly works. For founders, especially in fast-growing ecosystems like Saudi Arabia, knowing when and how to pivot can turn setbacks into opportunities and keep a startup alive long enough to thrive.

 

What Is a Pivot?

A pivot is not about tearing everything down and starting from scratch. It’s about keeping the vision intact while changing the route to get there. Think of it as a course correction rather than a restart.

Instagram is a classic example. Before becoming the photo-sharing giant we know today, it was a clunky app called Burbn that let users check into locations. The team noticed that people loved the photo feature more than anything else and decided to pivot around it. The rest is history.

 

When Should Startups Pivot?

The decision to pivot isn’t easy. Founders often wrestle with sunk costs and pride. But the market doesn’t lie. Common signals that it might be time include:

  • No traction despite strong execution: The product works, but users aren’t sticking around.
  • Customer behavior doesn’t match expectations: Feedback points to a different problem or need than originally targeted.
  • High acquisition costs with low retention: You’re paying heavily to bring people in, but they don’t stay.
  • Competitors gaining ground: A rival is growing faster with a different approach, forcing you to reconsider your model.

Listening carefully to customers and tracking metrics honestly will often reveal whether you’re on the wrong track.

 

Different Types of Pivots

Not all pivots look the same. Some involve small tweaks, others a major shift. A few common ones are:

  • Product pivot: Focusing on one feature that resonates and dropping the rest.
  • Market pivot: Targeting a new customer segment or geography.
  • Revenue model pivot: Changing how you monetize—say, from subscriptions to transaction fees.
  • Channel pivot: Finding new ways to reach customers, such as moving from offline distribution to digital-first.

Each requires discipline and clear communication with stakeholders, especially investors and employees.

 

How to Pivot Without Losing Focus

A pivot can feel like a setback if not framed well. But handled correctly, it can re-energize a startup. A few principles help:

  • Protect the vision: Stay clear on the “why,” even if the “how” changes.
  • Test before leaping: Run small experiments to validate the new direction before committing fully.
  • Be transparent: Keep investors, team members, and early customers informed. Trust is easier to maintain when you bring people along for the ride.
  • Maintain morale: Remind your team that adaptability is strength, not weakness.

 

Wrapping Things Up…

Startups don’t succeed by sticking rigidly to their first idea. They succeed by learning, adapting, and sometimes changing direction altogether. Pivoting isn’t a mark of failure—it’s often the very thing that unlocks growth.

For founders, the key is to treat pivoting not as a last resort but as part of the entrepreneurial journey. Because in the end, the startup that survives is the 

Understanding Venture Builders: Redefining Startup Creation

Kholoud Hussein 

 

In the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, new models continue to emerge that challenge traditional methods of building companies. Among these, the concept of the venture builder—sometimes referred to as a startup studio, company builder, or venture studio—has gained significant traction. This model does not simply support startups; it creates them from the ground up, offering a systematic and professionalized approach to innovation. To understand how venture builders are shaping the future of startups, it is important to define what they are, how they operate, and why they have become a critical part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

 

What Is a Venture Builder?

At its core, a venture builder is an organization dedicated to systematically creating new startups. Unlike accelerators or incubators, which primarily support external founders, venture builders conceive, launch, and scale companies internally. They start with ideas generated within the studio, validate those ideas, and assemble founding teams to execute them. The venture builder typically provides shared resources such as technical expertise, legal and financial support, HR, marketing, and office infrastructure.

 

The key distinction is that venture builders are not passive supporters but active co-founders of the startups they produce. They hold equity, share the risks, and are deeply involved in the strategic and operational aspects of each venture.

 

How Do Venture Builders Operate?

The venture builder model follows a structured process that often includes:

 

  • Ideation and Validation: The studio generates multiple business ideas, then rigorously tests them for market potential, scalability, and alignment with macro trends.
  • Team Formation: Once validated, the venture builder recruits or appoints entrepreneurs-in-residence, technical experts, and business leaders to form the founding team.
  • Resource Allocation: Unlike a standalone startup that begins with limited means, the new venture benefits from shared services—legal, finance, HR, branding—that reduce overhead and accelerate execution.
  • Seed Funding: Venture builders typically provide the initial capital to kickstart operations, giving startups the momentum needed to reach product-market fit.
  • Scale and Spin-Off: Once the company gains traction, it may raise external funding, often with the backing and credibility of the venture builder.

This systematic approach significantly de-risks early-stage entrepreneurship by testing ideas before making large-scale commitments and ensuring professional execution from the outset.

 

Venture Builders and Startups: The Relationship

The relationship between venture builders and startups is symbiotic. Startups gain access to resources, expertise, and capital that would otherwise be out of reach. Venture builders, on the other hand, benefit from diversified portfolios of ventures, increasing their chances of producing a successful company.

 

For founders, joining a venture builder can mean reduced autonomy compared to starting independently, but it also means reduced risk, greater support, and a higher likelihood of success. For investors, venture builders serve as deal flow engines, systematically generating startups that are vetted, structured, and investment-ready.

 

Why Venture Builders Are Becoming More Relevant

Several trends explain the rise of venture builders globally:

 

  • High Failure Rates of Startups: With most startups failing in their first few years, venture builders offer a model to improve survival rates.
  • Need for Speed: In fast-changing markets, venture builders accelerate the path from idea to market-ready business.
  • Capital Efficiency: Shared resources lower costs and reduce duplication across ventures.
  • Alignment with Corporate Innovation: Many corporations are launching internal venture builders to diversify revenue streams and stay ahead of disruption.

 

The Future of Venture Builders in the Startup Ecosystem

Venture builders represent a new paradigm where entrepreneurship is less about individual heroics and more about structured, professional execution. They are particularly relevant in emerging markets like the Middle East and North Africa, where ecosystems are still developing and where access to resources and mentorship can make or break a startup.

 

By blending creativity with discipline, venture builders are redefining how startups are born. They offer a hybrid model that balances innovation with risk management, creating companies that are not just ideas with funding, but fully operational businesses with infrastructure, teams, and strategic roadmaps.

 

Finally, a venture builder is more than a support mechanism—it is a startup factory that systematically transforms ideas into companies. Its relationship with startups is one of co-creation, shared risk, and mutual benefit. In a world where agility, capital efficiency, and execution speed are paramount, venture builders are poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

 

How multi-layered securities unlock the future of digital wallets

Noha Gad

 

Digital wallets have become central to the way consumers conduct payments and manage their finances, offering convenience and seamless digital transactions. Their widespread adoption in retail, banking, and peer-to-peer transfers has made them a preferred alternative to cash and physical cards. 

These wallets handle increasing volumes of sensitive financial data; thus, robust security measures cannot be overstated. Traditional password protections alone are no longer sufficient to combat sophisticated cyber threats and fraud schemes targeting these platforms.  

 

Emerging security technologies, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), decentralized identity (DID) solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and tokenization, are addressing these demands by introducing multi-layered protection methods.

 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

The MFA technology significantly enhances digital wallet security by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple independent factors before granting access. Common MFA methods in digital wallets include one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS or email, biometric verification through fingerprint or facial scans, and hardware tokens that generate secure codes. This layered approach makes unauthorized access much more difficult for attackers.

 

Another type of factor used is certificate-based authentication, which relies on a digital certificate, also called a soft token, to identify a user, machine, or device before granting access. Most enterprise solutions already support certificate-based authentication, and many wallets, such as those by Google Pay and Apple Pay, deploy this in coordination with traditional methods such as a username and password/PIN. 

 

Although the integration of the MFA reduces fraud rates and unauthorized account access, challenges remain in ensuring universal adoption and maintaining user convenience without compromising security. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, MFA represents a foundational barrier that protects users’ financial assets and sensitive information from theft and compromise. Its continued evolution and adoption will remain critical to maintaining trust in digital payment ecosystems.

 

Decentralized identity (DID) solutions

A decentralized Identifier (DID) is a unique identifier that can be issued by a decentralized platform and acts as proof of ownership of a digital identity. DID solutions use cryptography and distributed systems, often blockchain technology, to give individuals total control over their digital ID, which is seen as a more tamper-resistant and privacy-preserving method. 

Unlike traditional identity systems that rely on centralized authorities to issue and manage identities, decentralized identity empowers users to create, control, and manage their own digital identities without depending on any single entity. This shift reduces vulnerabilities inherent in centralized databases, which are prime targets for cyberattacks and data breaches. 

This modern approach enables individuals to have full ownership and control over their personal data, allowing them to decide what information to disclose, to whom, and for how long. For digital wallets, DID integration means users can authenticate themselves and verify transactions without exposing unnecessary personal or sensitive data, thereby reducing the attack surface and building user trust by preventing mass data leaks.

 

AI & ML in fraud detection

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) play a pivotal role in advancing fraud detection capabilities within digital wallets as they analyze vast amounts of transactional data in real time and identify patterns and behaviors that deviate from normal usage. AI and ML algorithms can adapt to evolving fraud tactics, enabling proactive detection and prevention before fraudulent transactions are completed.

 

AI-driven systems harness advanced techniques such as anomaly detection, risk scoring, and predictive modeling to assess each transaction's legitimacy. This dynamic assessment improves the accuracy of fraud detection compared to static rule-based systems that may either miss complex fraud schemes or generate excessive false alarms.

Meanwhile, ML models in digital wallets leverage user behavior analytics, tracking factors like device usage, login patterns, and payment frequency to establish individualized risk profiles that distinguish genuine users from potential fraudsters more effectively, ultimately minimizing disruptions caused by unnecessary transaction denials. 

 

Integrating AL and ML technologies into digital wallets not only minimizes fraud losses but also promotes operational efficiency by automating risk management processes. These technologies are expected to offer more advanced defenses, including real-time threat hunting and adaptive authentication that dynamically adjusts security measures based on assessed risk levels.

 

Tokenization 

This technology is crucial for securing digital wallet transactions as it replaces sensitive payment information with unique, non-sensitive identifiers called tokens, which carry the necessary transaction data without exposing actual card numbers or bank details during payment processing. 

Unlike traditional encryption methods, tokenization stores actual account information in highly secure token vaults, isolated from merchants and payment processors.

 

Digital wallet providers have widely adopted tokenization to comply with stringent security standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), enhancing consumer confidence and regulatory compliance. 

Along with protecting sensitive information, tokenization creates opportunities for innovative payment experiences, standing as a foundational security element that ensures transactions remain secure, seamless, and user-friendly.

 

Saudi Arabia has been significantly integrating emerging technologies to enhance the security of digital wallets, in line with Vision 2030’s goal of promoting a cashless society and digital economy. The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) is a key contributor to this transformation, starting from regulating digital payment providers under comprehensive frameworks to creating an enabling environment for digital wallets to adopt advanced security technologies.

 

The Kingdom is actively incorporating AI and ML into the national fintech ecosystem to enhance transaction monitoring, fraud detection, and risk assessment, thereby increasing transparency and accountability while ensuring a secure cashless transaction environment.

 

Along with technology adoption, Saudi Arabia backs fintech innovation through significant investments supported by government entities and partnerships with regulatory bodies, aiming to stimulate the development and market reach of advanced digital wallet solutions incorporating MFA, AI, DIDs, and tokenization.

 

Finally, digital wallets continue to transform payments by merging convenience with cutting-edge security technologies to protect user data and ensure transaction integrity. These technologies provide a multi-layered defense framework that ensures digital wallets remain secure, seamless, and trustworthy in an increasingly digital financial environment. The integration of these multi-layered protections will definitely establish a strong foundation for sustainable digital finance growth, while prioritizing security innovation.