Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia witnessed notable progress and maturity in startup investments during the first quarter of 2025, according to a new detailed report from Jawlah that highlights key deals, sector trends, and investment indicators across the Kingdom's entrepreneurial landscape.

The report reveals that a total of 35 investment rounds were closed in Q1, amounting to nearly $327 million in funding. This marks a 45% increase in investment value compared to the same period in 2024, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s leadership position in the Gulf region for attracting startup capital.

Fintech led the way, accounting for 11 of the 35 rounds, and included the largest single deal of the quarter, valued at $160 million. The artificial intelligence sector also gained traction, drawing $10 million in investments as interest in emerging technologies continues to grow. Early-stage startups saw strong backing as well, with 15 of the deals falling within the pre-seed stage.

Among the top five investments of the quarter, Tabby, a Saudi-based fintech company, secured $160 million in Series E funding to expand its financial services and prepare for an IPO. The proptech platform, Rize, raised $35 million in Series A funding to expand its presence in Riyadh and extend services to the Eastern and Western regions, in addition to enhancing its platform to automate leasing processes and improve user experience.

These trends suggest that Saudi Arabia's startup ecosystem is not only expanding but also diversifying, with increasing investor confidence in key sectors aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly financial technology, AI, and deep tech.

With ongoing regulatory reforms, targeted funding initiatives, and a national drive to build a knowledge-based economy, Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a regional hub for innovation and high-growth entrepreneurship.