محمد يحي
The MENA region witnessed notable activity in startup investments across the EdTech, PropTech, FinTech, and smart operations solutions sectors, amid continued capital inflows supporting innovation and digital transformation in the region, with a clear focus on the Saudi and Egyptian markets.
The MENA Startup Investments and Acquisitions Report, issued by Int Arabi for the period January 4 – 11, 2026, tracks the announcement of four major investment deals, ranging from Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series B rounds, alongside the launch of technology solutions supporting the digital payments ecosystem, with a total disclosed investment exceeding $49 million.
These investments reflect investor confidence in scalable business models, particularly those targeting SMEs, education, and the real estate sector.
Deals in the first week of January 2026 highlight the dominance of the Saudi market in terms of funding size, driven by major rounds such as Rewaa, which underline the growing demand for AI-powered smart operations solutions supporting small and medium businesses. In contrast, the Egyptian market emerges as an active hub for launching innovative solutions, especially in digital education and electronic payments, focusing on low-cost, scalable models.
The diversity of targeted sectors — from teen entrepreneurship and education, to rental automation, and digital payment solutions — indicates the maturity of the startup ecosystem in the region, and the shift of investments from experimental stages toward building platforms with direct economic and operational impact.Investment Distribution by Country
| Country | Number of Companies | Total Investment | Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 2 | $49 million | Rewaa, Aamar |
| Egypt | 2 | Six-figure + | Business For Teens, AFS Egypt |
| Total | 4 | $49 million + | – |
Investment Distribution by Sector
| Sector | Number of Companies | Total Investment | Companies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Operations & POS Solutions | 1 | $45 million | Rewaa |
| PropTech | 1 | +$4 million | Aamar |
| EdTech | 1 | Six-figure | Business For Teens |
| FinTech | 1 | Undisclosed | AFS Egypt |
| Total | 4 | $49 million + | – |
