The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region witnessed notable momentum in startup investments and acquisitions during January 2026, with strong focus on financial technology (FinTech), artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, e-commerce, education, and financial services, alongside strategic acquisition deals in the Saudi market.
According to the Startup Investments and Acquisitions Report issued by “entArbi” startup funding and M&A activity across the region accelerated during January, exceeding USD 4.014 billion across more than 25 companies, spanning multiple sectors.
Investments and Deals by Country
| Country | Number of Companies | Company Names | Total Investment Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 11 | LAB7/Halide, BookaHospi, Ballurh, DSShield, Rewaa, Qirat Advisory, Resquad AI, Governata, Yamm, Madeed, NowPay/NowAccess | USD 1.724 billion + acquisitions |
| United Arab Emirates | 3 | V Booking, Upscale AI, Eat App | USD 216.7 million |
| Morocco | 2 | Woliz, Yakeey | USD 17.2 million |
| Egypt | 2 | Business For Teens, AFS Egypt | USD 6+ million |
| Bahrain | 1 | Flous | USD 22 million |
| Oman | 1 | eMushrif | USD 7.5 million |
| China | 1 | Manus (Meta acquisition) | USD 2.0+ billion |
| United States / Jordan | 2 | Breez AI, NowPay | USD 21.3 million |
According to the report, total disclosed investments by country reached approximately USD 4.014 billion, excluding additional undisclosed deals across 23 companies.
Investments and Deals by Sector
| Sector | Number of Companies | Company Names | Total Investment Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Energy Storage | 1 | LAB7/Halide | Undisclosed |
| Travel & Tourism | 1 | V Booking | USD 5 million |
| Artificial Intelligence | 4 | Meta/Manus, Rewaa, Resquad AI, Governata | USD 2.2395+ billion |
| Cybersecurity | 1 | DSShield | USD 54 million |
| Digital Retail | 1 | Woliz | USD 2.2 million |
| Healthcare Recruitment & Services | 1 | BookaHospi | Undisclosed |
| Cloud Kitchens & Food Delivery | 1 | Ballurh | Undisclosed |
| Financial & Operational Solutions | 1 | Qirat Advisory | Undisclosed |
| Education Technology (EdTech) | 1 | Business For Teens | Six-figure round |
| Financial Technology (FinTech) | 3 | AFS Egypt, Mal, NowPay/NowAccess | USD 252+ million |
| Preventive Healthcare | 2 | Madeed, L-Nutra | USD 36.9 million |
| Voice AI | 1 | Breez AI | USD 1.3 million |
| Restaurant Technology & Reservations | 1 | Eat App | USD 10 million |
| Geospatial Data / GeoAI | 1 | GBT | USD 1.33 million |
| AI Ticketing Solutions | 1 | Knot Technologies | USD 1 million |
| AgriTech | 1 | Grove | USD 5 million |
| Digital Wealth Management | 1 | Vennre | USD 9.6 million |
| Insurance Technology (InsurTech) | 1 | Mantas | USD 1.77 million |
| Financial Infrastructure & SME Solutions | 1 | UPFRONT | USD 10 million (previous funding) |
| Business Solutions & Facilities Management | 1 | Qoyod / Flavours | Acquisition |
The total number of companies by sector reached 27 startups, with total disclosed investments amounting to USD 4.014 billion, excluding undisclosed transactions
