Startups
2493
Be Part of Saudi Arabia's Startup Ecosystem Growth
Saudi Arabia is building a future-ready startup ecosystem—open to founders, investors, ecosystem builders, and global partners. The Kingdom invites you to connect, invest, and grow with its emerging tech landscape.
Operated by 
Growth Rate
97%
Total Funding
$9.2B
Ecosystem Highlight
Global Rank Change
+10 spots
Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem rose to 28th globally, its highest position to date and one of the largest country-level increases in StartupBlink’s 2026 Index.
Building a robust and supportive ecosystem is fundamental to fostering innovation and attracting top talent. Saudi Arabia is committed to providing an ideal environment that enables startups and tech companies to grow and expand both regionally and globally.
Mr Ibrahim Niaz
CEO of National Technology Development Program
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Contact UsTop Achievements of the Saudi Arabia Startup Ecosystem
Rankings provided by
G20 Countries
#1 Fastest Growing in G20
At 97% ecosystem growth, Saudi Arabia is the fastest growing country in the G20, at more than three times that of the next-fastest G20 country
Annual Ecosystem Growth for Riyadh
118%
Riyadh has the highest ecosystem growth rate in the global top 100 for a second consecutive year.
Artifical Intelligence Positioning in the GCC
1st
Saudi Arabia leads the Gulf Cooperation Council in Artificial Intelligence, standing at 23rd globally.
Key Benefits of Joining Saudi Arabia Startup Ecosystem
Tax Benefits
Saudi Arabia offers no personal income tax for individuals and a flat 20% corporate tax rate for most businesses. Startups operating in special economic zones like NEOM can access additional tax exemptions, including zero tax on certain imports and exports. These policies reduce operating costs and increase reinvestment potential for growing companies.
Cutting-Edge Infrastructure for Innovation
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in infrastructure that empowers tech-driven growth. This includes smart city mega-projects like NEOM and The Line, widespread 5G coverage, and streamlined digital government services for business registration, permits, and licensing. Logistics, transport, and financial infrastructure are rapidly modernizing, offering startups a solid foundation with tech-forward environments.
Access to Capital
Startups in Saudi Arabia can access funding from both private and public sources. The National Technology Development Program (NTDP) offers grants and co-investment for local and international startups. There’s also growing activity from local venture capital firms such as STV, RAED Ventures, and IMPACT46, along with regional and global investors entering the market.
Key Statistics
Number of Active Investors
134
in 2024
Early-Stage Deals
85%
of total KSA startup deals in 2024
Share of MENA Deals
31%
of MENA deals (2024)
Saudi Arabia Ecosystem Landscape
Investor Landscape
- Public Investment Fund (PIF): The PIF has established a fund exceeding 1 billion USD to attract private sector participation in venture capital and private equity investments, playing a critical role in financing startups.
- Flat6Labs: This accelerator provides seed funding up to SAR 750K (approximately USD 200K) to early-stage startups and aims to develop over 180 entrepreneurs, contributing significantly to job creation.
- Jada Fund of Funds: Launched in partnership with the Ministry of Investment, this initiative aims to connect global fund managers with local startups, enhancing the investment landscape.
- Riyad TAQNIA Fund: A joint venture between the Saudi General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and the Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company (TAQNIA), this fund provides financing specifically for tech startups.
Tech Incentives for Startups & Global Innovators
KSA offers funding, talent support, and relocation incentives to attract global tech firms and boost local innovation.
- Boost Product: Offers training programs to qualify mid-experienced technical talents in small and medium companies to enable them to be in leadership positions.
- Relocate Product: Incentives global tech companies, who closed series A+ investment round/ MNCs to relocate to KSA, through facilitating their access and providing a range of attractive incentives including financial grants up to 7.5 million Saudi Riyals.
- Empowering Accelerators Product: Empowering global VC-backed accelerators who provide the highest global quality standards through covering up to 75% of their operational cost
- Tech Crew: Supports micro, small, and medium technology companies through two tracks, (1) salary subsidies track that cover half of the basic salary for the Saudi technical talents up to 25,000 Saudi Riyals, (2) talent retention track that offer semi-annual, cumulatively financial incentives that can reach up to 86,000 Saudi Riyals.
- AIM: AI support product providing access to R&D infrastructure, talent development, industrial challenges and data, and venture building.
- Nextera: Supports research in emerging and deep technologies with financial grants up to 5 million Saudi Riyals to contribute to transforming research into technology product.
Ecosystem Milestones
2016
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman introduces Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the Kingdom's economy across sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and tourism.
NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea Global, and ROSHN are established to stimulate the economy. Their benefits are expected to expand significantly beyond real estate and infrastructure, helping to diversify the ec
2018
2021
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) launches the National Technology Development Program (NTDP) to accelerate the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tech ecosystem, promote local innovation, and position the Kingdom as a leading global hub for technology and investment by 2030.
Saudi Arabia launched four special economic zones providing unique commercial regulations to support a wide range of industries. These zones, part of the National Investment Strategy, aim to attract high-quality investments, promote technology transfer, and develop strategic sectors to drive economic growth."
2023
2023
Saudi startups like Tamara, STC Pay, 2P, Jahez, Almosafer, and Tabby have emerged as success stories, showcasing innovation and growth across various sectors in Saudi Arabia's dynamic startup ecosystem.
Announcement of a record-breaking US$ 14.9 billion in AI investments during LEAP, strengthening KSA`s position in the industry.
2025
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