The startup ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) saw a significant rise in investment in April 2025, securing US$228.4 million across 26 deals.
This represents a 105% increase from the funds raised in March and nearly a 300% surge compared to April last year.
Notably, the absence of debt financed deals in April underscores growing investor confidence in equity based funding, a trend that reflects a healthier capital environment, as highlighted by Wamda.
Saudi Arabia led MENA startup funding in April, attracting US$158.5 million across eight deals, largely driven by iMENA Group’s US$135 million pre IPO round.
The UAE followed with nine startups securing US$62 million in total.
Morocco experienced a significant jump to third place, attracting US$4 million in funding across two startups. In contrast, Egypt saw a more modest outcome, with four startups raising just US$1.5 million.
Investor interest remained strongest in the fintech sector, which attracted US$44 million across seven deals.
Traveltech also saw a rise, partly due to HRA Experience’s transaction, while e commerce secured US$2.5 million across three startups.
SaaS startups made a notable return in April, securing US$1.8 million in three deals after minimal visibility in the first quarter.
Although later stage activity was limited to iMENA’s pre IPO round, early stage startups dominated the investment landscape, raising US$49 million across 20 transactions.
Funding for female led startups continued its downward trend, falling to a concerning low of under US$500,000 in April.
In contrast, startups with male founders secured 97% of all disclosed investment. An additional US$6.5 million went to three startups with both male and female co founders.
By business model, the business to business (B2B) segment led the way, attracting an impressive US$180 million across 12 deals.
Business to consumer (B2C) startups followed, securing US$43 million across seven deals, with the remaining investments going to six startups operating dual B2B and B2C models.
Featured image credit: edited from freepik
