MENA Startup Funding Reaches $150M in April 2026 Led by UAE

Startup funding across the Middle East and North Africa reached $150 million in April 2026, marking a 211% increase compared to March, according to data reported by Wamda.

The rebound followed a slowdown in March but remained uneven, with total investment still 42% lower than April 2025. Debt financing accounted for a significant share of activity, contributing $80 million across two transactions.

Early-stage startups led in deal volume, with 17 companies raising a combined $40.6 million. Only one later-stage deal was recorded during the month, backing Egypt-based Lucky.

The United Arab Emirates attracted the largest share of funding by value, securing $78 million across eight deals, representing 52% of the total. Saudi Arabia followed with $26.2 million across seven startups, while Egypt recorded a similar level of funding across five deals. Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar collectively raised $14.5 million through five transactions.

By sector, financial technology accounted for the largest share, attracting $89.4 million across seven deals. E-commerce followed with $19.3 million across four transactions, while online services raised $15 million through two startups. Food technology companies secured $13 million across two deals.

Business-to-business startups captured the majority of capital, raising $95.8 million across 11 deals, compared to $35.8 million raised by consumer-focused companies across 12 deals.

Funding distribution also reflected differences across founding teams. Male-led startups raised $138.8 million across 19 deals, while mixed-gender teams secured $10 million across three deals. Female-led startups raised $1.5 million across five deals.

Despite the April rebound, overall funding in the first quarter of 2026 remained down 37% year-on-year, indicating continued pressure on investment activity across the region.