MENA Startups Raised $1.5 Billion in Q1 2025 Despite March Slowdown

Startups across the Middle East and North Africa raised a total of $1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025, according to new reports by Wamda and Digital Digest. The figure reflects a strong start to the year, driven largely by fintech investments and UAE-based activity. However, momentum slowed sharply in March, when funding dipped to $127.5 million—down 75% from the $530 million raised in February.

The United Arab Emirates continued to dominate regional fundraising, accounting for $104.4 million across 14 deals in March. Egypt followed with $11.6 million, while Saudi Arabia saw $8 million in total investment. Startups in Kuwait and Tunisia each raised just under $2 million.

Fintech remained the region’s top-funded sector, attracting $82.5 million across 10 transactions in March. This brings total Q1 fintech investments to more than $1 billion, underscoring sustained investor interest in financial innovation despite signs of market volatility. Healthtech startups pulled in $16 million, while AI-focused ventures secured $14 million.

While Q1’s total funding outpaced the second half of 2024, the March pullback signals ongoing uncertainty in the investment landscape. Analysts note that global macroeconomic pressures and shifting investor priorities are influencing deal flow, with a tilt toward capital-efficient and impact-focused ventures.

Despite the monthly dip, the quarter’s overall figures reflect MENA’s maturing startup ecosystem and its ability to weather fluctuating investment cycles. Early-stage activity continues to gain traction, and several countries—including Saudi Arabia and Egypt—are seeing growing interest from both regional and international venture firms.