Riyadh Rises to 23rd Globally in Startup Ecosystem Ranking

Riyadh has surged up the global startup ecosystem rankings, jumping 60 places to secure the 23rd position in Startup Genome’s 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report. This rapid ascent reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for entrepreneurial innovation.

Saudi Arabia now ranks third in the MENA region for startup funding, having attracted more than $2.6 billion in venture capital since 2018, supported by government-backed funds such as Saudi Venture Capital Co., Jada, and the Public Investment Fund.

The report highlights Riyadh’s rise as a launchpad for GCC market access - a market worth over $2 trillion - and underscores its resilience amid global funding slowdowns. Key sectors driving this growth include fintech, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

Riyadh also placed third globally in funding volume and investment impact and fourth in talent availability, signalling its growing appeal for startups and investors. With regional headquarters for firms like Google Cloud, Amazon, and SAP, the city is attracting global tech leaders.