The startup ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region experienced a significant increase in funding in April 2025, reaching a total of $228.4 million across 26 deals. This amount represents a 105 percent increase compared to the previous month and an almost 300 percent rise from the same period last year, according to a report by Wamda.

Saudi Arabia emerged as the leader in MENA startup funding for the month, securing $158.5 million through eight deals, largely driven by iMENA Group’s substantial $135 million pre-IPO round. The United Arab Emirates followed closely, with nine startups raising a combined total of $62 million, marking the highest number of deals in the region.

Morocco saw a notable rise to third place in the funding rankings, attracting $4 million across two startups. In contrast, Egypt’s funding performance was more modest, with four startups securing only $1.5 million. Additionally, Iraq re-entered the market with a $1 million deal, while Bahrain and Oman raised $1 million and $100 000, respectively, in single deals.

Investor interest in the fintech sector remained robust, drawing in $44 million across seven deals. The travel technology sector also gained traction, spurred by significant transactions like that of HRA Experience, while e-commerce startups attracted $2.5 million from three companies. Notably, software as a service (SaaS) startups made a comeback, securing $1.8 million in three deals after a period of limited visibility earlier in the year.

In terms of investment types, early-stage startups dominated the funding scene, raising $49 million through 20 transactions. However, funding for female-led startups continued to decline, falling to under $500 000 in April. Conversely, startups with male founders received 97 percent of all disclosed investments, while an additional $6.5 million was allocated to three startups co-founded by both male and female entrepreneurs.

By business model, the business-to-business (B2B) segment led funding efforts, attracting a remarkable $180 million across 12 deals. The business-to-consumer (B2C) segment followed, raising $43 million from seven deals, with the remaining investments distributed among six startups that operated dual B2B and B2C models.