MENA startup funding trends

Startup funding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region experienced significant fluctuations between August and September 2026.

In August, regional funding reached $375 million, a 117% increase from July. This capital was heavily concentrated in the United Arab Emirates, which secured approximately 97% of the total regional funding through major deals involving mobility company Moove and fintech firm Fasset. During this period, the number of deals decreased by 40% compared to the previous month, and financing shifted toward equity.

By September, total regional funding rose to $1.1 billion across 73 transactions, representing a 193% increase from August. While this was a significant monthly rise, it remained 68% lower than the amount raised in September 2025. The geographic leadership shifted from the United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia, which secured $947.2 million, or roughly 86% of the total regional capital. This growth in Saudi Arabia was largely driven by the fintech sector, which accounted for 86% of its total funding.

Funding was highly concentrated, with three major deals—Barq’s $329.5 million Series A, Tabby’s $233 million Series F, and Lendo’s $200 million debt financing—accounting for nearly 70% of the total capital. Barq’s Series A reached a valuation of $1.85 billion, while Tabby’s Series F brought its valuation to $6.5 billion. Egypt also re-emerged as a top recipient of funding, securing $49.2 million, largely driven by a $35 million pre-Series C round for Paymob.