Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Omani fintech startup Raaz is helping families gain financial clarity by turning everyday banking data into actionable insights. Founded by Daanish Khan, the app consolidates accounts, tracks spending, and offers personalised guidance, aiming to replace financial anxiety with confidence as it prepares for a full GCC rollout.
Morocco-based Enakl raised $2.3 million in Seed funding to expand its intelligent shared mobility platform. Backed by local and international investors, the startup will scale commercially, launch a SaaS product for operators, and test new ridepooling models, building on public-sector pilots and growing demand for sustainable urban transport.
Moroccan proptech Yakeey has raised a record $15 million Series A round, with Beltone Venture Capital joining IFC, Enza Capital, and 212 Founders. The funding will help Yakeey scale its end-to-end digital real estate platform, modernise property transactions in Morocco, and expand regionally across North Africa.
Knot, an Egyptian startup, is using AI to modernise online ticketing by tackling fraud, resale losses, and poor demand visibility. Its platform authenticates buyers, controls transfers, and tracks real-time demand, helping organisers recover revenue and gain data-driven insight across global event markets.
Meska AI convened Egypt’s tech ecosystem at Spark Vol.2, urging a shift toward enterprise-ready AI and stakeholder alignment. The event featured industry panels and a strategic partnership with PTS Holdings, giving startups access to investment and venture studio support while prioritising real business value over novelty.
Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit will showcase 11 startups at its third Demo Day in Riyadh on January 28, spanning AI, edtech, food tech, proptech, and more. Each company receives $100,000 and four months of intensive support, advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s drive for innovation and economic diversification.
Consulting HAUS guided Snoonu through its $245 million acquisition by Jahez, valuing the Qatari startup above QAR 1 billion and delivering Qatar’s first billion-riyal tech exit. The deal sets a national benchmark, underscores Qatar’s rise as a tech hub, and accelerates Snoonu’s regional growth ambitions.
Egypt’s KNOT Technologies has raised a $1 million pre-seed round led by A15 to scale its AI-native ticketing platform. The startup uses AI to authenticate identity, control distribution, and prevent market leakage, giving organizers greater visibility while rebuilding trust between event owners and audiences.
Zain Great Idea brought 11 startups from six markets to Silicon Valley for an intensive global acceleration journey. Founders engaged with leading tech giants, refined business fundamentals, strengthened investment readiness, and pitched to global investors, reinforcing Zain’s role as a regional ecosystem builder for innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
Morocco has launched a national venture-building program under Digital Morocco 2030, committing MAD 700 million to support over 800 startups. With staged grants, interest-free loans, global mentorship, and founder living allowances, the initiative offers end-to-end support from idea to scale, positioning innovation as a core national priority.