Jordan is looking to venture capital and cross-border partnerships to help its startups move beyond the limits of the domestic market and compete across the region.
The approach could turn the country’s technology talent into scalable companies, technical exports and high-skilled jobs, according to an analysis published by the Jordan News Agency (Petra). The report said startups need more than early funding to grow. They also require investment expertise, networks, market access and strategic partnerships.
Technology and data governance expert Hamza Al-Akalik said partnerships between entrepreneurs, investors and venture capital funds could accelerate the shift from developing products to regional expansion. He highlighted artificial intelligence, logistics technology and fintech as promising sectors.
Jordan has more than 300 startups and entrepreneurial companies, most of them active in technology and communications or applying technology to other industries, according to the report.
Nidal Al-Bitar, CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j), said the country has strong software and engineering talent, but startups still face challenges in securing capital, entering new markets and building strategic partnerships.
The report identified applied AI, fintech, digital health, agricultural and education technology, and Arabic-language solutions as areas with regional potential. It also argued that ecosystem success should be measured not only by investment volume, but by the number of companies expanding abroad, technology exports, quality jobs and follow-on investment.
Source: Petra
