MENA startups raised $1.1 billion across 73 deals in September, marking a 193% increase from August and the region’s first monthly return above $1 billion in several months, according to Wamda. Funding was still 68% below September 2025 levels.
The rebound was concentrated in three large transactions. Barq’s $329.5 million Series A, Tabby’s $233 million Series F and Lendo’s $200 million debt financing generated $762.5 million, or nearly 70% of the month’s total.
Saudi Arabia led the region, with 40 startups raising $947.2 million, about 86% of MENA’s total. Fintech accounted for 86% of Saudi funding. The UAE ranked second with $98.4 million across 12 deals, while Egypt returned to the top three with $49.2 million from seven startups, including Paymob’s $35 million pre-Series C round.
Fintech was also the region’s dominant sector, attracting $930.6 million across 20 deals, or roughly 85% of total funding. Proptech followed with $50.2 million, while traveltech startups raised $25.2 million.
Early-stage companies secured $418.2 million across 39 transactions. Five later-stage startups raised a combined $288 million, signaling renewed activity in larger equity rounds.
Funding remained sharply uneven by gender. Male-led startups raised around $1 billion, compared with $2.4 million for female-founded companies and $7.3 million for mixed-gender teams.
Source: Wamda
