COLABS, Pakistan’s leading venture-backed workspace and entrepreneurial community platform, has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia with a new flagship site in Riyadh. The move, supported by a new local partnership and additional investment, signifies a major step in strengthening business and investment ties between the two nations and underscores growing confidence in the Kingdom’s dynamic market.
A Strategic MENA Entry
The expansion into Riyadh marks the first phase of COLABS’ broader MENA strategy, tapping into the region’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem. The new site, currently under development, is poised to become a central hub for innovation and collaboration. “Our expansion into Saudi Arabia marks a defining moment for COLABS as we take what we’ve built in Pakistan to one of the most dynamic markets in the region,” said Omar Shah, CEO and Co-Founder of COLABS. “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has created incredible momentum for innovation and entrepreneurship. We see Riyadh as the natural starting point for our MENA journey.”
Forging Local and Regional Partnerships
To facilitate its entry, COLABS has formalized a local partnership with Waseel Investment and secured additional funding, including renewed backing from the Abu Dhabi-headquartered investment firm Shorooq. This fresh capital injection marks Shorooq’s third investment in COLABS, reinforcing its long-term belief in the company’s cross-border vision. Faisal Al Rashed, Director of Investment at Waseel Partners, commented, “This collaboration represents more than an investment; it’s a bridge between two thriving ecosystems. Together, we’ll help bring more Pakistani startups and businesses to Saudi Arabia.” Shane Shin, Founding Partner at Shorooq, added, “The team has built one of the most impactful entrepreneurial platforms in Pakistan, and their move into Saudi Arabia is just the start of a much larger regional opportunity.”
Bridging Thriving Ecosystems
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the expansion aims to accelerate entrepreneurship, foster job creation, and stimulate investment flows between the Kingdom and Pakistan. With Saudi Arabia attracting over $2 billion in venture funding in 2024 and its coworking market projected to exceed $1 billion by 2025, COLABS is positioned to serve as a vital bridge between the two ecosystems. The initiative has also received praise from Pakistan’s Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who noted, “COLABS’ expansion is a clear reflection of the Digital Nation Pakistan vision taking shape beyond our borders.”
More Than Just a Workspace
COLABS has established its identity by focusing on community-building through founder support programs and creative initiatives like the COLABS Creative Collective and its Artist-in-Residence programme. The company plans to introduce this unique blend of business and culture to its Riyadh location, creating an environment that fosters multicultural exchange and artistic collaboration. The flagship site will serve as an anchor for connecting Saudi capital and corporations with startups and talent across emerging markets.
About COLABS
COLABS is a leading Pakistani workspace and entrepreneurial community platform backed by prominent regional investors. It provides flexible workspaces, business support services, and curated community programs designed to help startups and businesses launch, scale, and operate effectively. With a focus on fostering innovation and collaboration, COLABS aims to build bridges between thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems across the MENAP region.
Source: Zawya
