- Smashi Business
- Posts
- MENA's Startup Momentum: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Emirate of Sharjah Are Making Bold Moves
MENA's Startup Momentum: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Emirate of Sharjah Are Making Bold Moves
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Happy Saturday everyone!
From Egypt’s new push to connect startups with global investors, to Saudi Arabia’s unmatched four-year VC growth streak, and Sharjah’s offer of low-cost, high-traffic business hubs — the region is doubling down on innovation-led growth. Each of these ecosystems is carving out its own niche: Egypt is going global, Saudi is scaling policy-driven capital, and Sharjah is building visibility-focused platforms for SMEs. For founders, investors, and operators, the signals are clear — MENA's startup story is accelerating, and opportunity is spreading beyond the usual hotspots.
But before that: For quick daily updates, follow us on Instagram, and you can watch our Smashi Business Show live every weekday from 10AM onwards (UAE time). Also, you can join our Whatsapp channel to receive updates from the business world.
Egypt Launches ‘Catalyze Egypt’ To Connect Startups With Global Investors
🔹 What Is It About
Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has launched Catalyze Egypt, a new initiative under its broader Invest in Egypt strategy. The program aims to position Egypt as a leading investment hub for the digital economy by connecting international investors with high-potential local startups and innovation-driven projects. It targets $10 billion in annual foreign direct investment (FDI) over the next five years to boost economic growth and job creation.
🔹 Why It Matters
Catalyze Egypt focuses on fueling the country’s startup ecosystem by unlocking access to global capital and support networks. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s larger vision to become a regional tech leader, capitalizing on its youthful, skilled population, growing digital sector, and strategic geographic location. This focused push is expected to energize the MENA innovation landscape and attract diverse investments into Egypt’s digital economy.
🔹 What’s Next
The initiative will roll out alongside regulatory reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and broader economic incentives aimed at improving Egypt’s investment climate. By bridging global investors with local talent and ventures, Catalyze Egypt is set to increase funding, scale-ups, and cross-border partnerships, laying the foundation for long-term, innovation-led growth in the country and beyond.
🎙️ “Points of Growth”, Yango Ads’ podcast about AdTech, Releases Episode 3
Yango Ads, the AdTech arm of Yango Group, runs its very own podcast - Points of Growth. Tailored for marketers, founders, and growth teams, this series explores practical strategies for driving sustainable growth through data, AI, and smart advertising.
On July 1, Episode 3 launched, focusing on a topic of app monetization. The host Neha Dawar, Business Developer Manager at Yango Ads, is joined by Lucas Calixto, Business Developer Manager, and Alex Khoroshilov, Technical Customer Success Manager, to discuss effective monetization strategies, the latest ad formats, AI as a co-pilot and actionable tips for developers looking to increase revenue.
The podcast kicks off with a six-episode season tackling challenges in fast-moving sectors like tourism, fashion, real estate, retail, and gaming - where digital acceleration is rewriting the rules of engagement. The first two episodes - on AdTech trends and essential advertising toolbox - are already available on Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music.
Markets
EGX 30 | 32,820.49 | Closed |
DFMGI | 5,753.27 | +0.088% |
ADX | 9,981.50 | +0.008% |
Tadawul | 11,244.45 | Closed |
Saudi Arabia Defies Global Slowdown With Four Years of VC Growth
🔹 What Is It About
Saudi Arabia has posted four consecutive years of growth in venture capital investment relative to its GDP—outperforming peer markets in Africa and Southeast Asia, according to MAGNiTT’s latest Macro Meets VC report. From 2020 to 2023, the Kingdom consistently expanded VC intensity, despite global headwinds and a slight funding dip in 2024.
🔹 Why It Matters
This sustained momentum reflects Saudi Arabia’s policy-driven approach to building its innovation ecosystem under Vision 2030. Sovereign funds and domestic investors have helped shield the market from external volatility, positioning the Kingdom as a benchmark for long-term ecosystem development in emerging markets.
🔹 What’s Next
This sustained momentum reflects Saudi Arabia’s policy-driven approach to building its innovation ecosystem under Vision 2030. Sovereign funds and domestic investors have helped shield the market from external volatility, positioning the Kingdom as a benchmark for long-term ecosystem development in emerging markets.
Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.
Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.
Sharjah is Courting Entrepreneurs With Lower Costs And High-Traffic Locations
🔹 What Is It About
Sharjah is pitching itself as a launchpad for UAE-based service and F&B startups, promising lower operational costs and strategic locations. Through Shurooq, its development arm, the emirate is offering high-footfall destinations, streamlined setup pathways, and infrastructure support—without directly offering incubation. More than 600 businesses, including over 300 women-led ventures, now operate across Shurooq-managed sites.
🔹 Why It Matters
As the UAE’s startup ecosystem expands, cost and visibility are key differentiators. Sharjah offers an alternative to higher-cost hubs like Dubai, with real estate booms and commercial developments like Al Majaz Waterfront, Heart of Sharjah, and Khorfakkan Beach giving SMEs more options. The focus is on creating spaces that attract foot traffic and reduce operational friction.
🔹 What’s Next
Sharjah aims to keep expanding its destination-driven commercial zones, aligning business growth with tourism, heritage, and sustainability. With new launches underway and strong government coordination, the emirate is building momentum to become a competitive base for entrepreneurs eyeing long-term scale without the high overhead.
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
Dreamers: Meet the founding chairman of Al Habtoor Group, Khalaf Al Habtoor.
Pure Harvest 🍓 x Noon Minutes = exclusive summer strawberry popsicles.
Amr Diab signs with Orange Egypt, ending nearly a decade-long partnership with Vodafone.
Lebanese-born former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn is making a comeback - on social media.
Saudi startup Ninja just hit unicorn status!
Dr. Talib Alhinai, GM of Archer UAE, called it a major milestone for electric aviation as Archer’s full-scale Midnight air taxi completed its first test flight at Al Bateen Executive Airport.