Venture capitalists are actively exploring opportunities in the Middle East. Leading investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Tiger Global, and IVP have sent teams to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar as traditional backers in America and Europe face economic downturns. Gulf officials and young royals are encouraging VC participation to diversify their economies. As a result, the MENA region experienced a surge in VC investment in 2021 and 2022. Although Q1 2023 saw a significant 70% YoY decline, early-stage investment remains active. The region has seen 16 startups surpass $1 billion valuations, with strong connections to Israel, Sub-Saharan Africa, and key European hubs. UAE, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia lead the pack, while Bahrain, Algeria, and Tunisia exhibit rapid growth.
This startup industry has increased in value by 10x in five years and is one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems in EMEA. Early-stage funding reached an all-time high in 2022 in Türkiye, with 2023 already almost matching 2020 funding levels in the first four months alone.
In partnership with Türkiye Technohub, we explore the state of the startup and venture capital ecosystem in Türkiye.
Going toLondonTechWeek, The Next Web or Vivatechin June? So do we! We're always happy to meet up, so don't hesitate to reach out. And if you're passing through Amsterdam, we absolutely want to know! (And get a coffee, or two.)
ViennaUP is 9 days of startup festival featuring events ranging from pitch sessions, hackathons, conferences, workshops and mentorship to startup parties and even a Viennese ball – tech style.
🇨🇦 July 12-14, Montréal, Canada
StartupFest, Canada’s original startup event is back in July with old favorites and some new tricks up their sleeve.
Know an insightful tech event in your region you would like to highlight?