MENA Startup Funding & Exits Hit $1.47 Billion in November 2025
Geographically, Saudi Arabia recorded the highest number of deals, while international and US-linked investments represented the majority of capital deployed, largely due to the Luma AI transaction.
Startup funding and acquisition activity across the Middle East and North Africa surged in November 2025, with publicly announced deals surpassing $1.47 billion. The month’s total reflects one of the strongest periods for venture activity in the region this year.
Artificial intelligence and deep-tech ventures led the acceleration, accounting for over 80 percent of November’s funding. The largest contribution came from Luma AI, which secured $900 million in a round involving multiple international investors. Additional deep-tech momentum included a $275 million injection into d-Matrix from the Qatar Investment Authority and a $125 million round for Saudi Arabia-based Irad.
Geographically, Saudi Arabia recorded the highest number of deals, while international and US-linked investments represented the majority of capital deployed, largely due to the Luma AI transaction. The United Arab Emirates and Egypt continued to register steady activity across a mix of early-stage investments and strategic acquisitions, signalling wider ecosystem maturity.
Across all sectors, disclosed investments reached approximately $1.39 billion. Beyond AI, funding covered alternative finance, digital transformation, fractional real estate ownership, refurbished electronics, workforce housing, robotics and construction technology, digital health, and e-commerce.
The month’s activity indicates rising investor confidence in MENA’s capacity to generate scalable technology ventures, supported by increasing cross-border participation and a growing pipeline of advanced tech startups.
