Venture capital in the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, and Turkey (MEAPT) has experienced major shifts over the past two years, and 2025 is proving no different. As of February, the total funding volume has rebounded sharply from 2024, reaching US $2.32 billion—an 85% increase year-over-year. This marks a surprising turnaround from the sharp decline in 2024 when investments had dropped by nearly 46%. However, the number of deals continues to shrink, with only 178 deals closed so far in 2025—a 56% drop from 2023. While investors are making fewer bets, they’re writing bigger checks, possibly signaling a strategic shift toward high-impact, scalable ventures.
Some of the biggest funding rounds of 2025 so far include Lendo’s US $690 million debt financing and Quantum Machines’ US $170 million Series C, reflecting strong investor interest in FinTech, AI, and cybersecurity. Israel continues to lead the region in funding, with a focus on deep tech and security, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia are making strides in FinTech and EdTech.
Lendo secured $690 million in debt financing, highlighting strong FinTech momentum.
Quantum Machines raised $170 million in a Series C round, reinforcing investor confidence in AI and deep tech.
Israel remains the region’s VC leader, with substantial investments in deep tech and cybersecurity.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are gaining traction in FinTech and EdTech, positioning themselves as regional innovation hubs.
With global interest rates stabilizing and MENA's projected economic growth reaching 3.8% in 2025, the stage is set for a potentially strong year. Whether this is a sustained recovery or a short-term surge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: MEAPT’s VC landscape is shifting, and the winners will be those who adapt quickly.
Several factors are fueling the MEAPT VC recovery:
While the rebound is promising, it remains unclear whether this is a long-term recovery or a short-term correction. However, one thing is certain: VC investors are adapting, and those who navigate the shifting landscape will emerge as winners.
Stay updated on MEAPT’s evolving VC ecosystem—book a free demo now!
Related links: The Startup Market Difficulty in MENA (2024)
The State of Fintech in the Middle East
With 1,500+ fintechs, $4.2B in 2023 funding, 7 IPOs, 30+ M&A exits, and the rise of unicorns and superapps, the Middle East’s fintech sector is transforming into a global powerhouse. Discover the key players, emerging trends, and market forces shaping the future of finance in MENAT.
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