What are the startup investment trends in Mena?

What are the startup investment trends in Mena?

Dr Jelena Janjusevic is associate professor at the School of Social Sciences at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region has emerged as a dynamic hub for startup activity in recent years, attracting significant attention from investors globally. As the ecosystem continues to evolve, understanding the current investment trends is crucial for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to navigate the landscape. 

The rise of fintech and its resounding impact- One of the most notable trends in Mena startups is the meteoric rise of the financial technology (fintech) sector. Digital payment solutions, peer-to-peer lending platforms, and blockchain-based initiatives have garnered substantial attention and investment. This surge can be attributed to the region's increasing appetite for innovative financial services, with investors recognising the potential for disruption in traditional banking systems. Fintech startups are transforming the financial sector and contributing significantly to bridging the funding gap between early and late-stage ventures. Recent data indicates that Liquidity Group, a global financial technology and asset management firm, has contributed over $300 million to startups in the UAE.

E-commerce's dominance in the digital transformation wave 

Digital transformation is not merely a buzzword but a defining force in the Mena startup landscape. Nowhere is this more evident than