Bahrain's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

Bahrain's startup scene is buzzing harder than a beehive on steroids, and it's understandable why - these innovative companies are driving the nation's economic growth and future like a Tesla on the Autobahn.

According to data from StartupBlink, the kingdom had over 98 active startups in 2022, with a projected 25% increase by 2024.

These tech-driven ventures are tackling challenges across industries, from fintech to food delivery, creating jobs and boosting productivity like a boss.

The impact is significant - a recent study by the Bahrain Economic Development Board found that startups contributed over $928 million to the GDP in 2022 alone.

Plus, with a young, tech-savvy population (the median age is just 32), Bahrain is well-positioned for startup success like a surfer catching the perfect wave.

As Jessica Moore, Head of Startups at the Bahrain Economic Development Board, stated: "Startups are at the forefront of innovation in Bahrain, disrupting traditional sectors and creating new economic opportunities like a wrecking ball."

So what's fueling this startup boom? A few key factors:

• Government support through initiatives like StartUp Bahrain
• Access to funding from local and international investors
• Strategic location as a hub for the Gulf region
• Reforms making it easier to do business in Bahrain

With all these opportunities and a thriving tech hub, it's understandable Bahrain is quickly becoming the place to be for anyone looking to make it big in the startup world.

Check out these must-attend tech meetups and conferences to get a taste of the action!

Picking Bahrain's top startups for 2024 was no easy task. We dug deep into the hottest startup databases like Crunchbase and PitchBook, scoured local directories, and kept our eyes peeled for the most mind-blowing innovations.

Here's what we looked for:

• Innovation: These startups aren't just recycling old ideas. They're game-changers that flip the script with cutting-edge tech or fresh business models that solve real problems.
• Market Potential: Sure, they've got to make waves locally, but we want startups that can go global. We analyzed market trends, competition, and growth projections to spot ventures with serious scalability.
• Growth Trajectory: Numbers don't lie. We prioritized startups with skyrocketing user acquisition, revenue streams, killer funding rounds, and strategic partnerships that keep the momentum rolling.

Our squad left no stone unturned, diving deep into financial reports, product roadmaps, customer reviews, and media buzz.

We even picked the brains of industry bigwigs, investors, and startup mentors for the inside scoop on Bahrain's most promising startups.

Patricia Harris, Director of Bahrain's Economic Development Board, said it best:

"Bahrain's startup scene is exploding with innovative solutions that could diversify our economy and create loads of new job opportunities. Spotlighting these rising stars is key for our nation's future success."

With this bulletproof methodology, we've handpicked the most innovative and high-potential startups in Bahrain for you to keep your radar locked on.

Stay tuned for potential career moves or investment opportunities in this sizzling ecosystem.

Alright, let's talk about Inagrab, this startup from Bahrain that's seriously shaking things up! These guys are all about maximizing online sales performance for retailers and streamlining the decision-making process for shoppers.

Pretty cool, right?

Founded in 2017 by serial entrepreneurs Hussain Haji and David Jones, Inagrab's mission is to help businesses scale by connecting their products to a massive network of over 500 sales channels, including heavy-hitters like Amazon.

But that's not all – they've also got this AI-powered data analytics tool that provides retailers with valuable insights and heat maps to help them make informed decisions.

These guys are seriously ambitious, aiming to become Bahrain's next "unicorn" product.

And they're well on their way, having raised funding from prestigious investors like 500 Startups and even Faith Capital.

With plans to expand into Saudi Arabia and launch their cutting-edge sales force app, Dalooni, Inagrab is definitely a name to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond.

Alright, OneGCC is the startup that's making some serious waves in the Gulf! This Bahrain-based crew is changing the game when it comes to doing business across the GCC region.

Founded in 2016, they've created a slick platform that makes it a breeze for companies to manage their legal, tax, and compliance stuff in multiple countries, all from one sweet spot.

What makes OneGCC stand out? They've got an inside scoop on the complex rules and regs across the GCC, and they use cutting-edge tech combined with a crew of experts to simplify the process of expanding and operating in different places.

Check out these killer features:

• Multi-jurisdictional expertise: OneGCC has got your back with localized support for corporate services like company formation, tax compliance, and legal advisory, tailored to each GCC country's specific requirements.
• Automated compliance: Their platform automates a ton of compliance tasks, reducing the risk of mistakes and keeping businesses on top of ever-changing regulations.
• Cost-effective solutions: By bundling multiple services under one roof, OneGCC offers solutions that are easier on the wallet compared to traditional methods.

OneGCC has been making major moves recently:

1. Secured funding: In 2022, they secured a massive $8.25 million in Series A funding from big-shot investors like Wamda Capital and Nuwa Capital.
2. Expanded reach: They've expanded their reach to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, in addition to their existing operations in Bahrain.
3. Revenue growth: Last year, they hit a mind-blowing 300% year-over-year revenue growth, thanks to their innovative platform and growing list of clients.

"OneGCC has been a total game-changer for our business expansion in the GCC region. Their platform has streamlined our operations, ensuring compliance and saving us a ton of time and resources." - Client testimonial from a leading multinational corporation.

Hold up! Skiplino isn't just some typical fintech startup - it's a total game-changer in the queue management game.

These guys are revolutionizing how we deal with those soul-crushing lines and wait times. With their slick mobile app, you can kiss goodbye to endless queues at banks, hospitals, and government offices.

Just book your spot remotely and show up when it's your turn - no more wasting precious hours of your life stuck in line.

But that's not all - Skiplino's Virtual Branch is straight-up next level.

Imagine getting face-to-face service without even leaving your couch! This innovative feature lets you video call with business reps, making physical visits a thing of the past.

It's like having a personal concierge service at your fingertips, 24/7.

And let's not forget about the perks for businesses - Skiplino's analytics give companies a crystal-clear view of their operations, making it easier to optimize workflows and boost customer satisfaction.

Plus, their cutting-edge tech ensures seamless virtual queues, even during peak hours. Skiplino has already processed a mind-blowing $100 million in transactions last year alone.

With recent funding rounds and major partnerships under their belt, this startup is gearing up to dominate the queue management scene in 2024 and beyond.

Tamarran ain't your average startup, it's a gym management software that's changing the fitness game in Bahrain and beyond.

Founded in 2019, this homegrown company is on a mission to help sports gyms, studios, and personal trainers manage their businesses like bosses. With over 200 venues and 13,000 users on board in just 22 months, Tamarran is crushing it.

What sets Tamarran apart is their all-in-one platform that allows fitness enthusiasts to find and book classes, venues, and activities with ease.

But it's not just about the users – Tamarran's got the backs of gym owners too. Their cloud-based software lets businesses handle bookings, memberships, payments, and even launch marketing campaigns, all from one slick interface.

As one gym owner put it,

"Tamarran are really supportive, the team instantly responds to any issue we face using the system."

Tamarran's success story is just getting started.

With backing from accelerators like Flat6Labs, they've already generated a whopping $2.6 million in processed revenue in Bahrain alone.

Now, they're setting their sights on expanding across the GCC, targeting the $4 billion sports market in MENA. And they've got the funds to make it happen, having raised over $200K in funding rounds, according to Magnitt.

But Tamarran isn't just about the numbers – they're all about creating a community.

Their user-friendly website and app make it easy for fitness lovers to find their tribe and explore new experiences. As one customer raved,

"You deserve to be fit and healthy, you deserve to have fun!"

With Tamarran, fitness is no longer a chore, it's a lifestyle.

Hold up, let me set the record straight on Majra. This online career platform isn't about e-commerce, it's all about helping young professionals like us find jobs that vibe with our personalities.

Majra does this by letting employers share the inside scoop on their company culture, like pics of their workspace and interviews with current employees. Meanwhile, we can create profiles that show off our unique selves and career goals.

They even launched a sister platform called Gigs for freelancers to connect with clients looking for their skills.

Pretty sweet, right? With Majra's approach, finding the right fit for a job is way easier than scrolling through endless listings and generic resumes. Plus, they're all about transparency, so you know exactly what you're getting into with a company.

No more surprises or wasting time on places that aren't a match. Majra is definitely one startup to keep an eye on if you want to land a job you actually care about.

Sprii was a Bahraini startup that had some serious potential, but unfortunately, it's no longer in the game.

Founded in 2014, Sprii was an online shopping platform aiming to connect moms with their favorite global brands for kids' clothing, baby essentials, and prenatal yoga gear.

The company raised a total of $14.1M in funding, including a $1.1M seed round in 2015 and a Series A round in 2016. However, despite the initial hype and backing, Sprii ultimately went out of business in 2020 after filing for bankruptcy and liquidation.

While Sprii's journey may have ended, it's a reminder of the harsh realities startups face in the ever-competitive e-commerce space.

But the startup ecosystem in Bahrain is still thriving, with the country recently losing just 7 spots in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, now ranking 67th worldwide.

Initiatives like Spring Studios (Bahrain), a venture capital arm of Hambro Perks, are actively investing in and building fintech companies across the MENA region.

While Sprii may have fizzled out, the future looks bright for Bahrain's tech scene, with new players like Spring Studios stepping up to support the next wave of innovative startups.

Who knows, the next big thing in e-commerce or fintech could be just around the corner, and you definitely want to keep an eye out for it!

Check out Telr, this fintech startup from Bahrain that's excelling in the digital payments game.

They've been around since 2014, and in no time, they've become the go-to payment gateway for businesses of all sizes, letting them accept online payments from customers worldwide.

They've got it covered, everything from credit and debit cards to digital wallets and buy-now-pay-later options.

But here's the real deal - Telr takes security seriously.

They've got advanced encryption and fraud detection systems in place to keep your sensitive financial data secure. You can trust them with your money. And let's not forget about how user-friendly their platform is - integrating online payments has never been smoother.

They raked in a whopping $109 million in funding in 2022 alone, which is impressive.

It just goes to show how much investors believe in Telr's potential. And they processed over $1.5 billion in transactions last year. That's some serious cash flow.

With numbers like that, it's no wonder that Telr is dominating the MENA region.

As Bahrain's startup scene keeps rising, Telr is definitely a frontrunner you need to keep an eye on in 2024 and beyond.

They're all about innovation, security, and giving customers the best possible experience. In the words of Telr's CEO,

"Our mission is to revolutionize the way businesses accept payments, empowering them to unlock new growth opportunities in the digital age."

That's the real deal right there.

BenefitPay is way more than just another fintech app - it's pretty much changing how we do digital payments in Bahrain.

With features like tap and go contactless payments, QR code scanning for easy checkouts, and instant fund transfers between banks, it's the ultimate mobile wallet for all your money moves.

Plus, you can handle things like bill payments, fuel top-ups, and even charitable donations right from the app.

What sets BenefitPay apart is the sheer convenience it offers.

No more fumbling with cash or cards - just whip out your phone and you're good to go.

And let's not forget about security - the app uses cutting-edge encryption and authentication to keep your financial deets safe. With over 1 million downloads and a solid 4.8-star rating on the Play Store, BenefitPay has quickly become a must-have for tech-savvy Bahrainis.

But BenefitPay isn't just a slick mobile app - it's backed by The BENEFIT Company, a major player in Bahrain's fintech scene since 1997.

They've been instrumental in developing the country's electronic payment infrastructure, with ambitious plans to create a cashless society. With recent partnerships like the acquisition of Bahrain Fintech Bay, BENEFIT is doubling down on fostering innovation and positioning Bahrain as a regional fintech hub.

Eat App is an absolute game-changer in Bahrain's food scene, and it's got everyone talking. Founded in 2015 by Nezar Kadhem and David Feuillard, this app is more than just a reservation platform – it's a full-on restaurant management system that's taking the industry by storm.

With features like real-time reservations, table management, guest data tracking, and even CRM capabilities, Eat App is a one-stop shop for restaurants looking to streamline their operations and enhance the dining experience.

They've raised a whopping $11 million in Series B funding, which is a huge vote of confidence from investors.

They're already powering over 1,000 restaurants, hospitality groups, and hotels across the region. That's some serious traction right there.

What really sets Eat App apart is its partnerships game.

They've built one of the largest partner networks in the industry, working with giants like Google, TripAdvisor, Zomato, and Time Out. They've got some heavy hitters on their client list too, like The Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton, and The Maine Group.

That's some serious credibility right there.

Eat App has raised a total of $21.4 million from top-notch investors like 500 Global, Dallah Albaraka, and Derayah Ventures.

With that kind of backing, you know they're onto something big. Eat App has been recognized as one of Forbes' 50 Most-Funded Startups in the Middle East, making it a prime destination for tech professionals in the region.

Bahrain's startup game is about to blow up like crazy in 2024, and you definitely want to be plugged in. According to the Bahrain Economic Development Board, we're looking at a mind-blowing 35% growth in tech jobs this year.

That's insane! With the government going all-in on innovation and entrepreneurship, the country's startup ecosystem is primed to skyrocket.

If you're a tech pro, keeping tabs on Bahrain's rising startups is an absolute must.

Not only could you snag a sweet gig, but you might even spot the next game-changer and get in on the ground floor. Let's talk about the hot trends taking over in 2024:

• Fintech and Digital Payments: Startups like PayTabs and Aion Digital are shaking up the finance world with cutting-edge digital payment solutions. Mobile wallets are becoming more popular!
• E-commerce and Last-Mile Delivery: With e-commerce sales going through the roof, companies like GetBaqala and Parcel are making sure our online orders arrive lightning-fast.
• Healthtech: The future of healthcare is here, and startups are leading the charge. Keep an eye out for innovators in telehealth, wearables, and AI-powered diagnostics.

According to the Bahrain Economic Quarterly Report, startups could contribute a massive 5% to the country's GDP by the end of 2024.

That's a ton of high-paying job opportunities and foreign investment flooding in. Success stories like Eat App, a food delivery unicorn valued over $50 million, are inspiring a whole new generation of entrepreneurs to make their mark.

Of course, there are still some hurdles to clear, like limited funding options and navigating regulations.

But the government is stepping up with a $100 million startup fund and the epic Bahrain Tech Summit hitting later this year. These initiatives will connect founders, investors, and brilliant minds like Thomas Lopez and Michael Brown to drive the ecosystem forward.

So, stay tuned for the latest updates from Nucamp, attend those must-visit events, and get ready to be part of Bahrain's tech revolution!