Saudi Arabia's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2025

Saudi Arabia is transforming into a tech powerhouse, with startup funding hitting $94 million in November 2024, marking an incredible 88% jump from the previous month.

Vision 2030's massive push, including a $100 billion AI initiative called Project Transcendence, is totally changing the game.

The startup scene is getting intense, with over 1,600 startups pushing boundaries in everything from fintech to AI. What's really cool is how the government's backing these initiatives - they're not just talking, they're putting real money into it.

Through the $1 trillion investment commitment across tech and other sectors, they're creating real opportunities for fresh talent.

Companies like Unifonic, with their $125 million raise, and Foodics, valued at over $500 million, are showing what's possible.

For tech professionals like us, this means endless possibilities to work on groundbreaking projects. Whether it's cybersecurity at Cipher, revolutionizing delivery services with MR MANDOOB, or pushing AI boundaries at SCAI, there's something exciting happening in every corner. The best part? This is just the beginning of Saudi Arabia's tech revolution!

Here are some key startups to watch:

• Unifonic: Their recent $125 million raise demonstrates the potential for rapid growth in communication tech.
• Foodics: Valued at over $500 million, they are innovators in the food and beverage tech space.
• MR MANDOOB: They are revolutionizing delivery services, enhancing last-mile logistics.
• SCAI: Focused on pushing AI boundaries, they are at the forefront of tech innovation.
• Cipher: Specializing in cybersecurity, they offer robust solutions for digital security.

The process of selecting Saudi Arabia's top startups for 2025 follows LinkedIn's proven methodology, which evaluates companies based on four essential pillars: employee growth, jobseeker interest, company engagement, and talent acquisition.

To make the cut, startups must be independent, privately held, and employ at least 50 full-time staff members. The selection process isn't just about numbers - it's about identifying companies that are actually making waves in their industries.

Looking at current LinkedIn data, with its network of 930 million users and 75 million businesses, we can track how these startups are performing in real-time.

Each company is evaluated based on innovation metrics like patents and R&D investments, growth indicators including revenue and market expansion potential, and their overall impact within Saudi Arabia's tech ecosystem.

This systematic approach helps pinpoint which startups aren't just riding the tech wave but are actually leading it, especially within the context of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative.

The methodology ensures that featured startups demonstrate both current success and future potential, making them particularly relevant for tech professionals looking to make smart career moves in the region.

Cipher is absolutely crushing it in Saudi Arabia's cybersecurity scene right now. As LinkedIn's #1 ranked startup in Saudi Arabia for 2024, they've been making serious waves with their comprehensive security solutions.

The company just secured a massive SAR 50 million ($13.3 million) pre-IPO investment from Impact46, which is seriously impressive.

Cipher isn't just another tech company - they're actually simplifying complex cybersecurity problems with practical solutions like risk assessment, penetration testing, and threat detection.

Their team of Saudi professionals is transforming how businesses handle digital security, making it more accessible and effective. With over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, they're not just talking the talk - they're walking the walk.

They've become super important for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, helping transform the country's digital landscape. What makes them stand out is their focus on both local and global growth, plus their commitment to developing tech talent in the region.

If you're looking to get into cybersecurity, Cipher is definitely the company to watch - they're growing fast, innovating constantly, and setting new standards in the industry.

Plus, they're doing all this while maintaining a solid company culture that earned them a spot as one of the Best Workplaces in Technology 2023.

MR MANDOOB is absolutely crushing it in Saudi Arabia's delivery scene right now! Recent data shows their weekly active users jumped from 336K to 436K in just one quarter, making them one of the fastest-growing delivery apps in the region.

What makes them stand out is their zero markup policy on meal prices - they're keeping it real with both customers and restaurants. According to founder Michael Jones, they've seen their sales explode by 500% in 2022 compared to the previous year, and now hold an impressive 8% market share.

Their app isn't just about food delivery - they're handling everything from parcel delivery between cities to gas cylinder refills and digital card recharging.

The coolest part? LinkedIn just ranked them among Saudi Arabia's top startups, recognizing their innovation in making everyday life easier.

With their upcoming direct listing on the Nomu-Parallel Market and plans to expand across the GCC and Arab world, they're seriously changing the game in delivery services.

• Smart features: Their success comes from smart features like their ranking system for top stores, cashback services, and making sure both customers and stores win.
• Funding: Starting from scratch in 2020, they've already secured $1.3M in funding and are growing faster than anyone expected.

For tech professionals looking to join a company that's literally reshaping how delivery services work in Saudi Arabia, MR MANDOOB is definitely one to watch.

Mawidy stands out in Saudi Arabia's healthcare tech scene as a game-changing telemedicine and appointment booking platform that's making waves since 2019.

The platform has seriously upgraded how patients connect with healthcare providers, offering both virtual consultations and traditional appointment scheduling.

What makes it really cool is how patients can easily book, cancel, or reschedule their appointments at primary healthcare centers without any hassle.

The platform's companion apps for both healthcare providers and patients keep everything running smoothly, with features like appointment tracking and video consultations available whenever needed.

Looking at the numbers, Mawidy has become a major player in the Saudi healthcare booking market, ranking third among its competitors.

The platform's success comes from its laser focus on user experience and practical features. Recent studies show that information quality and privacy protection are key factors driving patient satisfaction with the platform.

Healthcare providers particularly appreciate how the system streamlines their schedules and reduces administrative workload, letting them focus more on patient care.

What's really impressive is how Mawidy keeps evolving - they're constantly updating their apps and adding new features based on user feedback, making the whole healthcare booking experience better for everyone involved.

SHIFT Inc. is revolutionizing car rentals in Saudi Arabia through their totally automated rental experience. Their game-changing mobile app lets users rent cars by the hour with just a few taps - no more waiting in lines or dealing with paperwork.

The platform's user ratings are seriously impressive, showing a 4.6 out of 5 satisfaction score, which is way higher than the industry average of 3.74. The company has been absolutely crushing it with rapid expansion across the UAE, opening new branches in Dubai's City Centre Me'aisem and Abu Dhabi's Al Wahda Mall.

With a massive fleet of over 12,000 vehicles and 14 branches nationwide, they're making car rentals super accessible. Their innovative features like auto service reminders, spot rentals, and hassle-free maintenance scheduling through an online dashboard.

Users can choose between carsharing and chauffeur services, perfect for everything from quick errands to long road trips between cities. They've also nailed the corporate market, serving over 700 business clients.

The company keeps expanding its network and adding new services to stay ahead of changing customer needs. Their commitment to innovation has earned them multiple awards, including the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award and Dubai Quality Awards.

Whether you need a compact car for city runs or a 4x4 for family adventures, SHIFT Inc. is making it happen with zero hassle and maximum convenience.

Rewaa is crushing it in Saudi Arabia's retail tech scene with their game-changing platform that's transforming how stores operate. Their all-in-one retail management system combines inventory tracking, sales management, and customer relationship tools that make running a business way smoother.

They've processed over SAR 7 billion in transactions and are serving more than 7,000 retailers, making them one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies in the MENA region.

The platform's focus on automation and efficiency is exactly what modern retailers need to stay competitive.

Their recent US$27 million Series A funding is just proof that they're onto something huge. What makes Rewaa stand out is their cloud-based integration of online and physical store inventory, which lets businesses seamlessly manage everything from a single dashboard.

They've created over 250 local jobs and are part of the Saudi Unicorns Program, showing they're not just building tech - they're building the future of retail in Saudi Arabia.

With features like real-time inventory tracking, POS systems that work offline, and the ability to handle multiple payment methods, they're making it super easy for retailers to step up their game and compete in the digital age.

Plus, their alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 shows they're thinking big about the kingdom's tech-driven future.

Soum is absolutely crushing it in Saudi Arabia's tech scene with their next-level AI marketplace that's changing how buyers and sellers connect. Their platform is seriously impressive - it's not just another marketplace, it's a smart ecosystem powered by advanced AI that makes everything run smoother.

What's really cool is how they're using AI to understand exactly what customers want before they even know they want it. The AI doesn't just process data; it's like having a super-smart assistant that knows the market inside out and helps everyone make better decisions.

According to recent stats on AI in e-commerce, businesses using this kind of tech are seeing conversion rates jump by 15-20%, which is pretty wild.

What makes Soum stand out is how they've made everything so seamless.

Their AI-driven platform handles everything from inventory to predicting what's going to sell next.

They're not just moving products; they're creating this whole new way of doing business that's faster and smarter than traditional marketplaces. Since adding blockchain for contracts, they've made everything transparent and trustworthy, which is huge for building confidence in digital commerce.

The platform now connects over 1,000 businesses and processes more than $500 million in transactions yearly - that's massive growth in just a few years. And honestly, seeing how they're helping Saudi Arabia become this major tech hub while making it easier for everyone to do business is pretty amazing.

If you're working in tech or interested in AI, Soum is definitely one to watch in 2025.

Let me tell you about LAWAZEM, the startup that's totally changing the game in Saudi Arabia's B2B space. Founded in 2020 by John Harris and Nasser AlShaya, this innovative procurement platform has already secured $1.3M in seed funding and is growing at an incredible 150% quarterly rate.

What's cool about LAWAZEM is how it's made buying office supplies and operational stuff super simple - no more dealing with multiple vendors or messy paperwork.

Their B2B marketplace platform handles everything from basic office supplies to IT equipment, with flexible payment options that make sense for different business sizes.

The best part? You can order through their website, mobile app, or even WhatsApp - literally couldn't be easier. What really sets them apart is their smart approach to solving everyday business problems - they've built this comprehensive ecosystem that handles everything from VAT-compliant invoicing to scheduled deliveries.

Plus, they're tapping into a massive market opportunity - the global operational procurement space is worth over $100 billion, with the local market estimated at around $1 billion.

For businesses looking to modernize their procurement process, LAWAZEM offers real solutions that save both time and money. With features like digital tracking, automated ordering, and a dedicated customer success team, they're making procurement actually exciting (never thought I'd say that about office supplies!).

Whether you're running a small business or managing a large corporation, LAWAZEM's platform scales to fit your needs, making it a perfect match for Saudi Arabia's growing digital economy.

Squadio is changing the game in Saudi Arabia's tech scene as the first Saudi platform dedicated to connecting businesses with remote tech talent.

Since starting in 2019, they've built an impressive network of over 24,000 tech specialists from more than 80 countries. Their AI-powered matching system makes hiring 60% faster than traditional methods, which is mind-blowing.

With 275 employees and growing, Squadio handles everything from payroll to vacation management, making life easier for both companies and tech professionals.

Their commitment to quality— they only accept the top 1% of remote talent, so you know you're getting the best of the best. Their client list includes major players like Aramco, STC, and Monsha'at, showing just how trusted they've become in the industry.

The platform offers specialized services in software engineering, data science, and cloud engineering, with a super smooth process for matching talent to companies.

If someone isn't the right fit, they'll quickly find a replacement—no hassle, no stress. The success stories from their clients are impressive, with CEOs and founders consistently praising how Squadio has transformed their tech teams and helped them focus on growing their businesses.

It's not just about filling positions; it's about building strong, lasting tech teams that can drive innovation forward.

The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) is revolutionizing Saudi Arabia's tech landscape with cutting-edge AI solutions.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, SCAI is driving innovation across multiple sectors, making it easy for businesses to unlock the power of AI. Their smart city initiatives are changing the game, with advanced solutions for visual pollution detection, crowd management, and smart surveillance that are making urban living safer and more efficient.

SCAI has partnered with major players - they've teamed up with Google's parent company Alphabet to develop Arabic language AI models, showing they're serious about creating tech that works for the region.

The company is part of Saudi Arabia's massive $100 billion AI initiative, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global AI powerhouse.

SCAI's impact spans across healthcare, where they're implementing image-based diagnosis systems, to financial services, where their GenAI chatbots and fraud detection systems are transforming customer experience.

In the energy sector, they're using predictive maintenance and supply chain optimization to boost efficiency, while their retail solutions are personalizing shopping experiences through AI-powered analytics.

What makes SCAI stand out is their focus on practical, real-world applications - they're not just developing cool tech, they're solving actual problems and creating value across industries.

For anyone interested in AI and tech, SCAI is definitely shaping up to be one of the most exciting companies to watch in Saudi Arabia's evolving tech ecosystem.

The incredible startup scene in Saudi Arabia is thriving. These companies are absolutely crushing it! LinkedIn's latest startup rankings show Saudi Arabia secured over $412 million in funding just in the first half of 2024, which is seriously impressive.

Cipher leads the pack in cybersecurity, while MR MANDOOB and Mawidy are transforming everyday services for millions of users. What's super exciting is that Saudi Arabia is launching two massive tech companies by the end of 2025, pushing to boost the tech sector's GDP contribution from 1% to 5% by 2030.

That's going to create so many job opportunities! The coolest part? LEAP 2025 is bringing together more than 680 startups and 1,000 speakers in Riyadh, making it the perfect place to network and see the latest tech innovations.

• AI: Whether you're into artificial intelligence, fintech, or e-commerce, these startups are building something huge, and they're looking for fresh talent to help them grow.
• Energy: The energy here is unreal - it feels like Silicon Valley vibes but with a Middle Eastern twist.
• Action: If you're thinking about where to kickstart your tech career, Saudi Arabia's startup scene is definitely where the action is!