MENA Startups Raise $36 Million in September 2023
In September 2023, startups in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) managed to secure a total of $36 million in funding, marking a significant milestone in the ever-evolving landscape of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This article will delve into the details of this funding surge, highlighting key trends and insights while exploring the challenges faced by the startups and their incredible resilience.
The Funding Landscape
The MENA startup ecosystem has been a hotbed of innovation and growth, but September’s funding figures revealed some interesting dynamics. While $36 million is no small feat, it represents a 64 percent decrease in funding value compared to the previous month and an even more substantial 82 percent drop when compared to the same period last year. These numbers reflect the challenges that startups are grappling with and the need for a deeper understanding of the current landscape.
The Role of Debt Financing
Out of the $1.8 billion raised in 2023 thus far, a substantial $687 million came from debt financing. This shift in funding sources emphasizes the growing importance of financial stability for MENA startups. It is a clear sign that these startups are exploring a variety of avenues to secure the capital they need to scale their businesses and thrive in the competitive market.
Regional Dynamics
The funding pinch was not limited to a single location within the MENA region. Deal counts have fallen, and the size of investment checks has been diminishing. Last month, the UAE led the charge, raising $27 million in 14 deals, thanks to impressive funding rounds by companies like Fuze and Zero Carbon Ventures. Saudi Arabia followed, with $2.7 million raised across seven deals, and Egypt’s six startups secured $2.6 million.
However, Saudi Arabia witnessed the most dramatic decline in investment, experiencing a staggering 95 percent drop in deal value month-on-month. After enjoying a robust year compared to the rest of the region, the hesitancy of investors has finally made its mark in the Kingdom, underlining the unpredictable nature of the startup world.
Sector-wise Breakdown
The funding landscape in the MENA region is diverse, reflecting the wide range of innovative startups emerging in various sectors. Fintech continues to be a strong contender, with six deals valued at over $16 million. Cleantech and gaming have also been attracting substantial investments. Startups in these sectors are driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth.
B2B vs. B2C
In terms of business models, the amount invested in B2B startups exceeded $25 million, while B2C startups secured a little over $10 million. Surprisingly, deal counts between the two models were evenly split. This indicates that both B2B and B2C startups are actively contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in MENA. It’s an encouraging sign of diversity and the balance between the two models.
Gender and Funding
When viewed through a gender lens, the results remain disheartening. Seven startups founded by women managed to raise a mere $320,000, with almost all of it coming from grants. In contrast, startups co-founded by both men and women raised $1.65 million across four deals, and those founded solely by men secured a whopping $34 million across 21 deals. The gender funding gap continues to persist, highlighting the need for more equitable opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the region.
Changing Ticket Sizes
Last month, the average ticket size for funding deals was just over $1 million, a significant decrease from the $3.4 million average seen in September 2022. This reduction in ticket size underscores the need for startups to be more resourceful and efficient in their financial management.
The Mystery Surrounding Four Startups
It’s worth noting that four startups, namely Ibreez, SoumTech, Widebot, and Digizag, chose not to disclose their funding figures for the previous month. As a conservative estimate, we assigned $100,000 each to the first three, and $1 million for Digizag’s Series A round. This lack of transparency is a reminder that some startups may still face challenges in reporting their financial data.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
In a constantly evolving startup ecosystem, MENA startups face both opportunities and challenges. The $36 million raised in September 2023 is a testament to the resilience and innovation of these entrepreneurs, despite a decrease in funding values. As the region navigates these challenges, it is crucial for investors, governments, and the community to come together to provide more support, mentorship, and equitable opportunities for all entrepreneurs, regardless of their gender.
As we look ahead, let’s continue to celebrate the milestones achieved by MENA startups and strive for an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic ecosystem that allows them to reach even greater heights. The future of innovation in the Middle East and North Africa is bright, and it’s up to all of us to help these startups shine.
Remember, your support as an investor, mentor, or collaborator can make a world of difference. Together, we can fuel the dreams of MENA’s entrepreneurs and drive the region towards a more prosperous future.
October 16, 2023
