Read our blog and stay informed with the latest news, insights, and trends in the startup ecosystem.
The UAE’s startup ecosystem represents one of the most remarkable economic transformations in modern history—from pearl diving to unicorn breeding in just 50 years, now standing as the undisputed tech capital of the Middle East and Africa. Despite a population of only 10 million, UAE startups raised a staggering $2.5
Bahrain’s startup ecosystem represents one of the most concentrated innovation experiments in the world—a tiny island nation of 1.7 million people that has positioned itself as the GCC’s regulatory sandbox and fintech pioneer. Despite being the smallest GCC economy, Bahraini startups and fintech companies raised an estimated $150-180 million in
Jordan’s startup ecosystem represents one of the Middle East’s most remarkable achievements—a resource-poor nation that transformed constraints into competitive advantages, building a thriving tech sector amid regional turbulence. Despite hosting 3 million refugees and navigating regional instability, Jordanian startups raised an estimated $180-220 million in 2024, maintaining the kingdom’s position
Tunisia’s startup ecosystem represents one of Africa’s best-kept secrets—a small nation punching far above its weight in tech innovation, producing more startups per capita than any other African country. Despite economic challenges and youth unemployment, Tunisian startups raised an estimated $150-200 million in 2024, marking a 400% increase from just
Lebanon’s startup ecosystem represents one of the most extraordinary stories of entrepreneurial resilience in modern history—a sophisticated tech community surviving and even thriving despite economic collapse, currency devaluation of 98%, and a banking sector in ruins. Against all odds, Lebanese startups raised an estimated $100-120 million in 2024, primarily through
Iraq: The Reconstruction Tech Opportunity Iraq’s startup ecosystem represents one of the most compelling yet complex opportunities in global tech—a nation rebuilding from conflict with unprecedented needs and surprising innovation emerging. Despite security challenges and infrastructure gaps, Iraqi startups raised an estimated $30-40 million in 2024, primarily through local investors
Algeria’s startup ecosystem represents one of Africa’s most paradoxical opportunities—a nation with immense potential held back by structural challenges, yet showing signs of breakthrough. Despite bureaucratic constraints and limited funding infrastructure, Algerian startups raised an estimated $50-70 million in 2024, primarily through diaspora networks and government programs, marking a 300%
Saeed Zeinali is the Founder and CEO of NextStars, a Toronto-based multinational advisory platform that has helped over 200 startups scale globally. As an immigrant entrepreneur himself, Saeed founded and successfully exited TranQool, Canada’s leading online mental health platform, to HumanaCare, an experience that gave him deep insight into Canada’s startup
November 10-21, 2025 | Belém, Brazil As the world gathers in the heart of the Amazon for COP30, climate tech startups have a unique opportunity to position themselves at the intersection of global policy, capital flows, and emerging market opportunities. This isn’t just another climate conference—it’s a pivotal moment that
In an era where traditional manufacturing is increasingly automated and commoditized, nations are discovering a powerful truth: the real wealth of the future lies not in producing more widgets, but in developing intellectual property and exporting it globally. This shift represents a fundamental transformation in how we think about economic
Syria’s startup ecosystem represents one of the most remarkable stories of entrepreneurial resilience in modern history. Despite over a decade of conflict, international sanctions, and infrastructure challenges, Syrian entrepreneurs raised an estimated $15-20 million in 2024, primarily through diaspora networks and creative funding mechanisms. With a pre-war population of 22
[Toronto, October 30, 2025] – NextStars, a global entrepreneurship ecosystem platform, today announced that its CEO has completed a strategic visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking an important step in the company’s expansion into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The visit, which included stops in both Dubai and
