Read our blog and stay informed with the latest news, insights, and trends in the startup ecosystem.
[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
Kuwait: The Overlooked Tech Hub Kuwait’s startup ecosystem is experiencing a remarkable resurgence—climbing from regional afterthought to become the GCC’s third-largest startup market. Startups raised approximately $200 million in 2024, maintaining momentum from previous years, driven by sectors like e-commerce (40% of funding) and fintech innovation. With 99% internet penetration,
Oman’s startup ecosystem is experiencing a quiet revolution—emerging from relative obscurity to become one of the GCC’s most promising frontier markets. While startups raised approximately $45 million in 2024, up from just $15 million in 2022, the real story lies in structural transformation: government initiatives like the $500 million Oman
Qatar’s startup ecosystem is undergoing profound transformation—ranking 73rd globally in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index with sustained growth momentum. Startups raised approximately $150 million in 2024, building on strong foundations from previous years, driven by breakthrough sectors like FinTech (35% of funding) and emerging deep tech innovation. With 99%
Morocco’s startup ecosystem is experiencing remarkable transformation—climbing to 88th globally and 9th in Africa in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index with a 23.1% growth rate. Startups raised $94.96 million in 2024, nearly tripling from $33.26 million in 2023, driven by breakthrough sectors like TravelTech (53% of funding) and sustained
Egypt’s startup ecosystem faces severe economic headwinds—the Egyptian pound plunged from 15 to 50 per USD in two years, inflation peaked at 37.3%, and foreign exchange shortages nearly paralyzed imports—yet this turmoil has created massive opportunities for startups solving real problems. The ecosystem produced its first unicorn (MNT-Halan at $1B+),
Immigration is not just movement of people. It shapes economies and the future of nations. Watch Blayne Kumar, Nino Melikidze, Immitracker, and NextStars unpack what comes next for immigration to Canada. Immigration policy is economic policy. With renewed talk about Mark Carney and Canada’s leadership, the conversation is shifting again.
Selling AI to big logos from Canada with Mike Grandinetti. We get practical about how enterprises buy, how to earn the first yes, how to design proof first pilots, how to pass security and legal, how to structure pricing that finance approves, and how to scale from pilot to production
At NextStars, we often hear from founders overwhelmed by the same question: “What’s the best path to Permanent Residency in Canada?” While most people gravitate toward the Startup Visa or Express Entry, there’s one option that consistently flies under the radar—the New Brunswick Entrepreneur Stream. Together with immigration lawyer Ahmet
By: Mohammed Alanzi & Saeed Zeinali Introduction: A New Global Innovation Order Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as a global technology powerhouse, channeling $100 billion into AI, MedTech, Cleantech, and Fintech under Vision 2030. But capital alone isn’t enough—the Kingdom needs cutting-edge startups, deep-tech expertise, and top-tier research talent
The story of entrepreneurship in Canada isn’t confined to skyscrapers or downtown tech corridors. Increasingly, it’s being written in smaller cities, rural towns, and regions looking for more than capital—they’re looking for people who are ready to build where it matters most. For entrepreneurs with vision and grit, these places
Not every entrepreneur fits the startup mold. Some build businesses with their hands, not pitch decks. Across Canada, provincial immigration programs are making space for these builders—farmers, tradespeople, and independent professionals—whose businesses are rooted in practical skills and hard-earned expertise. These are individuals who may not call themselves entrepreneurs in
