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Disrupt.com, a UAE-based venture builder, has committed $100 million to fund AI-first startups, focusing on sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and Web 3.0. This investment comes amid a declining funding market, with Disrupt.com aiming to support founders through hands-on collaboration and operational expertise. Current portfolio highlights include ZigChain and PureSquare, showcasing the firm's commitment to innovation in technology.
UAE-based Disrupt.com has committed $100 million to fund AI-first startups, focusing on sectors like cybersecurity, Web 3.0, and automotive technology. This initiative follows a significant exit from Cloudways, aiming to support founders with both capital and operational expertise amid a contracting MENA venture capital market. Meanwhile, the AI-powered audio app Nasheedio launched at Web Summit Qatar 2025, targeting 500,000 downloads by Ramadan after already achieving 170,000.
MENA startups are attracting significant investment, with notable funding rounds in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. Key highlights include CQR's $3 million for AI-driven cybersecurity, Flow48's $69 million for fintech expansion, and Fawry's $1.6 million investment in Egyptian fintech firms. The region's fintech sector has seen a 5.5x growth over five years, driven by digital transformation initiatives.
Startups in the MENA region are experiencing a surge in funding, particularly in fintech, cybersecurity, and AI. Notable investments include CQR's $3 million for AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, Flow48's $69 million for SME financing, and Fawry's $1.6 million in three Egyptian fintech firms. The region's economic growth is further supported by initiatives like Al Madinah Angels and Disrupt.com's $100 million commitment to AI-first startups.
The UAE is strengthening its status as a key destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). This strategic move is expected to enhance the country's economic landscape and attract more global investors seeking opportunities in the region.
WPP has been downgraded by Barclays from "overweight" to "equal weight," following a trend of mixed ratings from analysts. The stock has seen a significant decline of 15.3%, opening at $41.10, with a market cap of $8.87 billion and a P/E ratio of 6.88. Institutional investors have notably increased their stakes in the company, with several firms reporting substantial percentage increases in their holdings.
The Middle East has emerged as the leading recipient of Chinese investments under the Belt and Road Initiative, attracting $39 billion in 2024, a 102% increase. Key investments include $24.3 billion in energy, highlighted by an $8 billion oil refinery deal in Iraq, and $11.8 billion in green projects. This shift marks a strategic pivot for China, reducing its focus on Latin America and Pakistan while prioritizing infrastructure and energy partnerships in the Middle East.
UAE-based fintech Flow48 has successfully raised $69 million in a Series A funding round. The company aims to enhance its operations and expand its services in the financial technology sector. The reporting maintains a commitment to ethical standards and transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest.
UAE-based fintech Flow48 has raised $69 million in a series A funding round led by Breega, with participation from several investors including 212 and Speedinvest. Founded in 2022 by Idriss Al Rifai, the company provides upfront financing to SMEs by converting future revenues into immediate capital. The new funding will facilitate Flow48's expansion in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, addressing the underdeveloped SME financing landscape in the region.
A $1 billion initiative is underway to tokenize real estate in Dubai, leveraging real-world assets (RWAs) to reshape the market. The project aims to enhance transparency and accessibility in property investment, while maintaining ethical reporting standards amidst potential conflicts of interest. For any website issues, contact office@startupnews.fyi.
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disrupt com commits 100 million to fund ai first startups globally
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