This Is What MENA’s Tech Ecosystem Looks Like

The VC sector has grown by 24%.

Beco Capital has put together its annual Periodic Table of Tech in MENA, highlighting key tech investors and M&A in the region.

Having made its debut last year, this version of the table shows how the ecosystem has grown in the last year.

The research shows that there are 115 private players operating in the VC sector in the region, up almost 24% from last year’s tally of 92.

This year, there has been growth across the board in all but two classifications: Micro VCs and Tech Acquirers.

The updated chart also features a new classification: Family Offices.

The inclusion of this segment is somewhat unique to the MENA region, as these entities have typically invested in traditional asset classes.

“Last year’s acquisitions were part of a wave, but this year the growth is of a different nature as startups look to expanding into new and neighbouring markets. This reduction is counterbalanced by the introduction of Family Offices, who as we see it, are now participating as strategic investors,” said Dany Farha, CEO of BECO Capital.

“We have also seen new players emerge which is exciting, with new entrants from Palestine and Saudi Arabia. The growth we are seeing is attributed to both the availability of talent and capital. The number of incubators and accelerators in the region has almost doubled.

With an increasingly robust platform for startups in the region to experiment, iterate quickly and establish themselves, this has facilitated a pipeline for investors across the region. It will then be up to investors to find and secure the best deal flow,” added Dany.

“The interest and investment we’ve seen in the tech sector is as we predicted and planned for, and we foresee ongoing growth as family offices get more involved in the tech startup sector, and and existing VCs bulk up.”