RIYADH — Saudi Arabia accounted for 26 percent of the total investor base in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the first half of 2026, making the Kingdom the largest single contributor to the region’s investor pool, according to a report by the MAGNiTT platform.

The report said the MENA region recorded participation from 243 investors in venture capital funding rounds during the first six months of 2026.

International investor participation declined by 48 percent compared with the first half of 2025, while activity by regional investors fell by 2 percent. The decline in international participation has resulted in a greater role for local and regional investors within the MENA venture capital ecosystem.

The report also highlighted a 39 percent decline in international capital participation during the period. At the same time, investment activity became increasingly concentrated among the region’s most active investors.

The top 10 investors ranked by the number of deals accounted for 45 percent of all venture capital deals in the MENA region during the first half of 2026, compared with 39 percent during the same period last year.

The figures point to a growing reliance on domestic and regional sources of capital within the MENA venture capital market, as international participation declines and investment activity becomes more concentrated among leading investors.

MAGNiTT is a data platform that provides decision-makers with verified information and insights on startups and venture capital investments across emerging markets.

Source:Saudi Gazette