VC investments in tech startups near SAR 1.4B in 8M 2025: NTDP

Ibrahim Neyaz, CEO of the National Technology Development Program, speaks on the sidelines of the Private Capital Forum 

Ibrahim Neyaz, CEO of the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), said that venture capital (VC) investments in Saudi tech startups reached around SAR 1.4 billion by the end of August 2025, expecting the figure to rise to about SAR 1.8–1.9 billion by year-end.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Private Capital Forum (PCF), Neyaz highlighted that Saudi Arabia has led the MENA region by VC investments over the past two years, maintaining this leadership through the first half of 2025.

Neyaz explained that investments in the sector did not exceed $65 million in 2019, reflecting significant growth within just five years.

This expansion was driven by the government effort to strengthen the digital infrastructure, along with the NTDP-led initiatives, which include grants, financing programs, and the Fund of Funds that invests in VC funds focused on priority tech sectors.

Hosting events such as the PCF underscores the growth and increasing attractiveness of the Saudi market to both local and international investors, he said, stressing the importance of empowering entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into investable business models.