stc Powers its Venture Ecosystem with the Launch of colab

stc launches ‘colab’ as a dedicated innovation and corporate venture building company at LEAP 2026.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 2, 2026: stc, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler, has announced the launch of colab, its innovation and corporate venture-building arm, at LEAP 2026. The launch strengthens the stc’s venture ecosystem and expands its ability to unlock new sources of growth through innovation.

colab provides a dedicated capability to systematically identify, build and scale new digital ventures. Leveraging stc stc’s assets, including its market reach, digital infrastructure and industry expertise, colab will explore emerging opportunities, experiment with new technologies and business models, and turn validated opportunities into scalable businesses.

The launch adds a new dimension to stc’s venture ecosystem, bringing together startup acceleration through InspireU, strategic venture investment through tali ventures, and corporate venture building through colab.

Motaz Alangari, stc Chief Investment Officer (GCIO), said: “Over the years, we have built a strong foundation across the venture spectrum, from venture investments, acceleration, and now venture building. This integrated model enables us not only to invest in innovation, but to systematically create and scale new businesses. stc’s launch of colab reflects the stc’s commitment to shaping the next phase of the Kingdom’s ambition, building sustainable growth engines and partnering with founders and strategic players to widen the region’s innovation pipeline.”

stc’s venture ecosystem continues to deliver measurable impact. inspireU has accelerated more than 150 startups, connecting entrepreneurs with capabilities and market access to support their growth. tali ventures, complements this by investing in high-growth technology companies and leveraging stc’s ecosystem to create strategic value beyond capital.

stc has also demonstrated the potential of venture building through STC Bank. What began as stc pay, a digital wallet launched to address an emerging market opportunity, grew into a fintech unicorn before evolving into a fully licensed digital bank. Today, STC Bank serves more than eight million customers and generated revenues exceeding 1 billion SAR in 2025, demonstrating stc’s ability to leverage its assets and scale promising concepts into significant digital businesses.

Together, the venture platforms (inspireU, Tali, and colab) augment stc’s existing ecosystem, by combining startup acceleration, strategic investment and venture building. This gives the broader access to high-growth opportunities while supporting entrepreneurs and contributing to the development of Saudi Arabia’s technology and venture ecosystem.