By: Husam Yaghi
Saudi Arabia is not waiting for the future, it’s building it.
As the Kingdom accelerates its transformation under Vision 2030, a new generation of ambitious founders is stepping up. They’re building fintech platforms, coding AI solutions, and tackling real-world challenges with tech-first mindsets. But talent alone is not enough. These future builders need guidance, networks, and structured support to thrive globally.
That’s why the recent launch of Sanabil Founder University by LAUNCH, an initiative backed by Sanabil Investments and led by Silicon Valley veteran Jason Calacanis, is more than just timely. It’s strategic.
Vision 2030 and the Entrepreneurial Imperative
At the heart of Vision 2030 is a national ambition to diversify the economy, cultivate a digital society, and empower Saudi youth. Entrepreneurship isn’t a side quest, it’s a central pillar. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are expected to contribute 35% of GDP by 2030, and programs like Sanabil Founder University are laying the operational groundwork to help make that vision a reality.
By bridging global startup expertise with Saudi ambition, the initiative provides early-stage founders with:
- Hands-on workshops and expert mentorship
- Exposure to fundraising, product-market fit, and go-to-market strategies
- Access to a powerful network of investors, builders, and ecosystem enablers
This is not theoretical. It’s practical, founder-first training, with a track record.
The Momentum Is Real
According to MAGNiTT’s latest report, the region is experiencing an undeniable shift:
- 1 in 5 VC deals in 2024 in the MENA region involved AI startups, either native AI companies or those embedding AI in their stacks.
- Startups like Intelmatix, Naqla, Elevatus, and Paymob are drawing serious investor attention.
- Fintech, particularly payment solutions, continues to lead in funding, as digital financial services expand across underserved markets.
- The IPO pipeline is growing, with companies like Talabat and Jahez setting new benchmarks, and rising stars like Salla, Tabby, and VUZ lining up next.
Capital is flowing, technology is scaling, and the region is no longer following global trends, it’s defining them.
A Thriving Ecosystem Backed by Visionaries
This flourishing startup ecosystem isn’t happening by accident. It’s the result of intentional, visionary collaboration between:
- Investors like Sanabil, G42, and Plus.VC
- Global partners like Jason Calacanis and LAUNCH
- Platforms like MAGNiTT providing insights, data, and access
- Saudi talent, bold, hungry, and increasingly capable
I’ve personally witnessed this energy through young innovators like Tamara Yaghi, who launched a foundation to support refugee children at just 9 years old and now advocates for youth-driven tech and innovation. She’s one of many changemakers the Kingdom is producing, youth who are not waiting for permission to lead.
What Comes Next
If Saudi Arabia wants to maintain its momentum, we must go further:
- Embed entrepreneurship in education, not as an elective, but as a core skill
- Celebrate risk and resilience, failure is not the enemy; it’s the tuition of innovation
- Encourage cross-sector collaboration, startups don’t operate in silos, and neither should we
Sanabil Founder University is a prime example of this spirit, private capital, global expertise, and local talent coming together with purpose.
The future is being built right here. Let’s make sure our young founders are equipped to lead it.
Final Thoughts
We are witnessing the rise of a new startup frontier in the MENA region, and Saudi Arabia is at the center of it. With programs like Sanabil Founder University by LAUNCH, the Kingdom is not just enabling startups; it’s activating a generation.
The next decade belongs to those who build. And Saudi Arabia is becoming a place where builders thrive.
Husam Yaghi
Technology Director | Advisor | Champion of Emerging Tech & Youth Innovation
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