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In the ever-evolving landscape of the Middle East’s startup scene, Arab women are emerging as formidable leaders and visionaries, garnering attention from investors and rewriting the narrative of entrepreneurship in the region. This article shines a spotlight on seven remarkable female entrepreneurs of Arab origin, all based in the Middle East, who have secured substantial funding for their startups in recent years.
These seven startups have collectively raised an impressive $24 million in funding in 2019, a testament to the resilience, innovation, and drive of these inspiring women. Let’s delve into their entrepreneurial journeys and the financial milestones they’ve achieved.1. Zohra Slim – InstaDeepNationality: TunisianHeadquartered in: Tunisia (with a presence in London)Founded: 2014Total Funding: $8 millionLeading the pack is Zohra Slim, the co-founder, and Chief Digital and Visualization Officer of InstaDeep. InstaDeep is an AI-powered decision-making system that has garnered widespread recognition. In 2019 alone, Zohra secured an impressive $7 million in funding, solidifying InstaDeep’s position as a pioneering player in the AI landscape.2. Nour Al Hassan – TarjamaNationality: JordanianBased in: U.A.E.Founded: 2008Total Funding: $5 millionNour Al Hassan, the Founder and CEO of Tarjama, is at the forefront of the language services industry. Her dedication and vision led to a substantial Series A funding round of $5 million in 2019. Tarjama’s growth under Nour’s leadership showcases the demand for language services in the Middle East.3. Dana Baki – LUNCH: ONNationality: Lebanese AmericanBased in: U.A.E.Founded: 2015Total Funding: $6 millionDana Baki, the Co-founder, and COO of LUNCH: ON, has revolutionized the way people order lunch. Her innovative approach secured $4 million in funding in 2019, highlighting the appetite for tech-driven solutions in the food industry.
Nadine Nehme – Medicus AINationality: LebaneseHeadquartered in: Vienna (with a presence in the U.A.E.)Founded: 2015Total Funding: $4.7 millionNadine Nehme, the Co-founder, and Chief Science Officer of Medicus AI, has harnessed the power of AI to create a medical data platform. Her visionary work garnered $3 million in funding in 2019, emphasizing the critical role of AI in healthcare.5. Soumaia Benturquia – FODELNationality: AlgerianBased in: U.A.E.Founded: 2017Total Funding: $2.6 millionSoumaia Benturquia, the Founder and CEO of FODEL, has addressed the logistics challenges of online shoppers with innovative parcel pick-up locations. Her dedication led to $2.6 million in funding in 2019, addressing a crucial e-commerce pain point.6. Rama Kayyali, Lamia Tabbaa, and Salwa Katkhuda – Little Thinking MindsNationalities: Jordanian, Saudi, and JordanianBased in: JordanFounded: 2005Total Funding: $3 millionRama Kayyali, Lamia Tabbaa, and Salwa Katkhuda, the Co-founders of Little Thinking Minds, have reshaped education through their ed-tech platform. In 2019, they secured $1.765 million in funding, underlining the importance of tech-driven education solutions.7. Amira El Gharib – OrcasNationality: Egyptian/LebaneseBased in: EgyptFounded: 2017Total Funding: $650,000Amira El Gharib, the Co-founder and COO of Orcas, is transforming education through her Ed-Tech App. Her dedication resulted in $500,000 in funding in 2019, highlighting the growing demand for innovative educational platforms.
These visionary Arab women entrepreneurs are not only breaking barriers but also inspiring a new generation of leaders in the region. Their accomplishments underscore the importance of diversity and inclusion in the startup ecosystem. As they continue to make strides in their respective industries, they serve as role models for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that gender is no barrier to success in the dynamic world of startups. With their determination and innovative spirit, these women are not just securing funding; they are shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the Middle East.
