CNTXT AI Secures $60 Million Series A
UAE-based data and artificial intelligence company CNTXT AI has raised $60 million in a Series A funding round co-led by Abu Dhabi applied AI company AI71 and GCC-founded global asset manager BlueFive Capital. The company enables enterprises and public-sector institutions to develop AI solutions while retaining control over their data. The funds will be used for product development, entering new markets, and deploying secure AI infrastructure globally.
Founder Mohammad Abu Sheikh, whose previous venture LocAI was acquired by AI71, told Arab News that the relationship with AI71 developed through shared work in Abu Dhabi's AI ecosystem rather than beginning with the fundraising process. "The relationship did not start with a term sheet. It started with shared work in the same ecosystem," he said. Abu Sheikh added that AI71 understands the infrastructure and expertise required to develop sovereign AI solutions in the region. "They also understand that sovereign AI in this region requires three things that cannot be bought: depth in data, distribution across government and enterprise, and domain expertise that only comes from building here."
Abu Sheikh also founded SMPL AI, a $25 million fund backing early-stage AI startups, which he emphasized is a separate investment vehicle from CNTXT AI with independent capital and governance structures. CNTXT AI partners with technology companies including Oracle, NVIDIA, and Amazon Web Services, and has supported global AI developers on large language model initiatives. Its products include Munsit, an Arabic voice AI platform that has processed over one million minutes of speech and serves more than 250 enterprises and 150,000 users.
ISSF Commits $7 Million to Endeavor Catalyst V
Jordan's Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF) has committed $7 million to Endeavor Catalyst V, a global co-investment fund with over $300 million in assets under management. The commitment marks the launch of ISSF's second investment phase, Fund II, following the completion of its first investment cycle in 2025. The partnership aims to connect Jordanian startups with global investment networks and improve access to growth-stage capital. Endeavor Catalyst, the investment arm of Endeavor, backs high-growth companies across more than 60 countries, with previous investments in Jordan including Tamatem Games, Altibbi, EON Dental, Tarjama, and ZenHR.
Zameeli Secures Shariah-Compliant Financing from Sharakah
Oman-based freelance marketplace Zameeli has secured an undisclosed Shariah-compliant financing facility from SME development company Sharakah. Founded in 2023 by Tariq Al-Habsi and Mahmoud Tantora, Zameeli connects small and medium-sized enterprises with Omani freelancers offering services such as design, marketing, videography, content creation, and social media management. The financing will be used to enhance technology, improve operational efficiency and user experience, and expand its SME customer base and freelancer network, as well as support marketing initiatives and geographic expansion across Oman.
WakeCap Acquires AI Construction Planning Platform Frontline
Saudi construction technology company WakeCap has acquired Singapore-based Frontline, an AI-powered construction planning software provider. Founded in 2017 by Hassan Al-Balawi and Ishita Sood, WakeCap develops wearable technology for real-time project monitoring to reduce risks and improve operational efficiency. Frontline's AI-driven tools allow construction teams to optimize schedules using simulations and stress testing, serving contractors in industrial, energy, and infrastructure projects. The acquisition will enable WakeCap to build an integrated intelligence platform connecting project plans with real-time field execution data, helping teams identify deviations and optimize project delivery. This follows WakeCap's acquisition of Brazilian workforce safety platform Trackfy in November.
Sovra Raises Over $2 Million in Pre-Seed Round
MENA-based fintech Sovra has raised over $2 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Pharsalus Capital, with participation from regional and international angel investors. Founded in 2025 by Ahmad Wehbi, Sovra enables users to hold digital dollars, earn yield, transfer money internationally, and make card payments through Visa and Mastercard networks using self-custodial accounts that can only be accessed by individual users. The funding will be used to expand engineering and product teams ahead of its public launch. The company operates with a distributed workforce across the Middle East and Europe.
Pickappo Raises $530,000 for Delivery Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia-based logistics technology platform Pickappo has raised $530,000 in a pre-seed funding round backed by an angel investor and an investment fund. Founded in 2023 by Waleed Ghonim and Ahmed Siam, Pickappo provides a technology layer connecting logistics companies, ordering platforms, online stores, and restaurants through a unified delivery network. The funds will be used to develop technology products, strengthen AI and automation capabilities, recruit talent, and expand its network of strategic partners.
Moadna Raises $50,000 at $300,000 Valuation
Syrian health tech startup Moadna has raised $50,000 in early-stage funding from angel investors, bringing its valuation to $300,000. Founded by Tarek Skheta and Maged Hamdeh, Moadna operates a digital platform for clinic management and medical appointment booking. The company serves over 550 doctors, clinics, and medical centers, alongside more than 8,000 users, and has facilitated over 3,500 appointments. Moadna plans to use the funding to enhance its product, strengthen technology infrastructure, and expand commercial operations ahead of a planned pre-seed round.
Dubizzle Group Invests in UAE Proptech Tern
UAE-based Dubizzle Group has made a strategic investment in rental rewards platform Tern through its venture capital arm, Dubizzle Group Ventures. Under the partnership, Tern's platform will be integrated exclusively into property marketplaces Bayut and dubizzle. Founded in 2024 by Said Al-Sayyed and Mohamad Shaitou, Tern allows tenants to pay rent by credit card and earn loyalty points at no additional cost. Dubizzle Group Ventures focuses on early-stage technology startups across the Gulf Cooperation Council. The investment is part of Dubizzle Group's wider expansion strategy in the MENA property and automotive sectors. Dubizzle was founded in 2005 by J.C. Butler and Sim Whatley and operates an online classifieds platform. Recent group transactions include acquisitions of Egyptian automotive marketplace Hatla2ee, UAE automotive platform Drive Arabia, and real estate intelligence company Property Monitor.
