The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing a surge in entrepreneurial activity, and with it, a growing need for early-stage funding. Angel networks have emerged as crucial players in this ecosystem, bridging the gap between innovative startups and capital. This article explores eight prominent angel networks operating in KSA, each of these networks brings unique strengths to the table, contributing to the vibrant landscape of startup investment in the region.

Athaal Angels

Athaal Angel Investors Group is a Saudi-based collective of individual investors focused on funding early-stage startups in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The group facilitates investment opportunities by pre-selecting potential investees that meet their criteria, conducting due diligence, negotiating terms, and managing deal closures. Athaal provides its members with access to a curated deal flow, educational resources, and networking opportunities with experienced angel investors. While each angel makes independent investment decisions, Athaal streamlines the process and offers portfolio management services post-investment. Membership is selective, requiring either prior startup market experience or a strong willingness to learn about venture investing.

Falak Angels

Falak Angels, launched in 2019 as part of Falak Investment Hub, is a dynamic angel network connecting strategic investors with promising MENA startups. With 43+ active angel investors and a 66% investor interest rate, it has supported over 100 alumni startups, facilitating 330 million SAR in funding rounds. Falak Angels provides startups with capital access, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive growth services, contributing to an average 350% growth rate for portfolio companies. The network has also helped 33+ international growth-stage companies establish a presence in Saudi Arabia, solidifying its role in the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Lunment

The Venture Capital Community is a collaborative platform designed to empower angel investors and improve funding access for entrepreneurs. With a network of 93 angel investors, 80 business pioneers, and 42 startup companies, the community focuses on synergistic investments and effective collaboration. It offers resources for investor education, conducts due diligence, encourages co-investments to mitigate risks, and provides portfolio management services with live KPI tracking. The community's primary goal is to create an environment where investors and entrepreneurs can interact, share strengths, and collectively drive success in the startup ecosystem.

OQAL

OQAL, the first angel investor network in Saudi Arabia, was established to bridge the gap in the venture capital and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Its name, a combination of the Arabic words for "Minds" and "Capital," reflects its mission to connect innovative startup founders with experienced angel investors. Founded as an endowment by young businessmen and angel investors, OQAL aims to catalyze investment in scalable and innovative startups across various sectors. The network focuses on providing smart capital, which not only funds startups but also supports their growth, mitigates risks, and accelerates success. Through these efforts, OQAL contributes to the development and growth of Saudi Arabia's economy while cultivating a community of seasoned angel investors.

Riyadh Angel Investors

Riyadh Angel Investors (RAI) is a network of over 50 top executives from Saudi Arabia's leading corporate establishments, focusing on early-stage investments in regionally and locally-grown ventures. RAI targets innovative startups with scalable technology that disrupt traditional businesses. The group offers investees access to mentorship, business advice, and a network of high-caliber angels. RAI's application process is selective, requiring detailed company information and a pitch deck. The organization prioritizes pre-seed and seed investments, considering factors such as valuation stability, business model innovation, and key performance indicators. RAI aims to support and sustain the technology and digital entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Middle East by investing in motivated youth and innovative startups with growth potential.

Saudi Angel Investors

SAI (Saudi Angel Investors) is a Micro-VC launched in October 2020, comprising 60 like-minded investors including seasoned investors, tech entrepreneurs, venture fund partners, and senior executives. The network focuses on early-stage technology companies with high growth potential, investing in Seed and Series A rounds. SAI typically invests between $50,000 to $150,000 per selected company, with the possibility of additional capital for high-potential portfolio companies. The group leverages its collective experience and extensive network to provide value beyond funding, offering mentorship and networking opportunities to its investees. SAI seeks entrepreneurs who have progressed from proof of concept to customer traction and are ready to scale, emphasizing drive, energy, determination, and ambition in their selection process.

Tawaref

Tawaref is a tech investment community focused on financing and nurturing top regional startups. It brings together Strategic Angel Investors and Institutional Investors to create a collaborative innovation hub. The platform identifies and invests in promising tech startups across the region, conducting thorough due diligence to ensure long-term success potential. As a purpose-built startup matchmaking platform, Tawaref leverages industry expertise to pre-vet growth-centric, scalable startups. The community aims to be a central hub for both investors and startups, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and shaping the future of regional tech innovation.

WomenSpark

Women Spark, founded by Deemah AlYahya, is an angel investment network focused on empowering women in the investment industry. Partnered with PlayBook, it offers a platform for women from diverse backgrounds to engage in angel investing and support women-founded ventures. The network has funded 17 startups, boasts a 75% participation rate, and has achieved one successful exit. Women Spark provides its members with access to investment opportunities, a private investor network, monthly workshops, mentorship, and advisory sessions. The collaboration with PlayBook enhances the network's global reach and knowledge base, covering financial acumen, board membership, and investment strategies. Women Spark aims to create an inclusive future in the investment world by rewriting industry norms and fostering connections among women investors globally.

The diversity and dynamism of angel networks in Saudi Arabia reflect the country's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. From Athaal Angels' focus on the broader MEA region to WomenSpark's dedication to empowering female investors, these networks are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Saudi startup ecosystem. They not only provide crucial funding but also offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and valuable industry insights. As the Kingdom continues its economic diversification under Vision 2030, these angel networks will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in nurturing the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs and driving economic growth. The collaborative spirit and innovative approaches of these networks signal a bright future for angel investing and startup culture in Saudi Arabia.