The Middle Eastern startup ecosystem has gained significant momentum in recent years, with innovative companies emerging across various industries. Many of these promising ventures have garnered global recognition, with several backed by Techstars, a leading global accelerator fostering growth and innovation. From proptech solutions and advanced logistics platforms to AI-powered automation tools and specialized SaaS platforms, these startups are revolutionizing traditional industries and enhancing how businesses operate. This article highlights several groundbreaking Middle Eastern companies that have benefitted from the Techstars accelerator program, exploring their unique contributions to real estate, healthcare, logistics, and retail sectors.

AmplifAI Health (Techstars 2023) - UAE

AmplifAI Health, founded by Mustafa Alghali, Muhammad Alwashmi, and Omar S., is a UAE-based startup that graduated from The Riyadh Techstars Accelerator. The company is dedicated to transforming healthcare by digitizing clinicians' human senses. Using thermal imaging technology and computer vision, AmplifAI Health is developing an innovative platform for the standardized and objective assessment of diabetic foot ulcers, aiming to significantly enhance patient care and outcomes.

Aumet (Techstars 2020) - Jordan

Aumet, founded in 2019 by Mohamed Mazen Batterjee and Yahya Aqel, is a UAE-based health tech company that enhances sales for medical manufacturers and distributors. After attending the Techstars Hub71 Accelerator, Aumet has established itself as the largest B2B healthcare solution provider in the region, operating in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Oman. The platform facilitates data exchange among healthcare providers, manufacturers, and distributors, enabling informed business decisions and improved performance.

Autobia(Techstars 2021) - UAE

Autobia is a Saudi-based B2B marketplace transforming the automotive industry by addressing infrastructure and after-sales challenges. Leveraging data, Autobia streamlines the supply chain, offering businesses access to suppliers, agents, and wholesalers in one place. Their platform provides instant pricing, improving the efficiency of the procurement process while enabling companies to focus on growing sales. Founded in 2021 by Emad Daghreri and Ahmed Alawfi, Autobia enhances the automotive supply experience with faster and more reliable solutions.

Blindspot (Techstars 2018) - UAE

TPS Engage now rebranded as Blindspot, is a UAE-based startup that attended the Techstars Dubai Accelerator in partnership with GINCO in 2018. The company is revolutionizing digital advertising by building the world's first interconnected network of digital indoor and outdoor screens, accessible to advertisers globally. Leveraging artificial intelligence, Blindspot enables real-time, contextually-driven campaigns that adapt to variables like traffic, weather, and time. Founded by Bogdan Savonea, Matei Psatta, and Dan Florea, Blindspot aims to make digital advertising more measurable, scalable, and accessible without budget constraints.

Buglance DMCC (Techstars 2019) - UAE

Buglance DMCC, founded in 2017 by Toghrul Samad, is a UAE-based crowd-testing company that connects software testers with developers globally. Participating in the Techstars Dubai Accelerator, Buglance offers crowdsourced testing solutions for mobile apps, games, and websites, leveraging a network of over 40,000 testers from more than 150 countries. The platform speeds up the testing process, providing quick and tailored bug reports to help businesses deliver software that meets user needs. Backed by 500 Startups and Techstars, Buglance is committed to enhancing software quality through innovation.

Clara (Techstars 2019) - UAE

Clara, a UAE-based startup founded in 2019 by Patrick Rogers, Lee McMahon, Ahmed Arif, and Arthur Guest, is a digital legal operating system tailored for startups, SMEs, law firms, investors, and accelerators. A graduate of the Techstars Dubai Accelerator in partnership with GINCO, Clara streamlines legal processes by offering a platform that allows businesses to digitally form companies in key jurisdictions, including ADGM, Cayman Islands, Delaware, and more. Clara's platform automates the creation of essential legal documents, cap table management, and ESOP setup, and includes a built-in data room for sharing information with investors, simplifying legal operations for growing businesses.

DawaFast (Techstars 2021) - KSA

Founded in 2022 by Muhammad Sobih and Omar L'Sbah, DawaFast is transforming pharmacy access in Saudi Arabia. As a participant in the Riyadh Techstars Accelerator, DawaFast provides a user-friendly mobile app that connects consumers with a vast pharmacy network and logistics partners. The service ensures pharmacy products are delivered to customers' doorsteps within 30-45 minutes, making it easier than ever to access essential medications.

Derq (Techstars 2017) - UAE

Founded in 2016 by Dr. Georges Aoude, Karl Jeanbart, and Amer Abufadel, Derq is a UAE-based startup and an MIT spin-off with the mission of eliminating road accidents through cutting-edge machine learning and V2X technology. The company, which graduated from the Techstars Detroit Accelerator, provides an AI-driven platform that improves road safety and traffic management for both conventional and autonomous vehicles. Recognized for its industry leadership, Derq has received numerous awards, including AI Company of the Year at SXSW 2019 and Top Road Safety Innovator for Vision Zero in 2020.

DoDocs (Techstars 2024) - UAE

Founded in 2023 by Dan Gudkov, DoDocs is a UAE-based developer tool that automates document processing and user interactions through advanced AI. After attending the Techstars New Orleans Accelerator, the platform focuses on enhancing operations in sales, customer support, and accounting, offering up to 50x ROI and reducing operational costs. DoDocs utilizes generative AI to swiftly draft and customize legal documents, providing real-time support for users. With its streamlined approach, DoDocs is poised to revolutionize how businesses handle their documentation needs.

Flawless (Techstars 2023) - KSA

Flawless, founded in 2023 by Shaima Al-Ghamdi and Abdullah Al Shabl, is an all-in-one platform for personal and career discovery. Using AI and psychology, helps individuals make better personal decisions and uncover career opportunities. With over 10,000 users, Flawless provides tailored action plans and roadmaps for personal growth. The platform, inspired by the founders' desire to support community success, continues to empower individuals in their personal and professional lives.

FortyGuard (Techstars 2023) - UAE

Founded in 2021 by Jay Sadiq, FortyGuard is an Abu Dhabi-based climate technology startup that participated in Techstars Miami powered by J.P. Morgan. The company focuses on urban temperature intelligence, using AI-driven solutions to address urban heat challenges. Its advanced platform provides hyper-local temperature maps and analytics for decision-makers like urban planners and public health officials. With its flagship product, the Temperature Operating System (tOS), FortyGuard aims to create cooler, more sustainable cities. Supported by partners like Nvidia, the startup is expanding its innovative offerings to both public and private sectors globally.

GAGA (Techstars 2021) - KSA

GAGA, founded in 2020 by Abdullah Al-Khorasani and Eyad Alshabaan, is an innovative online platform that connects children with live, interactive activities. As a participant in the Riyadh Techstars Accelerator, GAGA focuses on creating a gamified learning experience through small-group classes, making education fun and engaging for young learners worldwide.

Glamera (Techstars 2021) - KSA

Founded by Omar Fathy and Mohamed Hassan Hegazy, Glamera is a UAE-based SaaS startup from the Riyadh Techstars Accelerator. Launched in September 2019, it provides an all-in-one platform for beauty service providers, helping barbershops, salons, and gyms streamline operations, reduce waste, manage bookings, and enhance marketing. Glamera aims to become MENA's largest digital B2B marketplace in the beauty industry.

Groovy Antoid (Techstars 2018) - Lebanon

Founded in 2016, Groovy Antoid is a UAE-based game development startup that participated in the Rakuten Accelerator, powered by Techstars. The company focuses on creating polished, casual games for mobile and messenger platforms, featuring colorful characters and quirky, social gameplay. Backed by Techstars and Speed@BDD, Groovy Antoid has also partnered with Rakuten Games Inc. to bring its unique gaming experiences to a wider audience.

Huntr (Techstars 2022) - UAE

Huntr, founded in 2020 by Samuel Joy C, offers a comprehensive platform that simplifies the hiring process for large enterprises, connecting employers, candidates, and service providers seamlessly. The platform, which participated in Techstars New York City Accelerator, streamlines recruitment operations by optimizing candidate allocation and management, ensuring real-time fulfillment and scalable hiring solutions. It helps organizations manage staffing agencies and adapt recruitment strategies to meet evolving demands.

ithnain (Techstars 2023) - KSA

Ithnain, founded in 2019 by Mohammed Alsheikh and Maha Altweiley, is a digital platform that provides personalized diabetes care. The app connects users with a team of dietitians, psychologists, diabetes educators, and pharmacists, who create tailored plans based on each individual's needs. Offering full support in health, nutrition, and mental well-being, Ithnayn is available entirely online, eliminating the need for appointments or clinic visits. With services in both Arabic and English, the platform ensures accessible diabetes management and promises results within 90 days.

jalebi (Techstars 2021) - UAE

Founded by Zohare (Zo) H, Mubashar Ehsan, and Rizwan Ahmed Khan, Jalebi is a UAE-based startup that attended the Riyadh Techstars Accelerator. This innovative enterprise software, known as a restaurant inventory management system, automates food stock consumption, waste tracking, and order management. By boosting margins by 20%, Jalebi offers a freemium, unified platform specifically designed for food businesses. Backed by Techstars and several prominent investors, Jalebi reinvents technology for the F&B industry, focusing on optimizing costs and efficiency while integrating key operational elements.

Klaim (Techstars 2021) - UAE

Klaim, founded in 2019 by Karim Dakki and Ghafoor Ahmad, is a UAE-based fintech innovator that transforms the medical claims reimbursement process. Through its participation in the Techstars Hub71 Accelerator, Klaim offers healthcare providers rapid payment solutions, ensuring they receive payment within 24 hours of claim submission. This daily payout system enhances cash flow, allowing providers to focus on patient care. Klaim’s platform simplifies the claims process, reduces errors, and has deployed AED 100 million to support healthcare providers' financial health.

Nestrom (Techstars 2019) - Jordan

Founded in 2016 by Yousef Wadi, Nestrom is a Jordan-based integrated field service management platform that participated in the Techstars Dubai Accelerator. The platform automates work orders and workflows for field teams in industries such as energy, utilities, construction, and manufacturing. By connecting field teams, machines, and enterprise software, Nestrom enhances service delivery, reduces operational costs, and improves customer satisfaction. Its innovative use of cloud, mobility, adaptive workflows, and IoT technologies is transforming labor- and asset-intensive operations across various sectors.

OnEx Medical (Techstars 2021) - UAE

Co-founded by Jamal Samra, OnEx Medical is a UAE-based startup that participated in the Riyadh Techstars Accelerator. The platform serves as a vital resource for healthcare manufacturers, enabling them to effectively assign distributors globally and manage their sales operations. OnEx streamlines the process of expanding into new markets by helping manufacturers register products with local authorities, manage export sales, and gain valuable market insights. This innovative approach empowers healthcare manufacturers to grow their businesses both internationally and locally.

Permitech (Techstars 2023) - KSA

Permitech, founded in 2022 by Ghassan Alabdulgader and Gagan Malik, is a KSA-based startup that graduated from The Riyadh Techstars Accelerator. Its software platform helps industrial operators enhance safety by minimizing incidents, identifying risks, and improving efficiency. Permitech streamlines communication, issue tracking, and document sharing, while offering data-driven insights for informed decision-making. Scalable and customizable, the platform integrates easily with other systems and provides mobile access to ensure productivity on the go.

Secret Skin (Techstars 2023) - UAE

Founded in 2020 by Anisha Oberoi, Secret Skin is a UAE-based Beauty Tech startup that graduated from The Riyadh Techstars Accelerator. The platform connects conscious consumers with global beauty brands that prioritize social and environmental impact. Secret Skin curates cruelty-free, gender-neutral products that are free from harmful chemicals, focusing on clean beauty and mindful consumption. With brands from the USA, England, India, and South Africa, the platform supports small, ethical businesses while raising awareness about women's health and responsible beauty practices in the region.

STHRIVE (Techstars 2023) - UAE

STHRIVE, founded in 2021 by David Gravet, is a UAE-based startup that aims to unlock human potential by democratizing access to expert salesforce education. A graduate of The Riyadh Techstars Accelerator, STHRIVE offers an AI-driven learning platform that provides content curation, training, analytics, and gamified experiences to enhance workforce engagement and performance. Tailored for retail frontliners, the platform helps improve productivity while reducing costs, empowering teams with predictive data to drive better outcomes.

Torod (Techstars 2021) - KSA

Founded in 2021 by Faisal Almaklas and Ammar Almaatouq, Torod is a KSA-based startup that streamlines e-commerce logistics for merchants. After participating in the Riyadh Techstars Accelerator, Torod offers a smart solution that enables e-store owners to ship, track, and manage returns from a single platform. With instant synchronization with stores and connections to multiple shipping companies, Torod helps merchants access competitive shipping rates and simplifies the logistics process for a seamless e-commerce experience.

Trado (Techstars 2021) - UAE

Co-founded by Ambreen Khan, Meat-O-Door, now known as TRADO, is a UAE-based startup that participated in the Riyadh Techstars Accelerator. This innovative SaaS solution revolutionizes the meat supply chain by bridging the gap between offline and online sales for food retailers. TRADO offers a centralized dashboard for efficient inventory management, consistent pricing, and promotions across all channels. By leveraging AI to create personalized customer experiences, TRADO enhances sales while optimizing operational efficiency through secure, account-based permissions for staff functions.

ViewIT (Techstars 2023) - UAE

Founded in 2020 by Farhan Junaid, ViewIT is a UAE-based PropTech startup that enhances property viewings through stunning video tours. After attending the Techstars Chicago Accelerator, ViewIT has developed a mobile app that allows real estate agents to upload video listings, providing buyers and tenants with a realistic view of properties. With its innovative infinite scroll feature, ViewIT transforms the property search experience by seamlessly integrating video and AI technology.

Zoftware (Techstars 2023) - UAE

Zoftware, founded in 2021 by Aayushman Dalmia and Megh (Max) Gupte, is a UAE-based startup that participated in the Techstars Tel Aviv Accelerator. The company provides an AI-powered software discovery platform tailored for SMEs and MSMEs in the MENA region. Zoftware allows users to compare, review, and select from over 25,000 IT software solutions across 600 categories, helping businesses find the right system integrators and software to meet their specific needs.

The startups emerging from the Middle East, particularly those supported by Techstars, showcase the region’s capacity for innovation and technological advancement. Each of these companies brings forth unique solutions, addressing critical industry challenges and driving growth across multiple sectors. As they continue to scale, these ventures are poised to leave a lasting impact not just regionally, but globally. Techstars' support has undoubtedly been instrumental in nurturing these trailblazing businesses, helping them reach new heights and contribute to the dynamic growth of the Middle Eastern startup ecosystem.