This article explores the success stories of innovative startups from the region that have been accelerated by Y Combinator. The article highlights how these companies, spanning fintech, logistics, education, and more, are transforming industries and driving economic growth in the Middle East, with a focus on the unique solutions they bring to their markets.

Amal Invest (YC W22) - Bahrain

Amal Invest, founded in 2021 by Yazin Alirhayim, is a Bahrain-based app designed for Shariah-compliant investing. It simplifies the investment process for Muslims by filtering and providing access to stocks and funds that meet Islamic financial principles. Users can connect their accounts, set compliance filters, and invest in a range of funds that align with their values.

Alaan (YC W23) - UAE

Founded in 2021 by Parthi Duraisamy and Karun Kurien, Alaan is revolutionizing expense management for businesses in the Middle East. The AI-powered platform provides smart corporate cards, automated receipt handling, and centralized expense tracking, helping over 1,000 clients—from startups to large enterprises—control their spending effectively. Since its launch, Alaan has facilitated savings of over AED 100 million and achieved remarkable growth, with a ~20% monthly net revenue increase and substantial payment volume, underscoring its commitment to simplifying financial operations and enhancing business efficiency.

Baraka (YC S21) - UAE

Baraka is an investment app revolutionizing wealth management in the Middle East. Launched in 2020 by Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja, Baraka provides access to over 6,000 stocks and ETFs, allowing users to invest with flexibility through fractional shares. The app emphasizes financial literacy, offering educational content, market news, and stock analysis. With a focus on transparency and user-friendliness, Baraka's low commission pricing model and intuitive interface make investing straightforward and accessible. Regulated by the DFSA, Baraka supports diverse investment goals and is available across MENA.

Drahim (YC S22) - Saudi Arabia

Drahim, founded in 2021 by Sultan Alkhayalm and Yasser Alshurihi, is a Saudi fintech startup based in Riyadh. Its personal budgeting app integrates with bank accounts to analyze spending, track transactions, and provide insightful reports. Drahim’s AI-driven platform offers tailored, low-risk investment suggestions, helping users grow their money discreetly while enjoying their spending habits.

Elevate (YC W22) - UAE

Founded in 2021 by Khalid Keenan and Youcef Oudjidane, Elevate offers a solution for non-US residents seeking stable and secure banking options. The startup provides FDIC-insured USD deposit accounts through a licensed US banking partner, featuring ACH and wire transfers, along with a free Mastercard debit card for seamless online and contactless payments. Elevate’s platform is designed to support global remote workers and freelancers, enabling low-cost remittances and financial freedom through its secure, borderless banking services.

erad (YC S22) - Saudi Arabia

erad, established in 2022 by Salem Abu-Hammour, Youssef Said, and Faris Yaghmour, is revolutionizing growth capital access for startups in the Middle East. The platform enables startups to connect their sales, marketing, and banking data to receive non-dilutive funding offers within 48 hours. By providing crucial business insights and analysis, erad helps regional startups scale efficiently while preserving equity, thereby fostering the growth of the digital economy in the region.

FinFlx (YC W22) - UAE

Founded in 2021 by Amr Yussif, FinFlx is revolutionizing workplace retirement solutions for SMEs in the UAE. The platform simplifies and accelerates the process of offering defined contribution pension plans, allowing employers to set up plans within hours instead of weeks. FinFlx provides a comprehensive digital solution for employee record management, plan administration, investment selection, and detailed reporting, ensuring full compliance with local labor laws and making pension management more accessible and cost-effective for businesses.

Levers (YC S22) - Saudi Arabia

Founded in 2022 by Ammar Alkhouli and Motasim Zawawi, Levers is a Saudi-based SaaS platform designed to optimize accounts receivable management for B2B companies. The software integrates with existing accounting systems to streamline AR processes, reduce overdue payments, and enhance cash flow. By offering personalized reminders, cross-team collaboration tools, and detailed performance analytics, Levers helps businesses accelerate cash collection and improve financial efficiency.

Lezzoo (YC W19) - Iraq

Lezzoo, founded in 2017 by Yadgar Merani and Rekar Botany, is Iraq's leading on-demand delivery and super app, offering a wide range of services. From food delivery and groceries to express courier and pharmacy services, Lezzoo aims to simplify daily life for consumers, merchants, and riders across the region. With its user-friendly platform, Lezzoo delivers convenience and reliability, ensuring customer satisfaction. The app operates in Kurdistan and Iraq, providing access to essential services at the tap of a button, while also offering exclusive perks through its VIP subscription plans.

Kaso (YC W22) - UAE

Founded in 2021 by Manar Alkassar and Ahmed Soliman, Kaso (formerly Elkaso) is the leading B2B ordering platform in the Middle East, streamlining the food supply chain for restaurants and suppliers. The platform digitizes and optimizes the entire ordering process, reducing time, cost, and food waste. By replacing outdated methods with efficient digital solutions, Kaso promotes sustainability and transparency in the food supply industry. Backed by Y Combinator, Kaso aims to revolutionize food supply management, making it faster, smarter, and more sustainable for businesses across the region.

Sirdab (YC W23) - Saudi Arabia

Sirdab, founded in 2022 by Naif Alzahri and Abdulrahman Alnamlah, is a forward-thinking startup specializing in tech-driven warehousing and logistics solutions. The company offers an integrated cloud platform that simplifies the management of dry, ambient, chilled, and frozen inventory, providing businesses with on-demand access to warehouse space and logistics services across Saudi Arabia. With a network of over 80 locations in nine cities, Sirdab ensures efficient and cost-effective warehousing and distribution, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility for its diverse clientele.

Skillza (YC W19) - UAE

Skillza, founded in 2021 by Anand Bhashyam, works with schools across the Middle East and Africa to enhance learning outcomes by integrating technology into classrooms. Its flagship product, Quest, streamlines the process of creating and managing assessments, helping teachers save time and focus on teaching. By simplifying assessment management, Skillza supports educators, students, and parents in fostering more learner-centered education.

Tenderd (YC S18) - UAE

Tenderd is an AI-powered platform optimizing fleet operations for logistics, energy, and construction companies. Founded in 2018 by Arjun Mohan, it boosts equipment utilization, reduces fuel consumption, and cuts carbon emissions. By using machine learning and sensors, Tenderd transforms vehicles and equipment into smart machines, providing actionable insights to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Trusted by major global companies, it helps lower operational costs and improve environmental impact.

Ziina (YC W21) - UAE

Ziina is redefining financial services in the Middle East with its fast and secure platform for sending and receiving money. Established in 2020 by Sarah Toukan, Andrew Gold, and Faisal Toukan, Ziina offers a seamless solution for both personal transactions and business payments in the UAE. Committed to advancing financial freedom, Ziina operates under the license of the Central Bank of the UAE, making it an accessible tool for managing money effectively across the region.

Zywa (YC W22) - UAE

Launched in 2021 by Alok Kumar and Nuha Hashem, Zywa is revolutionizing financial management for teenagers across the Middle East and North Africa. As the region's first neobank designed specifically for teens, Zywa enables young users to manage their money digitally, eliminating the need for cash. The platform, supported by Y Combinator and other prominent investors, provides features like spending, receiving, and earning rewards, all within a secure environment that allows parental oversight. Zywa's mission is to foster financial literacy and empower youth with the tools they need for a secure financial future.

In conclusion, the Middle Eastern startups backed by Y Combinator are making significant strides in various sectors, from fintech to logistics, by addressing regional challenges with innovative solutions. These companies not only contribute to the region's growing tech ecosystem but also set the stage for future startups to follow their lead in driving digital transformation and economic growth.