9 MENA startups make the cut in Sanabil and 500 Global’s 10th accelerator batch

At a Glance

• Nine early-stage MENA startups selected for a program focused on AI, fintech and scaling.
• Sanabil funding and 500 Global support position founders for rapid regional and global expansion.
• Cohort reflects growing demand for AI tools, faster payments, cybersecurity and borderless e-commerce.

Nine early-stage companies from the Middle East and North Africa have been selected for the new Sanabil–500 Global Accelerator, a joint program backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the global venture firm 500 Global.

The cohort marks the accelerator’s tenth edition and reflects growing interest in AI, fintech, cybersecurity and cross-border e-commerce among founders across the region.

More than 735 applications were reviewed before the final nine startups were chosen. Sanabil Investments provides capital support for the program, while 500 Global supplies mentorship, operational training and investor access.

Together, both partners target founders building products with clear market demand and the ability to expand beyond home markets.

This year’s group mirrors shifts already underway in the region’s tech landscape. Startups offering AI-driven productivity tools, faster payments, data governance support or solutions that help local brands sell internationally saw increased attention during the selection period.

The program’s Demo Day will take place on Dec. 17, 2025, with regional and global venture capital firms expected to attend. Now, Shore Africa presents these nine (9) final startups chosen out of over 735 reviewed applications.

1. Edufi
Edufi offers a buy-now, pay-later model tailored to education, enabling parents and learners to spread tuition payments over time. The platform partners directly with schools and training centers, helping institutions improve collections while giving families more flexibility in financing academic and professional upskilling.

2. Governata
Governata helps companies deploy generative AI by improving how enterprise data is organized, governed, and accessed. Its platform streamlines data validation and policy management, enabling teams to adopt AI tools with greater accuracy, lower risk, and stronger regulatory compliance across industries that depend on clean, trusted information.

3. Local
Local is a QR-based payments platform allowing merchants to accept on-site transactions within 10 seconds. The service targets restaurants, retail outlets, and small businesses seeking fast checkout experiences. It eliminates the need for traditional point-of-sale hardware, lowering costs and speeding up payment processing for operators.

4. Maison Safqa
Maison Safqa helps premium brands turn excess inventory into revenue through curated online flash sales. The platform works with fashion, beauty, and lifestyle labels to manage overstock while keeping brand equity intact. Its approach supports sustainability and improves margin recovery for retailers navigating volatile demand cycles.

5. Raspire
Raspire provides a no-code security layer for mobile applications, helping developers protect user data without writing custom security scripts. Its toolkit detects vulnerabilities, blocks threats, and secures data flows, allowing startups and enterprises to strengthen app defenses while accelerating product deployment timelines.

6. Scenario X
Scenario X uses AI and quantum-inspired computing to enhance financial risk modelling. The platform enables banks, asset managers, and insurers to run complex simulations faster, supporting sharper decision-making in volatile markets. Its technology targets institutions seeking more efficient stress testing and portfolio analysis.

7. Seen AI
Seen AI helps brands improve their visibility in AI-driven search environments, optimizing how products and services appear in generative search results. The platform analyzes brand data and restructures content to ensure stronger discoverability as AI search tools become a dominant gateway for online discovery.

8. ShipTag
ShipTag supports local and regional e-commerce brands in selling globally by offering localized storefronts, cross-border payments, and integrated shipping solutions. The service helps merchants reach international buyers without managing multiple logistics partners, streamlining expansion into new markets with minimal operational lift.

9. WOW AI
WOW AI automates product recommendations, promotions, and order workflows for e-commerce merchants. Its tools help online retailers personalize customer journeys, increase basket size, and reduce manual store management tasks. The platform targets growing brands looking to scale their operations with AI-powered merchandising.