Bahrain

Bahrain

MEMBERS:
Tamkeen

"Bahrain continues to bolster its position as a leading startup hub. The Kingdom has taken large strides in fostering a supportive startup ecosystem, while championing innovation by enabling skill development and providing access to funding for entrepreneurs."

Maha Mofeez
CEO, Tamkeen
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Highlights

Bahrain’s startup ecosystem continues to progressively mature, positioning the Kingdom as an optimal launchpad for startups with advancing innovations, regulatory support, skilled talent, and growing funding opportunities.


2023 witnessed significant developments in enhancing the business environment. Sijilat 3.0 launched as an advanced version of the commercial registration system to attract investors and streamline business registration. Hope Ventures launched HQ as Bahrain’s largest community-based coworking space. Bahrain also made strides in tech infrastructure, with Beyon's digital investments and Batelco’s Internet Protocol Version 6. In 2023, the Kingdom ranked #4 in MENA for financial, investment, and trade freedom in the Heritage Foundation Index and was recognized globally as #7 in the ICT Development Index.


Startup support and funding is propelling, with key players, including Tamkeen, Tenmou, and Hope Fund playing a crucial role. Among the supportive initiatives are financing platforms including Beban TV and Crowdfunding, incubation programs such as Tech Riyada Business Acceleration Program, and more than 200 business-related events conducted in 2023. New Fintech ventures include Spire Technologies’ licensing, TerraPay and Beyon Money’s remittance facilitation, and Tarabut and FLOOSS streamlining lending.


Bahrain’s commitment to fostering talent, especially in tech, is a key development focus. Tamkeen established numerous strategic partnerships in 2023 with both local and international institutions including General Assembly, Apple Academy, Microsoft Academy, Think Tank, Reboot, and SANS, bridging the skill gaps and catering to the evolving needs of the market. Tamkeen provided over 10,700 training opportunities for Bahrainis in 2023, with more than 1,000 Bahrainis trained through tech partnerships.

Ecosystem by the Numbers

ECOSYSTEM VALUE
(H2 2021 - 2023)
$1.2 bn
GLOBAL AVG. $29.4 bn
TOTAL EARLY–STAGE FUNDING
(H2 2021 - 2023)
$100 m
GLOBAL AVG. $655 m
ECOSYSTEM VALUE GROWTH
(H2 2021 - H2 2023 VS H2 2019 - H2 2021)
40%
40% 40 87 46% 46 100 0
GLOBAL AVG. 46%
NUMBER OF UNICORNS
(H2 2021 - 2023)
0
GLOBAL AVG. 3
MEDIAN SEED ROUND (H2 2021 - 2023)
$500 k
GLOBAL AVG. $985 k
MEDIAN SERIES A ROUND (H2 2021 – 2023)
$16 m
GLOBAL AVG. $7.5 m
SOFT. ENGINEER SALARY (2023)
$50 k
GLOBAL AVG. $47 k
EARLY-STAGE FUNDING GROWTH (2020 - 21 VS. 2022 - 23)
6
Scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest)
TOTAL VC FUNDING (2019 - 2023)
$349 m
GLOBAL AVG. $4.6 bn
TIME TO EXIT (2019 - 2023)
7.3 years
GLOBAL AVG. 10 years
EXIT AMOUNT (2019 - 2023)
$30 m
GLOBAL AVG. $8.9 bn
EXIT COUNT (#)
(2019 - 2023)
3
GLOBAL AVG. 80
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0
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023

Sub-Sector Strengths

Fintech

Fintech represents a central focus of Bahrain, attracting most of its startup funding. Supported by several enablers including Bahrain FinTech Bay and the Central Bank of Bahrain, continuous regulatory developments including a regulatory sandbox launched in 2017, the enactment of open banking in 2020, and recent expansion in crypto assets regulation position Bahrain as a Fintech pioneer. Recent developments in the sector include the acquisition of Bahrain FinTech Bay by BENEFIT, Bank ABC’s launch of instant blockchain payments, Binance’s launch of crypto futures, and an upcoming Fintech Academy.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity in Bahrain is backed by concerted national efforts and a robust ICT infrastructure. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) was formed in 2020 as the key entity advancing cybersecurity. Supporting initiatives include key objectives under national strategies, the Central Bank of Bahrain’s evolving regulations, and training programs. Emerging Cybersecurity startups include CTM360. Recent developments include NCSC’s partnership with Microsoft to bolster information security, the launch of Bahrain’s Cybersecurity Sciences Academy, and Resecurity’s expansion. Bahrain ranked #5 in Cybersecurity in the 2023 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking.

AI, Big Data & Analytics

AI and Big Data are strongly emerging in Bahrain, with concerted efforts for deployment and advancement. A key objective of Bahrain’s Digital Economy Strategy 2022-2026 is expanding the use of AI to foster government innovation. Developments in education and training include Bahrain Polytechnic AI Academy and Tamkeen’s collaboration with AWS and the BIBF to train 60 Bahrainis on machine learning and AI technologies. AI PropTech Estater.com raised a March 2023 $5 million Series A and ARRAY Innovation launched in 2024 as an AI digital solutions consultancy.

Reasons to Move Your Startup to Bahrain

Supportive Ecosystem

Bahrain possesses a strong startup support community, including both public and private sector players. The ecosystem offers startups access to a range of accelerators, incubators, and investors, with developing co-working spaces for incubation and increased opportunities for regional and international exposure. Fintech support through enablers such as FinHub 973, CBB’s innovation hub, and HP Spring Studios – the first MENA fintech-focused venture studio – offer ample support in this space.

Tech Talent Hub

Bahrain ranked #1 in the MENA region for Finance Skills, Language Skills, and Employee Training in the IMD World Talent Rankings 2023. Bahrain possesses a highly skilled and tech-savvy workforce, with a strong national commitment to fostering digital talent. The Kingdom is home to world-class education and specialized training, including multiple training initiatives supported by Tamkeen with leading partners including the SANS Institute and AWS.

Optimal Launch Pad

Bahrain offers the ideal environment for business setup and scaling. The Kingdom possesses a central location granting access to the GCC and MENA markets, lower operational costs than others in the region, and an accommodative investment environment with 100% foreign ownership and zero corporate taxes. Startups also have access to Tamkeen’s support for employment of Bahraini talent and a well-established infrastructure, with pioneering regulations to ease business operation.

Selected Startup Organizations

Startup Genome Members

Key Ecosystem Players

News from the Ecosystem

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