I In Numbers: MENA’s Gender Gap In Startup Funding

Startups In Numbers: MENA’s Gender Gap In Startup Funding

Investments in MENA startups hit $2.4 billion in the first nine months of 2022, but less than 2% of this was invested in startups solely founded by women, according to a report by Wamda, TiE Dubai, and TiE Women. Here’s a look at other insights from the report, which was based on responses from 125 female founders in MENA.

• 65.9% •

65.9% of women startup founders have faced issues raising investment.

• $127 million •

MENA startups cofounded by men and women raised $127 million in the first nine months of 2022. • 29.6% •

Among the femalefounded startups yet to raise any investment, 29.6% say their pitches have been rejected.

• 61.8% •

61.8% believe that more women should be partners in venture capital firms to connect the gender investment gap.

• 64.2% •

64.2% believe that startups led by women benefit from women-only investment funds.

• 57.8% •

Compared to international investors, 57.8% of women surveyed said MENA-based investors are less likely to invest in startups led by women.

• 38.1% •

38.1% of female-founded startups secured investments in the seed funding stage. Other stages, such as pre-seed and angel, each make up 26.2%.

• 40.5% •

The majority of investors are equally based in the Middle East and globally. The remaining 19% are in the GCC.