In recent years, the startup scene in the Gulf region has seen powerful changes. More women are stepping forward as entrepreneurs, creating Startups that are innovative, socially impactful, and fast-growing. From tech platforms to sustainable fashion brands, these women are showing the world what Gulf talent looks like.
But turning a great idea into a successful business needs more than vision — it needs funding. That’s where venture capital (VC) comes in. And thankfully, a few forward-thinking VC firms in the Gulf are stepping up to support women-led startups.
These VCs aren’t just writing checks — they’re opening doors, providing mentorship, and creating networks that help women founders scale. Here are five Gulf-based venture capital firms that are actively investing in women entrepreneurs and making a real difference.
1. Women Spark (Saudi Arabia)
Empowering Women, One Startup at a Time
Founded in Saudi Arabia, Women Spark is the region’s first female-focused angel investment network. It started as a small community of female investors looking to support women entrepreneurs. Today, it’s a growing force in the startup ecosystem.
Women Spark provides funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities for early-stage startups, with a strong focus on women-led businesses. They’ve invested in various sectors — from tech and health to education and e-commerce.
Their belief? Women can lead high-growth businesses when given the right resources and support. They not only fund startups but also train women to become angel investors themselves, encouraging more female participation on both sides of the table.
2. VentureSouq (UAE & KSA)
Backing Bold Ideas — No Matter Who Leads Them
While VentureSouq is a sector-agnostic VC, it has shown strong support for women founders across the Gulf. Based in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, this VC firm has a clear mission: invest in game-changers.
From fintech to clean tech, VentureSouq believes in backing founders who have a strong vision, regardless of gender. That said, many of the startups they’ve supported are led by women, such as Rizek, a female-led on-demand home services platform, and Sarwa, which has a mixed-gender founding team.
What sets VentureSouq apart is its long-term commitment to diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship. They often co-invest with other women-focused VCs, helping amplify women’s presence in the startup space.
3. Flat6Labs (Regional MENA Presence)
A Launchpad for Women Across the Gulf
Though Flat6Labs began in Egypt, it has become a major player in the Gulf, with active operations in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. As an accelerator and early-stage investor, Flat6Labs has supported hundreds of startups, including many founded or co-founded by women.
Flat6Labs runs acceleration programs that provide funding, training, and mentoring — and many of these programs have specific focus areas for women entrepreneurs.
A standout initiative is their collaboration with the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), which has helped dozens of women-led businesses across MENA raise capital and build sustainable growth plans.
4. RAED Ventures (Saudi Arabia)
Spotlighting Female Founders in Saudi’s Booming Market
Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a hub for startup activity, and RAED Ventures is at the center of it all. They’ve made a name for themselves by investing in high-potential startups across the Kingdom — and they’re not shy about supporting women-led companies.
RAED Ventures believes the future of the Saudi economy depends on tapping into all its talent — including women. That’s why they’ve supported several businesses with women at the helm.
One example is their backing of Nabta Health, a female-founded healthtech company focused on women’s wellness and reproductive health — a space often overlooked by traditional investors.
The firm also supports various tech incubators that prioritize gender diversity, ensuring that women get equal access to startup resources.
5. Astrolabs Ventures (UAE)
Helping Female Founders Go Global
Based in Dubai, Astrolabs Ventures is more than a VC firm — it’s a full-scale growth ecosystem. They provide startups with co-working spaces, training, mentorship, and most importantly, investment.
Astrolabs has become a popular launchpad for women-led startups thanks to its open and inclusive culture. They work with many female founders in areas like e-commerce, healthtech, education, and digital services.
Their partnerships with organizations like Google for Startups and Dubai Chamber have opened international doors for women-led businesses in the UAE. They also support female-focused startup bootcamps and pitch competitions to help women gain visibility and funding.
Why This Matters
In many parts of the world, women still struggle to raise venture capital. Studies show that globally, less than 3% of VC funding goes to women-only founding teams. In the Gulf, this challenge has historically been even greater due to cultural and societal norms.
But that’s changing. Thanks to these VCs and others like them, women entrepreneurs in the Gulf are breaking barriers, raising millions in funding, and building businesses that create jobs and spark innovation.
The rise of women-led startups is also closely linked to larger regional goals. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing heavily in innovation, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment as part of their long-term visions (like Vision 2030). Supporting women in business is not just a social goal — it’s an economic strategy.
What’s Next?
The future looks bright for women founders in the Gulf — but more work needs to be done. While these five VC firms are making a big difference, the region still needs more gender-inclusive funding practices.
More women-focused accelerator programs, pitch days, and angel investment networks can help bridge the gap. Education is also key — teaching more women how to pitch, negotiate, and raise capital will empower the next generation of Gulf entrepreneurs.
And as success stories grow, so will the ripple effect. More visible women founders will inspire others to start their own businesses — and investors will become more open to backing diverse teams.
Final Thoughts
The Gulf is full of untapped potential — and women are a big part of that story. With the support of these visionary VCs, female entrepreneurs are proving they can build companies that compete not just regionally, but globally.
If you’re a woman with a big idea, now might be the perfect time to take the leap. And if you’re an investor, perhaps it’s time to follow the lead of these five trailblazing firms — and bet on bold women.
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Also read: Work-from-Home Lifestyle in Kuwait: 7 Major Burnout Risks in 2025
