Egypt-Saudi Firm Invests $14.3M in 50 New Startups by 2026

Starting a business in Egypt or Saudi Arabia just got easier thanks to a major investment in entrepreneurs who dream big but lack resources.

Wider Consulting, a joint Egyptian-Saudi advisory firm founded by Omar Hamdy in mid-2025, announced it will invest $14.3 million to develop 50 startups by the end of 2026. The firm focuses on technology, healthcare, education, and property technology sectors in both countries.

The investment goes beyond just money. Wider Consulting launched a startup accelerator program designed to bridge the gap between traditional business advice and what modern entrepreneurs actually need.

The program helps founders in three key ways: developing their business ideas, connecting them with local and international investors, and creating partnerships between Egyptian and Saudi markets. This cross-border approach means startups can access resources and opportunities in both countries instead of being limited to one market.

Wider Consulting already partners with universities including Al-Hussein Technical University in Jordan and the University of Sydney. These partnerships help turn academic research and innovation into profitable businesses, giving student entrepreneurs and researchers a path to commercialize their ideas.

The firm currently supports three startups from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan as part of its first regional development plan. Looking ahead, Wider Consulting plans to take a more active role in scaling the most promising companies.

The Ripple Effect

This investment creates opportunities far beyond 50 individual startups. Small and medium enterprises form the backbone of both economies, creating jobs and solving local problems with innovative solutions.

By connecting Egyptian and Saudi entrepreneurs, the program builds economic ties between the two countries while giving founders access to larger markets. Academic partnerships ensure the next generation of students sees entrepreneurship as a viable career path.

The firm's ambitious vision includes potentially listing 15% to 40% of successful portfolio companies on public markets, depending on their growth and readiness. That means some of today's startup ideas could become tomorrow's publicly traded companies employing hundreds or thousands of people.

Cross-border collaboration between Egypt and Saudi Arabia opens doors for entrepreneurs who previously faced barriers to regional expansion. With proper support and funding pathways, innovative ideas that might have stayed small can now scale across markets.

Fifty new businesses by 2026 means fifty chances to solve problems, create jobs, and prove that regional cooperation can unlock entrepreneurial potential across the Middle East.