Bahrain's startup ecosystem is seeing unprecedented growth and activity, thanks to a favorable legislative framework, targeted government initiatives, and a rising pool of bright entrepreneurs. Bahrain's strategic geographic location, along with its well-established infrastructure and pro-business regulations, has made it an appealing destination for both domestic and foreign investors seeking fresh opportunities in the startup sector. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of top VC Funds and Angel Investors in Bahrain that can provide you with the capital and support to help you succeed!
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Why Should You Raise Funds in Bahrain?
1. Supportive Regulatory Environment:
Bahrain's legislative environment encourages startup growth, with initiatives such as the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) making it easier to conduct business in the Kingdom. The Kingdom's legislative environment features investor-friendly laws such as 100% foreign ownership in most industries, tax breaks, and expedited firm establishment and registration requirements. The country has also implemented reforms to streamline business setups and procedures, making it easier for startups to establish and operate their businesses.
2. Government Support and Incentives:
The Bahraini government actively promotes startups through a variety of initiatives and incentives aimed at encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. For example, the Bahrain Investment Market (BIM) offers an additional venue for entrepreneurs to obtain funds through share issuance, hence increasing access to investment options. Furthermore, programs such as Tamkeen's Entrepreneurship Support Program provide financial aid, training, and advisory services to Bahraini entrepreneurs, therefore strengthening the ecosystem and enabling the creation of creative enterprises.
3. Strategic Geographic Location:
Located in the heart of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Bahrain provides entrepreneurs with strategic access to a market of over 50 million people. Its proximity to large markets like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also provides unprecedented potential for companies to grow and develop their operations. Furthermore, Bahrain's unique location as a gateway between the East and West makes it a perfect center for companies seeking to reach global markets and leverage various networks and opportunities.
Venture Capitalist Funds in Bahrain
The venture capital firms below are actively looking for investments in promising companies throughout various stages and sectors. The stages stated do not limit the possibility of getting funding if your company is at any stage other than what is listed.
Year of Inception: 2017
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: Slidr, Parabol, Glidian, Responsie
Angivest Ventures is a prominent venture capital firm based in Bahrain, dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. The company primarily focuses on early-stage and growth-stage investments in technology-driven startups with the potential for significant market disruption. Angivest Ventures is known for its proactive approach to identifying and nurturing promising startups, providing not only financial support but also strategic guidance and operational expertise to help their portfolio companies thrive. The firm has a track record of successful investments across various industries, including fintech, e-commerce, and healthcare technology.
Year of Inception: 2011
Stage: Seed, Series A
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: Instabug, Sawerly, Moneyfellows, Simplex
Flat6Labs Bahrain is a distinguished startup accelerator and seed investment company with a solid presence in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The organization is renowned for its strategic focus on identifying and nurturing early-stage startups, providing them with crucial resources, mentorship, and funding to accelerate their growth. Flat6Labs Bahrain's investment strategies are centered around fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the technology and innovation sectors, and the company has a successful track record of supporting startups in fields such as fintech, e-commerce, and healthtech.
Year of Inception: 2021
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Focus: E-commerce, EdTech, Food & Beverages, Logistics, Manufacturing
Notable Portfolio: ReQahwa, Right Calories, Thiqa Tutoring
Hope Ventures, a pioneering initiative under the umbrella of Hope Fund in Bahrain, is dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth through its strategic investment approach. It focuses on providing early-stage funding and comprehensive support to innovative startups with high growth potential. The investment strategy of Hope Ventures is centered around equity investments, aiming to fuel the growth of promising startups and contribute to the development of Bahrain's robust startup ecosystem. Notably, startups selected by Hope Ventures receive not only financial support but also invaluable mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to networks that can propel their success. The initiative plays a vital role in supporting startups and businesses in Bahrain, creating an enabling environment for them to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Year of Inception: 2017
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: Melltoo, MUNCH:ON, Spry Health
Shorooq Partners is an esteemed venture capital firm renowned for its steadfast commitment to driving innovation and economic growth in the region. The firm's investment strategies revolve around providing early-stage and growth-stage funding to startups that demonstrate exceptional potential for disruption and scalability. Shorooq Partners distinguishes itself through its proactive approach to identifying and nurturing high-impact ventures, leveraging its expertise, resources, and extensive network to support the growth and success of its portfolio companies. The firm's notable achievements include its pivotal role in catalyzing the expansion of several groundbreaking startups across diverse sectors, contributing to the dynamism of Bahrain's entrepreneurial landscape.
Year of Inception: 2010
Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: Invygo, Fresha, Money Fellows, Cedar Books
Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP) is a distinguished venture capital firm renowned for its strategic investments and unwavering support for innovative startups across the region. The firm's investment strategies are characterized by a focus on early-stage and growth-stage companies, with a keen emphasis on sectors such as technology, digital media, and consumer-focused businesses. MEVP stands out for its proactive approach to identifying and nurturing high-potential ventures, offering not only financial support but also strategic guidance and access to invaluable networks. MEVP's steadfast dedication to driving innovation and entrepreneurship has firmly established it as a key catalyst for sustainable economic growth and technological advancement in Bahrain and the wider Middle East region.
Angel Investors in Bahrain
Angel investors may act as an individual or as a syndicate to fund projects of their preference, so these networks are the best opportunity for you to find a potential Angel with an aligned vision and interests.
Stage: Pre Seed, Seed, Series A
Focus: Technology
Notable Portfolio: Eat App, Unipal, Savii
Tenmou, the first Bahrain Business Angels Company, is a pivotal force in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Bahrain. The company, comprising 16 Bahraini shareholders, including prominent businessmen, Alba, and Bahrain Development Bank, operates with a $2.6 million fund, dedicated to investing in Bahrain and its people. Tenmou's investment strategies revolve around direct investing in scalable technology-focused startups at the pre-seed and seed stages. Tenmou's activities also encompass the MENA Angel Investors Summit, an annual event connecting startups from the MENA region with investors, further demonstrating its dedication to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. With a focus on providing mentorship and capital to Bahrain-based entrepreneurs, Tenmou's impact extends beyond funding, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Bahrain's business landscape
Stage: Pre Seed, Seed, Series A
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Notable Portfolio: -
The Middle East Investment Network (MEIN) in Bahrain stands as a prominent entity driving investment opportunities and fostering economic growth within the region. The network's investment strategies are underpinned by a commitment to identifying and supporting high-potential ventures across various sectors, including technology, innovation, and sustainable businesses. MEIN has achieved notable success in facilitating strategic partnerships and investments, thereby contributing to the economic prosperity of Bahrain. Through its initiatives, MEIN has played a pivotal role in nurturing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, attracting local and international investments, and bolstering the Kingdom's position as an attractive investment destination. The network's dedication to fostering innovation, coupled with its robust investment framework, underscores its pivotal role in fueling economic growth and promoting sustainable development within Bahrain and the wider Middle East region.
Closing Thoughts on VCs and Angel Investors in Bahrain
The present startup landscape in Bahrain demonstrates the extraordinary progress made in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Bahrain has risen to prominence as a vibrant startup hotspot, thanks to the combined efforts of the government and private sector, as well as the entrance of venture capital firms. Specific examples such as the success of startups like Invygo, Money Fellows, and Eat App, which have received substantial backing from venture capital firms, demonstrate the transformational role that these entities play in accelerating the growth and success of Bahraini entrepreneurs. By leveraging the synergies between capital, expertise, and ambition, Bahrain's startup ecosystem is poised for continued expansion, driving forward the kingdom's vision of a knowledge-based economy built on innovation and entrepreneurship.
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