About startup landscape in Kuwait
Kuwait has over 3,279 startups across the country. Of these, 176 are funded companies that have collectively raised $23.8B in venture capital and private equity. A total of 153 investors have participated in 113 funding rounds, with 14 startups securing early-stage funding and 8 raising late-stage funding. In the last five years, 272 new companies have been founded, raising over $1.85M in funding. Startups in Kuwait have witnessed 37 acquisitions and 38 IPOs, while 506 startups wrapped up operations. Additionally, 38 companies have been founded by women.
Key Metrics
Total Companies
Top Companies
Total Funding
Funded Companies
Series A+ Companies
IPOs
Acquisitions
Top Companies in Kuwait
Zain Group is the top company in Kuwait, ranked using Tracxn Score (what's this?).
Here are 5 of the top companies in Kuwait:
Company | Description | Location | Founded | Current Stage | Private Funding Raised |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Telecom services provider | Kuwait City (Kuwait) | 1983 | Public | - | |
Commercial bank | Kuwait City (Kuwait) | 1977 | Public | - | |
Provider of comprehensive financial services including personal and corporate banking, financing solutions, and wealth management | Kuwait City (Kuwait) | 1977 | Acquired | - | |
Commercial bank | Kuwait City (Kuwait) | 1952 | Public | - | |
Mobile telecommunication services provider | Kuwait City (Kuwait) | 1999 | Acquired | - |
Recent Funding Rounds in Kuwait
In the year 2026, till September 2026, $7M has been raised in 2 equity
funding rounds across Kuwait. In the same period last year (i.e. till September 2025), $11M had been raised across 2 rounds in Kuwait. So, 2026 has seen a 36.36% drop in funding in companies of Kuwait as compared to 2025.
Here are some recent, important funding rounds in Kuwait:Company | Round Raised | Amount Raised | Funding Date | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Seed | 7121 | Sep 07, 2026 | ||
Series A | 2664 | Feb 17, 2026 | ||
Seed | 3496 | Sep 16, 2025 | and 5 more | |
Series A | 4773 | May 23, 2025 | - | |
Seed | 7891 | Oct 08, 2024 |
Want to know more about Startups in Kuwait ? Signup andd Explore Tracxn for free
- 3.3K+ Total Companies
- $23.8B+ Total Funding
- 175+ Funded Companies
- 35+ IPOs
- 35+ Acquisitions
Top Investors in Kuwait
Al Deera Holding is the top investor in companies of Kuwait based on number of companies invested.
Here are some top investors in Kuwait:
Investor | Location | Top Portfolio Companies |
|---|---|---|
Kuwait City (Kuwait) | ||
Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) | ||
Kuwait City (Kuwait) | ||
- | ||
Kuwait City (Kuwait) |
Acquisitions in Kuwait
In the year 2025, till April 2025, 2 acquisitions happened in Kuwait. Last year, in 2024, a total of 1 acquisition happened in Kuwait.
Here are some recent, important acquisitions in Kuwait:
Company | Acquisition Type | Acquisition Date | Acquirers |
|---|---|---|---|
Business Acquisition | Apr 09, 2025 | ||
Business Acquisition | Mar 28, 2025 | ||
Business Acquisition | Dec 04, 2024 | ||
Business Acquisition | Dec 26, 2023 | ||
Business Acquisition | Jul 03, 2023 |
IPOs in Kuwait
In the year 2024, till December 2024, 1 IPO happened in Kuwait.
Here are some recent, important IPOs in Kuwait:
Company | IPO Date | Exchange Symbol |
|---|---|---|
Dec 12, 2024 | Dubai Financial Market (DFM) | |
Sep 29, 2022 | Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADSM) | |
Feb 01, 2000 | London Stock Exchange (LSE) | |
Jan 03, 1993 | Boursa Kuwait (BK) | |
Mar 09, 1985 | Boursa Kuwait (BK) |
Top News about startups in Kuwait
•
•
•
•
367 million of them in the second quarter.. AED 682.6 million in mid-term "Talabat" profitsVoice of Emirates•Aug 12, 2026•Talabat.com
•
Burgan Bank Announces its Financial Results for the First Half of 2026AlBawaba•Jul 31, 2026•Burgan Bank
•
•
•
•
Burgan Bank Reports its Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2026AlBawaba•May 08, 2026•Burgan Bank
•
Burgan Bank Wins Euromoney Award for Best for High-Net-Worth in KuwaitAlBawaba•May 05, 2026•Burgan Bank
