Faisal AlNaji's Jaree Aims To Match Money With Ideas In KSA

Jaree, a new platform connecting investors with startups in Saudi Arabia, has launched to simplify and enhance the accessibility of early-stage investments in the Kingdom. 

Founded by venture capital professionals Faisal AlNaji and Noura AlNahedh in Saudi Arabia, the platform links startups with accredited investors, syndicates, and family offices through a curated platform. It offers investors vetted opportunities and detailed insights while providing startups with exposure to networks, pitch support, and fundraising assistance. By focusing on deal quality, founder readiness, and regulatory compliance, Jaree sets itself apart from other open-access platforms. 

Having recently completed the Tech Champions 4 Fintech program, organized by the Center for Outreach and Development in Entrepreneurship and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Jaree is already collaborating with more than 150 accredited investors, with several startups successfully securing funding through its investor network. 

In an interview with Inc. Arabia, AlNaji, co-founder and CEO of Jaree, outlined how his enterprise aims to transform the investment landscape in Saudi Arabia over the next three to five years. "By lowering the barriers to entry for both startups and investors, we’re supporting the goals of Vision 2030 [in] diversifying the economy, empowering SMEs, and fostering innovation," he said. "We hope to democratize investment by making it more accessible, transparent, and efficient."

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has experienced unprecedented venture capital activity, with startups raising over US$750 million in 2024 alone. Jaree views this momentum as an opportunity to bring technology and transparency to an industry traditionally driven by private networks, capitalizing on the current surge in activity to democratize access to investment.

AlNaji told Inc. Arabia that Jaree follows a commission-based business model, earning fees from successfully matched investment rounds. It also has plans to introduce software as a service (SaaS) tools and premium features to further support both startups and investors, which AlNaji emphasized will enhance the user experience.

“Our upcoming SaaS tools and premium features are designed to streamline the fundraising and investing process,” AlNaji explained. “For startups, we’ll offer advanced analytics, investor targeting tools, and deal management features. For investors, premium features will include enhanced startup screening tools, portfolio tracking, and exclusive deal access. These tools aim to make the experience more efficient, data-driven, and personalized.” 

AlNaji also discussed the challenges of building a technological solution like Jaree for what has traditionally been a relationship-driven industry. “Trust is deeply personal, and replicating that through a platform requires a combination of transparency, security, and human touchpoints,” he explained. “In Saudi Arabia, we’re confident that our approach—offering verifiable startup data, secure communications, and a strong reputation system—will help bridge the gap between personal trust and technological trust.” 

AlNaji noted that startups seeking to apply to be a part of Jaree must be based in Saudi Arabia or focused on the Saudi market, demonstrate clear traction or strong investor interest, have a committed and complementary founding team, and show scalability in high-growth markets. That said, he revealed that the company has plans to expand its footprint across the MENA. “After solidifying our presence in Saudi Arabia, we aim to expand into other MENA markets where there is a growing need for efficient early-stage investment platforms,” he said. “Our vision is to build a regional ecosystem that connects startups and investors across borders.” 

While Jaree provides a valuable platform for connecting startups with investors, AlNaji advised that using it doesn’t absolve founders from the responsibility of fostering meaningful, personal relationships with investors. “My advice to first-time founders would be: focus on building genuine investor relationships, understand your value proposition deeply, and be transparent about both your strengths and your risks," he said. "Platforms like Jaree can help bridge connections, but it’s still essential for founders to build trust and communicate their vision clearly and authentically."

Pictured in the lead image is Faisal AlNaji, co-founder and CEO of Jaree. Courtesy of Jaree.