Jisr Founder Mohammed Akkar On Building An HRtech Powerhouse From Saudi Arabia

When KSA-based human capital management platform Jisr closed a US$30 million Series A round in 2023 (billed at the time as the largest such investment for a software-as-a-service company in the Middle East), it set a marker for how big the Kingdom’s homegrown tech ambitions can get. Two years on, Jisr founder and CEO Mohammed Akkar tells Inc. Arabia that his company has been busy proving that its Series A milestone was only the beginning.

“Since the funding round in 2023, we have focused on making Jisr the leading human resources (HR) platform in Saudi Arabia,” Akkar says. “We’ve expanded our client base to include thousands of companies of various sizes and sectors, and focused on developing cutting-edge technologies that help employers manage their teams more effectively. During this period, we’ve launched innovative solutions in payroll management, attendance tracking, and professional development. We’ve also started exploring artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to support HR decision-making.”

But for Akkar, Jisr’s growth story isn’t just about adding features. He also points to the company’s Jisr Council initiative, which, having already toured Riyadh, the Eastern Province, Jeddah, and Mecca, brings together HR leaders to discuss the future of work in the Kingdom. “This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges facing HR professionals and explore potential solutions,” he explains. “So far, we have held 11 councils that brought together leaders and experts from various sectors.”

A scene from a Jisr Council event. Image courtesy Jisr.

According to Akkar, such conversations in the Jisr Council echo a broader transformation underway in the Kingdom. “The future of work in Saudi Arabia is evolving at a remarkable pace, driven by Vision 2030, digital transformation, and the empowerment of national talent,” Akkar says. “We believe that hybrid work models and flexible work environments will soon become an integral part of organizational culture—not just optional perks. One shift that I think isn’t getting enough attention is the growing role of data and AI in HR decision-making. Very soon, HR will no longer be seen as a purely operational function, but as a strategic hub that leverages data to guide hiring, training, and productivity initiatives.”

A similar spirit of evolution is shaping the future of Jisr as well. “In the next phase, we are preparing to launch our new identity as well as innovative financial products that enhance business empowerment,” Akkar reveals. “We’re also expanding our services to target regional markets, which will allow us to transfer our expertise from Saudi Arabia to the Gulf and Middle East regions.” And as Jisr carries its growth beyond the Kingdom, Akkar hopes that its trajectory will inspire other tech founders to see Saudi Arabia as a serious base for innovation and scale.

“The biggest misconception is that Saudi Arabia is still an ‘emerging market’ in technology,” Akkar adds. “The truth is that we’re witnessing an unprecedented boom: government support, abundant funding, and rapid digital growth are making the Kingdom one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems in the world. My advice to entrepreneurs? Move fast. Seek out the real value you can contribute to society and the economy. Take full advantage of the infrastructure and opportunities Saudi Arabia offers today. The potential is massive, but success requires commitment and bold decision-making.”

Pictured in the lead image is Jisr founder and CEO Mohammed Akkar. Image courtesy Jisr.