Startups to Watch At Money20/20 Middle East 2025: Arib

What began as an idea to simplify access to financing has grown into one of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing startups, Arib— and it has done this by reshaping how individuals and businesses access credit.

“Arib is a Saudi fintech company licensed by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), specializing in digital brokerage for financing,” explains Arib co-founder and CEO Waleed Talat. “We connect individuals and businesses with banks and financing companies through a single, digital channel. By simplifying access to personal loans, auto leasing, home financing, and SME financing, we solve the problem of fragmented, time-consuming loan journeys. This matters now, because demand for financing is rising rapidly in the Kingdom, and customers increasingly expect fast, transparent and digital-first solutions.”

According to Talat, Arib has had a rapid journey that has also been transformational. “It all began with securing our license from SAMA, which laid the foundation for building a trusted digital financing platform. With that regulatory milestone in place, we raised US$4.8 million in funding from investors who believed in our mission—and we put that capital to work, fast. We started with a single product, auto leasing, and today we offer a full suite of financing solutions including personal loans, home financing, and SME lending. This expansion has helped us reach more customers, solve more pain points, and deliver real impact across the Kingdom.”

Since its inception, the numbers showcase the company’s momentum. According to Talat, there has been more than SAR3 billion (US$799.5 million) in financing requests, growth in the team from 28 members to 109, as well as four times’ revenue growth year-over-year by the close of 2024. “Arib has already grown into one of the fastest-scaling fintechs in the Middle East, [with its achievements including being] recognized by Deloitte as the fastest-growing fintech in the region, and selected by the Saudi Unicorns Program,” Talat adds. “We’ve facilitated a large volume of financing, doubled our product portfolio, and now, serve over 270,000 active customers.”

As for its future, Talat is clear about the startup’s ambitions: to redefine digital financing journeys in Saudi Arabia and beyond, “creating a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem that empowers customers and fuels economic growth.”

Founder To Founder: Arib Co-Founder And CEO Waleed Talat On Why Money20/20 Middle East Matters For Fintech Startups

“Money20/20 Middle East is the premier gathering for fintech innovation in the region, and being part of it allows us to showcase our growth, meet global investors and form strategic partnerships. For founders in the MENA, it’s more than just an event; it’s where regional innovation meets global capital and collaboration. Personally, I look forward to learning from global leaders while putting Saudi fintech on the map.”

Pictured in the lead image is Arib co-founder and CEO Waleed Talat.

Arib is one of the companies featured in Inc. Arabia's selection of startups to look out for at Money20/20 Middle East 2025. For the full list, click here.

This article first appeared in a special edition of Inc. Arabia created for Money20/20 Middle East in September 2025. To read the full issue online, click here.