CEO: Labstation empowers government health organizations with advanced technologyRiyadh - Exclusive Sharikat Mubasher: Labstation, a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, offers a full suite of technology-driven solutions to empower government entities in the Saudi health sector, CEO Abdulrhman Al Abdullateef told Sharikat Mubasher.Speaking on the sidelines of LEAP 2025, Al Abdullateef stated that Labstation provides a digital platform that connects hospitals, medical centers, and laboratories across the Kingdom.He noted that the company provides integrated systems and advanced tech solutions, including networks, data centers, and more.The CEO further affirmed that Labstation integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into solutions for government entities in the health sector to save time and effort.LEAP 2025 convenes from 9 to 12 February in Riyadh, with the participation of over 1,800 exhibitors, more than 1,000 speakers, and over 680 startups. It brings together global leaders from the public and private sectors, top innovators, and key stakeholders in tech investment.Under the theme ‘Into New Worlds,’ this four-day event aims to showcase the latest innovations and facilitate knowledge exchange, expanding business networking and investment opportunities in the tech sector.
Saudi Arabia unveils $1.79bn investments on day three of LEAP 2025Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: The third day of LEAP 2025 saw significant investments by major technology companies and startup rounds totaling $1.79 billion, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI) investments.The investments focused on AI and cloud computing and aimed at developing digital talent, strengthening tech infrastructure, and supporting research and development, a recent statement revealed.Equinix, the global digital infrastructure leader, unveiled its plans to build the region’s largest cloud-computing data center in the Kingdom with investments worth $1 billion. The new center will position the Kingdom as a global hub for cloud service providers and technological innovation.Investment funds and acceleratorsHandsOn Global Management launched a $300 million fund to develop and distribute games locally and internationally, with plans to open a new headquarters in Saudi Arabia to promote the gaming industry and expand its global reach. Hydratac Inc announced investing $3 million in the fund to develop military shooting simulation games.The National Technology Development Program (NTDP) launched accelerators and funding funds worth $150 million to foster innovation in the IT sector and drive the growth of tech startups in the Kingdom.Joa Capital, the Riyadh-based investment manager, launched the first infrastructure fund in partnership with Buildnow Trading with an $80 million investment. The fund aims to meet the needs of the Saudi construction sector.The Saudi-based data-driven venture capital company Ula Capital unveiled a $75 million fund aimed at investing in applied AI and deep tech projects, further strengthening the Kingdom’s leadership in these advanced fields.Sanabil Investments and Orbit Startups announced the launch of a $60 million accelerator program to invest in 200 early-stage tech startups. Additionally, Sharaka Financial launched a $30 million investment fund to support the growth of startups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Funding RoundsMerit Incentives, a Riyadh-based loyalty management platform, raised a $28 million series B round to develop its innovative tech solutions. The round was led by Alistithmar Capital, Stride Ventures, Tech Invest Com, Oryx Fund, and Endeavor Catalyst.Similarly, UltiAcademy secured $28 million in a series B funding round led by Rua Ventures, with key participation from the Jordan Investment and Venture Capital Fund. This investment will fuel the company’s expansion in Saudi Arabia and support its plans to launch a generative AI-powered digital learning platform to enhance the digital learning experience across the region.BRKZ closed the second phase of its series A funding round, securing $22.5 million to expand the smart construction sector in the Kingdom. Buildnow also secured $9.76 million to boost its advanced digital solutions for the construction supply chain across the Middle East and North Africa.Torod company closed a $11.3 million Series A to support the development of the first AI-powered logistics agent.Key launches The Saudi Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) launched the third cohort of the Emerging Technology Regulatory Sandbox, enabling innovators and startups to test new technologies in a flexible and secure regulatory environment and facilitating their market entry.WhiteHelmet, a leading Saudi project management platform, announced launching the First Construction AI Agent, ASIF, to enhance efficiency and accuracy in construction projects.The National Academy of Information Technology, in partnership with Microsoft, launched the region’s first data center academy, offering specialized programs in AI and technological infrastructure.In a move to expand its investments in digital talent development, Huawei launched the AI Knowledge Hub, aimed at promoting lifelong learning and training 25,000 people.Moreover, Accenture unveiled plans to establish its first academy in the region, with a target of training 15,000 individuals. The academy will focus on cybersecurity, data and AI, digital engineering and manufacturing, and emerging technologies.
