SILQ Group, a newly established commerce platform, has secured $110 million in a funding round led by Sanabil Investments, the venture capital arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund , and Valar Ventures, co-founded by tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel. This investment underscores the growing interest of major financial entities in innovative commerce solutions within the Middle East.
Sanabil Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of the $925 billion PIF, has been actively investing in technology and fintech startups to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy. Valar Ventures, known for backing transformative fintech companies globally, brings its expertise to the partnership.
Qatar Development Bank also participated in the funding round, highlighting regional support for SILQ Group’s vision. The collaboration among these investors reflects a strategic alignment aimed at fostering technological advancements in the commerce sector.
SILQ Group aims to revolutionize the commerce landscape by integrating advanced technologies to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. While specific details about the platform’s offerings remain under wraps, the substantial investment indicates confidence in its potential to address current market gaps and set new industry standards.
The Middle East has seen a surge in investments targeting technology-driven enterprises. Sanabil Investments has been at the forefront, leading funding rounds for various startups. For instance, in December 2023, Sanabil led a $14 million Series A funding round for Nearpay, a Saudi fintech startup specializing in payment infrastructure services. Nearpay’s Tap on Phone/SoftPOS technology simplifies touchless payments, offering businesses a secure solution for accepting transactions. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to bolster the digital economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues.
Similarly, in May 2024, Sanabil Investments co-led a $10 million seed funding round for SiFi, a Saudi-based spend management platform. SiFi offers solutions like smart corporate cards and real-time insights into corporate spending, aiming to simplify financial management for organizations. The funding aims to enhance SiFi’s offerings and solidify its position in the Saudi market.
Valar Ventures has a history of investing in fintech companies that challenge traditional financial systems. Its involvement in SILQ Group suggests a belief in the platform’s potential to disrupt conventional commerce models and introduce innovative solutions.
Qatar Development Bank’s participation indicates a regional commitment to supporting startups that contribute to economic diversification and technological advancement. The bank has been instrumental in providing financial and advisory support to enterprises that align with Qatar’s national development strategies.
