Jordan boasts a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem bolstered by a diverse range of support mechanisms aimed at nurturing startups and fostering innovation.
Jordan is home to 27 of the World Economic Forum’s top 100 Arabian Startups. The country has a youthful population, with over 70% under the age of 30, fostering a vibrant startup environment.
- Jordan is a key player in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
- Recently, 98% of newly registered companies in Jordan are SMEs and startups.
- These companies generate over 50% of the private-sector GDP and create 60% of new jobs.
Women play a significant role in Jordan’s startup scene. 30% of applicants and 40% of participants in Oasis 500, a well-known startup accelerator, are women. This shows strong female leadership in tech startups.
Tech-based startups are crucial in shaping Jordan’s entrepreneurial landscape and contribute to job creation across the country. Jordan’s support for innovation and young entrepreneurs highlights its growing importance as a hub for technological development and economic progress in the region.
Startups in Jordan
Jordan’s startup landscape is thriving, with several key industries leading the way. At the forefront is e-commerce, capturing a substantial 25% of the market.
This sector is rapidly evolving, driven by increasing consumer demand for online shopping solutions. Following closely is the e-learning industry, holding a 12% share. This growth reflects a rising need for innovative educational platforms and digital learning tools.
Creative, design, and media startups make up 8% of the market, showcasing Jordan’s rich cultural heritage and creative talent. The fintech sector, accounting for 7%, is gaining momentum as technology transforms traditional financial services, making them more accessible and efficient.
Finally, healthtech represents 5% of Jordan’s startup ecosystem, highlighting advancements in healthcare technology and digital health solutions. These industries collectively illustrate Jordan’s dynamic and diverse entrepreneurial spirit, fostering innovation and growth across the region.
Role of Incubators and Accelerators
Numerous incubators, accelerators, and investment programs form the backbone of Jordan’s startup support network. Jordan Startup Incubators play a crucial role in nurturing early-stage companies by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
- Oasis500 and the Innovative Startups Fund Project, backed by the World Bank, facilitate streamlined startup registration processes and attract both regional and international investors.
- Response Innovation Labs provides continuous support to local entrepreneurs, further enriching Jordan’s startup landscape.
At a national level, entities such as the Jordan Investment Fund (JIF) and the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) offer critical financial aid, technical assistance, and managerial support to startups and SMEs.
Jordan Startup Accelerators are helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses rapidly through intensive training programs and access to capital.
Collaborative efforts with international organizations have led to initiatives like the LevelUP Accelerator, which aids startups in accessing digital markets and securing essential seed funding.
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Jordan Ranking in the World and Middle East Region
Jordan’s startup scene maintains its stability in 2024, holding the 66th position globally. The country consistently supports innovation, with one city proudly securing a place in the global top 1000 startup hubs. Jordan’s commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem is evident in its steady performance.
- Population 11.3 Million
- Regional Ranking – 4th In Middle East
- Global Ranking – 66th Worldwide
With a population of 11.3 million, Jordan ranks 4th regionally in the Middle East. This regional ranking highlights the country’s significant role in the Middle Eastern startup landscape.
Despite facing various challenges, Jordan continues to nurture its startups, providing a conducive environment for growth and development.
The stability in Jordan’s startup ranking reflects its ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurs and attract investment.
Overview of Jordan’s Rapidly Growing Startup Ecosystem
Jordan’s startup ecosystem has experienced significant growth in recent years, positioning itself as a dynamic hub within the Middle East for entrepreneurial ventures.
This growth can be attributed to several key factors, including substantial investments, supportive government initiatives, and a burgeoning community of skilled professionals and investors.
Startup News in Jordan highlights the latest developments, trends, and achievements within the entrepreneurial community.
Government Support and Initiatives
A pivotal driver of Jordan’s burgeoning startup scene is the proactive support from the government. In recent years, Jordan has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
Startup Success Stories from Jordan inspire new entrepreneurs and showcase the potential of the local startup ecosystem.
- These include financial incentives, regulatory reforms, and the establishment of specialized entities like the Jordanian Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship.
- One of the most notable initiatives is the creation of a $100-million tech-focused venture capital fund, which aims to provide crucial early-stage funding for high-growth technology startups.
This fund underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial culture and accelerating economic growth through digital and fintech sectors.
Investment Influx and Financial Growth
Jordan has witnessed a remarkable influx of investment capital into its startup ecosystem, propelling it to new heights regionally.
Fintech Startups in Jordan are revolutionizing the financial sector with their innovative solutions, making financial services more accessible and efficient.
- Notably, the Kingdom saw a 500 percent increase in startup funding in 2021 compared to the previous year, highlighting growing investor confidence and interest in Jordanian startups.
- The establishment of large investment funds such as MEVF4, which received a $5 million direct investment from the Jordan Entrepreneurship Fund, further underscores the financial momentum driving Jordan’s startup ecosystem.
These investments are pivotal in enabling promising Jordanian businesses to scale and compete on a global stage, as evidenced by several startups successfully attracting substantial international investments and partnerships.
Tech Startups in Jordan are at the forefront of innovation, developing cutting-edge technologies that solve real-world problems.
Challenges and Strategies for Sustainable Growth
Startup Ecosystem Challenges in Jordan include access to funding, regulatory hurdles, and the need for more skilled talent.
Despite the supportive environment, entrepreneurs in Jordan encounter challenges such as high tax rates and investment barriers.
However, proactive measures by the public sector include reducing bureaucratic hurdles and implementing pro-investment legislation to enhance the business climate.
- One significant hurdle facing early-stage startups is the rigorous requirement for proven business models and scalability demanded by profit-driven investors.
- This poses a challenge for many startups that may have innovative ideas but lack initial scalability metrics.
- To address this, there is a growing advocacy for blended investment strategies involving non-governmental organizations and charities.
These entities can provide crucial initial funding and support before startups seek larger investments from the private sector. Such strategies not only mitigate financial risks but also foster a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for nascent businesses in Jordan.
Venture Capital
Venture capital firms like those specializing in early-stage investments play a pivotal role in enabling startups to scale within Jordan.
Jordanian Startups are gaining international recognition for their innovative solutions and growth potential. Entrepreneurship in Jordan has seen a significant rise, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and supportive government policies.
With political stability and its strategic location, Jordan holds the potential to emerge as a prominent entrepreneurship hub in the region.
The country aims to retain local talent and encourage further growth in its startup ecosystem through sustained governmental backing. Jordan Startup Funding opportunities have expanded, with increased interest from both local and international investors.
Startup Succes Stories: Notable Startups in Jordan
Jordan, a small yet dynamic country in the Middle East, has emerged as a significant player in the startup ecosystem.
Its strategic location, combined with a young and educated population, has led to the rise of several notable startups. Startup Events in Jordan offer valuable opportunities for networking, learning, and showcasing new ventures to potential investors and partners.
These companies span various sectors, including health tech, weather forecasting, and e-commerce, showcasing the diverse entrepreneurial spirit in the country.
Health and Wellness: WebTeb
Founded in: 2011
Founded by: Mahmoud Kaiyal
WebTeb, established in 2011 by Mahmoud Kaiyal, has quickly become a leading digital health platform in the Arab world.
The startup addresses a critical need for reliable health information in Arabic, catering to over 400 million Arabic speakers globally.
WebTeb offers a comprehensive range of services, including medical articles, a symptom checker, and a directory of doctors.
The platform’s success can be attributed to its commitment to providing accurate, easy-to-understand medical information.
This dedication has earned WebTeb a reputation as a trusted source of health information, driving substantial user engagement.
The startup’s innovative approach includes leveraging technology to personalize health advice and continuously update its database with the latest medical research.
Weather Forecasting: ArabiaWeather Inc.
Founded in: 2006
Founded by: Mohammed Al-Shaker
ArabiaWeather Inc., founded by Mohammed Al-Shaker in 2006, is the premier weather service provider in the Middle East.
Recognizing the region’s need for precise and localized weather information, Al-Shaker developed ArabiaWeather to offer accurate forecasts tailored to the specific climates of the Middle Eastern countries.
ArabiaWeather’s success story is a testament to its technological prowess and deep understanding of regional weather patterns.
The company employs advanced meteorological models and data analytics to provide detailed weather forecasts, which are crucial for sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and event planning.
ArabiaWeather has also expanded its services to include mobile apps and partnerships with media outlets, solidifying its position as the go-to weather information source in the region.
Successful E-commerce and Retail Startups in Jordan
The entrepreneurial spirit in Jordan has given rise to a vibrant ecosystem of startups, particularly in the e-commerce and retail sectors.
E-commerce Startups in Jordan are transforming the retail landscape, providing consumers with more convenient and diverse shopping options.
These startups are not only transforming the local market but also positioning themselves as significant players in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Among the most notable and successful are MakanE, Gasable, and Basket Technologies. Each of these companies has a unique story of innovation, growth, and impact.
E-commerce builder: MakanE
Founded in: 2020
Founded by: Omar Koudsi
MakanE, meaning “my place” in Arabic, is an e-commerce platform that provides businesses with the tools they need to create and manage their online stores effortlessly.
Recognizing the challenges faced by traditional businesses in going digital, MakanE offers a comprehensive suite of services including website creation, payment gateway integration, and logistics support.
The platform’s user-friendly interface and robust backend solutions have made it a popular choice among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to expand their reach online.
MakanE’s success can be attributed to its customer-centric approach and its ability to address the unique needs of the local market. By offering localized solutions, the startup has enabled numerous businesses to thrive in the digital space.
The company’s emphasis on continuous innovation and adaptation to market trends has helped it stay ahead of the competition and grow its user base significantly within a short span of time.
Delivering Gas and Alternative Energy: Gasable
Founded in: 2016
Founded by: Ali Ghnaim And Obieda Gazal
Gasable is a pioneering startup that has digitized the process of gas cylinder delivery in Jordan. The idea was born out of a need to streamline the traditionally cumbersome and unreliable method of ordering gas cylinders.
Gasable’s mobile application allows users to order gas cylinders with just a few taps on their smartphones, ensuring timely and efficient delivery to their doorstep.
The company has leveraged technology to create a seamless user experience, from ordering to delivery tracking and payment.
Gasable’s innovative approach has not only improved convenience for customers but has also provided a steady stream of business for local gas suppliers.
The startup’s success lies in its ability to solve a common problem with a simple yet effective solution, earning it a loyal customer base and widespread recognition in the Jordanian market.
Online Grocery Platform: Basket Technologies
Founded in: 2018
Founded by: Omar Akel
Basket Technologies has introduced a novel approach to grocery shopping in Jordan through its advanced e-commerce platform.
The startup provides a one-stop solution for consumers to purchase groceries online, offering a wide range of products from various local and international brands.
Basket Technologies stands out with its focus on personalized shopping experiences, utilizing data analytics and AI to recommend products based on user preferences and shopping history.
The platform’s efficient logistics network ensures quick delivery, often within a few hours of placing an order, which has been a significant factor in its growing popularity.
Basket Technologies has also partnered with numerous local vendors, enabling them to reach a broader customer base and increase their sales.
By combining technology with retail expertise, the startup has successfully carved a niche for itself in the competitive e-commerce market.
Looking Ahead: Jordan Startup Expo (14th and 15th of August 2024)
The Jordan Startup Expo will take place under the patronage of H.E. Ahmad Al Hanandeh, Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship. The Jordan Startup Expo is set to be the premier event for innovative and emerging startups in Jordan.
This large-scale B2B conference and exhibition aims to connect the region’s most cutting-edge solution providers, venture capital firms, angel investors, accelerators, and incubators with Jordan’s dynamic startup ecosystem.
Jordan is recognized as a key player in the Middle East’s ICT forum, ranking 3rd regionally and 64th globally in startup development.
Date: The expo will take place on the 14th and 15th of August 2024.
Venue: The Fairmont Hotel in Amman will host this significant event, providing an ideal setting for networking, learning, and showcasing innovations.
Highlights of the Expo
The Jordan Startup Expo promises to be an unparalleled entrepreneurship experience with over 1,000 attendees, 200+ startups, 50+ speakers, 50+ solution providers, 30+ accelerators/incubators, and 100+ investors.
- Key event features include the Startup Solutions Showcase, Startup Awards, Government Participation, Investor Meetings, Pitch Competition, Hackathon, and Demo Days.
- Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in four new tracks covering startup development, technology and data science, brand engagement, and finance and funding.
Notably, the expo will highlight Jordan’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, with 98% of recently registered companies being SMEs and startups, contributing significantly to the private sector’s GDP and employment.
- The event will also celebrate the achievements of women leaders, with 30% of Oasis 500 applicants and 40% of participants being women.
By fostering connections and providing essential insights and tools, the Jordan Startup Expo is poised to drive the growth of startups and fuel the innovation ecosystem in Jordan and beyond.
To Sum Up
Jordan’s startup ecosystem is poised for continued growth and innovation, fueled by robust government support, substantial investments, and a thriving community of entrepreneurs and investors.
Despite challenges related to investment criteria and scalability expectations, the ecosystem’s resilience and adaptability are evident in the success stories of startups achieving global recognition.
Several success stories, including major investments and acquisitions by international entities, highlight the adaptability and market relevance of Jordanian startups. Such achievements not only attract foreign capital but also bolster the country’s reputation as a hub for innovation in sectors ranging from tech-driven services to consumer goods.
The country’s dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship ensures that it remains a notable player in the global startup ecosystem. Jordan’s strategic focus on fostering talent and innovation sets a solid foundation for its continued presence on the global startup stage.
