Egyptian start-ups are making headlines in 2025, dominating Africa's start-up investment landscape by securing 31% of the continent's total funding so far this year—equivalent to $330 million, excluding exits.
This is according to the latest "Africa: The Big Deal" report released yesterday, which tracks venture capital trends across the continent. Following Egypt in the funding leaderboard are South Africa (26%), Nigeria (15%), and Kenya (12%).
The report revealed that start-ups across Africa raised a total of $254 million in May alone, marking a strong rebound from the previous month's dip and bringing the cumulative total for the first five months of 2025 to over $1 billion. This represents a 40% increase compared to the same period in 2024, which saw just $750 million raised.
Even more promising, African start-ups have collectively attracted $2.5 billion in funding over the past 12 months (June 2024–May 2025)—the highest 12-month total since early last year.
Egyptian Start-ups Shine Bright
May was particularly impressive for Egypt, with six out of the seven largest funding deals across Africa going to Egyptian ventures. These include:
- Nawy: Raised $75 million in Africa's largest-ever proptech deal ($52M Series A led by Partech + $23M debt).
- Tasaheel (MNT-Halan): Finalised Egypt's largest corporate bond issuance worth $50 million.
- Valu: Secured $27 million from Saudi investors and is preparing for a public listing.
- Thndr (fintech): Raised over $15 million.
- Sylndr (mobility): Closed a $15 million Series A round.
- Money Fellows (fintech): Raised $13 million pre-Series C to support expansion beyond Egypt.
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The only non-Egyptian deal in the $10 million+ category was South African healthtech startup AURA, which raised a $15 million Series B, co-led by Partech and CAIF, to fuel its U.S. expansion.
More Deals, Fewer But Bigger Tickets
In total, 36 start-ups across Africa announced deals exceeding $100,000 in May (excluding exits)—a slightly lower count than recent months. However, the median deal value increased, reflecting a trend toward larger ticket investments.
Exit Momentum Grows, Led by Egypt
The continent also recorded four major exits in May, with three involving Egyptian ventures:
- Fatura was acquired by MaxAB-Wasoko.
- Miran and Welnes merged in a strategic consolidation.
- Qardy became the first Egyptian start-up to complete a SPAC merger, acquired by Catalyst Partners Middle East for an estimated $23 million.
Outside of North Africa, BioLite acquired a majority stake in West African energy and digital inclusion company Baobab+.
With a remarkable performance in early 2025, Egypt's start-up ecosystem is emerging as a continental powerhouse, driven by robust investor confidence, larger deal flows, and a maturing innovation landscape. If the current momentum continues, Africa's tech ecosystem could be on track for its most successful investment year yet.
