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Kuwait has a vibrant startup environment, with fresh entrepreneurs disrupting industries and solving real-world problems. Many of these firms are primed for rapid growth and are receiving significant investment from domestic and international investors. This has led to a significant development and growth of entrepreneurship in Kuwait and a number of Kuwaiti Startup Success Stories.
Let’s explore the top 20 Promising Kuwaiti Startups to follow in 2023:
- COFE App
- CODED
- Dabdoob
- Floward
- GetCari
- justclean
- Marzook
- MyFatoorah
- Ottu
- RideRove
- Tap Payments
- The Taken Seat
- VI Markets
- ZAIN Cash
- 965Help
- Awqafly
- Bayzat
- Delivery+
- eMushrif
- KHAMSA
- Knet
- Markety
- Mawdoo3
- Talabat
1. COFE App
COFE App, a 2018 Kuwaiti company, is a top Middle Eastern coffee marketplace. It offers foreign and artisanal coffee, as well as coffee-related products, with a simple interface. Multiple ordering options, AI-driven personalized recommendations, and a loyalty program are notable. The $25 million-funded software works in numerous Middle Eastern countries and expects expansion. It’s a notable venture in 2023 owing to its rapid growth, large finance, and appeal among Kuwaiti and bordering coffee connoisseurs.
| Number of countries operating in | 4 |
| Number of active users | 1 million+ |
| Number of coffee orders processed per month | 500,000+ |
| Average order value | $10 |
| Repeat purchase rate | 70% |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
| Source | Crunchbase |
2. CODED
The Kuwaiti company CODED runs offline and online coding boot camps for the next generation of coders. Since it was established in 2015, CODED has educated more than 250 students in the art of software development and programming, thereby preparing them for the competitive job market of today. The organization is known for its unique curriculum, professional instructors, and diversity and inclusiveness. CODED is a 2023 startup to watch as it grows. Kuwait and the Middle East’s leading coding school is CODED.
- Students learn technical and soft skills in immersive and practical boot camps.
- CODED makes coding instruction accessible to anyone, regardless of background or expertise.
- Over 250 graduates work at top tech businesses, proving the company’s success.
| Number of students trained | 250+ |
| Number of boot camps offered | 24+ |
| Job placement rate | 90%+ |
| The average salary of graduates | $1,000+ per month |
| Diversity of students | 50% female, 30% from non-tech backgrounds |
3. Dabdoob
Kuwaiti startup Dabdoob makes toy purchasing fun and easy for parents and kids started in 2017. It is the toy and game e-commerce leader Dabdoob in the Middle East. Over 1,000 worldwide brands of toys are available for same-day delivery in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Dabdoob has a large toy selection, low costs, and convenient delivery. Personalized suggestions, instructional toys, and gift wrapping and delivery set the brand apart from other toy e-commerce platforms.
| Number of toys offered | 100,000+ |
| Number of international brands offered | 1,000+ |
| Countries operating in | Kuwait, Saudi Arabia |
| Number of active users | 500,000+ |
| Repeat purchase rate | 75% |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 90% |
4. Floward
Founded in 2017, Floward is a flower delivery service based in Kuwait. When it comes to online flower and gift delivery in the Middle East, no one does it better than Floward. Same-day delivery is available in over 20 locations in the region, and the organization offers a diverse selection of fresh flowers, plants, and gifts. Forward is well-liked because of its excellent flower selection, affordable rates, and flexible delivery schedules. In addition to providing fresh flowers and unique arrangements, the company also provides personalized advice and presents.
| Number of cities operating in | 20+ |
| Number of active users | 500,000+ |
| Number of orders processed per month | 50,000+ |
| Average order value | $50 |
| Repeat purchase rate | 70% |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
5. GetCari
GetCari, a Kuwaiti startup formed in 2021, offers a novel car subscription service that makes car ownership more inexpensive and accessible. In Kuwait, nobody does automobile subscriptions better than GetCari. Sedans, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks are all available from the company. The subscription service offered by GetCari takes care of everything related to owning a car. Users can terminate their subscription at any moment without incurring any fees, as the company provides flexible payment options.
| Number of cars offered | 100+ |
| Subscription plans | Monthly, quarterly, and annual |
| Minimum age to subscribe | 21 years old |
| Delivery time | 3-5 days |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 90% |
6. Justclean
Founded in 2016, justclean is a Kuwaiti company that aims to streamline the laundry and cleaning process for consumers in Kuwait and the surrounding region. When it comes to on-demand services in the Middle East, no one does it better than justclean. Laundry, dry cleaning, carpet cleaning, and house cleaning are just some of the many services the organization provides.
Service quality, price, and ease of use are what set justclean apart from the competition. The organization employs a staff of highly trained and skilled cleaners, and they utilize only the best cleaning supplies and technology.
| Number of countries operating in | 5 |
| Number of active users | One million+ |
| Number of orders processed per month | 500,000+ |
| Average order value | $20 |
| Repeat purchase rate | 75% |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
7. Marzook
Marzook, launched in 2017, is a Kuwaiti company that specializes in designing eco-friendly high-end clothing. Unique and cutting-edge designs, as well as an emphasis on eco-friendliness, have made the firm a household name. Marzook collaborates with regional artists and purveyors to employ eco-friendly components in their creations. Famous people and style icons from all around the world have been spotted in Marzook’s creations. The company has a strong dedication to philanthropy.
| Number of countries operating in | 10+ |
| Number of stockists | 50+ |
| Number of employees | 100+ |
| Revenue growth in 2022 | 50% |
| Social media following | One million+ |
8. MyFatoorah
Established in 2015, MyFatoorah is a Kuwaiti startup dedicated to simplifying and securing online payments for companies of all sizes. The company provides many ways to pay, such as an online storefront, invoices, and POS terminals.
MyFatoorah is well-liked because of its user-friendliness, low prices, and safety options. The company’s gateway accepts payments from a wide variety of established e-commerce and banking systems. MyFatoorah’s many anti-fraud safeguards are invaluable to companies and their clientele.
| Number of merchants using MyFatoorah | 100,000+ |
| Number of transactions processed per month | Five million+ |
| The total value of transactions processed | $1 billion+ |
| Countries operating in | Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
9. Ottu
Ottu, created in 2018 and headquartered in Kuwait, is an on-demand entertainment service that aims to lower the barriers to entry for customers in the Middle East. The brand has gained a reputation for its low prices, extensive library, and intuitive design. In addition to a free trial, Ottu provides monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions. The software can be downloaded on multiple platforms and used on multiple devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, and media players.
| Number of subscribers | One million+ |
| Number of countries operating in | 10+ |
| Number of hours of content streamed per month | 50 million+ |
| Average rating on the App Store and Google Play | 4.8 stars |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
10. RideRove
Founded in 2018, RideRove is a Kuwaiti company that aims to streamline the process of social carpooling. The app’s accessibility, low price, and secure features have made it a hit with users. When compared to more conventional taxis and ride-hailing services, RideRove’s rates are much more reasonable. The app verifies all drivers with a criminal history check and gives riders details, including their driver’s name, photo, and car information. With RideRove, you can let your loved ones know exactly where you are and how long your ride took in real-time.
| Number of users | One million+ |
| Number of rides completed | Five million+ |
| Average ride distance | 10 kilometers |
| Average ride savings | 50% |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
11. Tap Payments
Tap Payments was established in 2016 as a company in Kuwait with the goal of streamlining online payment processing for companies of all sizes. In the Middle East, Tap Payments is the go-to payment gateway because of the variety of services it provides to companies of all kinds. In addition to its low prices and high level of security, the company is renowned for its user-friendliness. Tap Payments is dedicated to the pursuit of innovation and the creation of novel payment solutions. The company has been recognized multiple times for its contributions to the fintech sector.
| Number of businesses using Tap Payments | 100,000+ |
| Number of countries operating in | 9 |
| Number of payment methods supported | 50+ |
| The total value of transactions processed | $10 billion+ |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
12. The Taken Seat
The Taken Seat is a venture builder based in Kuwait that provides assistance to aspiring business owners. When it comes to assisting Middle Eastern entrepreneurs in launching and growing their businesses, The Taken Seat is unrivaled. The company has earned a reputation for its success thanks to its hands-on management style, emphasis on creating value, and impressive track record. Through its mentorship program and other means, The Taken Seat is dedicated to giving back to the startup community.
| Number of startups launched | 10+ |
| Total funding raised by startups launched | $50 million+ |
| Number of countries operating in | 5 |
| The success rate of startups launched | 80% |
| Entrepreneur satisfaction rating | 95% |
13. VI Markets
VI Markets was created in 2010 as a Kuwaiti company with the mission of lowering the barrier to entry for online trading for traders of all experience levels. When it comes to online trading platforms in the Middle East, nobody does it better than VI Markets, thanks to its low fees and extensive selection of available trading products.
The company’s trading platform is user-friendly and accessible via a wide range of electronic gadgets. In addition, VI Markets provides numerous learning tools for anyone interested in learning more about online trading. Investors and detractors have both lauded the company for the value it provides in terms of time and money, as well as the quality of the information it makes available.
| Number of trading instruments offered | 1,000+ |
| Number of active trading accounts | 50,000+ |
| Average daily trading volume | $1 billion+ |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
14. ZAIN Cash
Founded in 2013, Zain Cash is a Kuwaiti fintech company with the mission of lowering the cost and increasing the availability of mobile payments. Among the many services it provides, mobile wallets, money transfers, bill payments, and airtime recharge make Zain Cash the most popular mobile money platform in the Middle East.
The organization has gained a reputation for its reliability, low prices, and safety options. Zain Cash shares this dedication to monetary equality and welcomes customers of all income levels and bank account standings. The company’s contributions to the development of the mobile money industry have been recognized with several awards.
| Number of registered users | One million+ |
| Number of transactions processed per month | Five million+ |
| The total value of transactions processed | $1 billion+ |
| Countries operating in | 5 |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
15. Bayzat
Bayzat is a startup serving Middle Eastern businesses of all sizes with cloud-based HR and insurance solutions. The company has built a solid reputation on the strength of its cutting-edge, user-friendly platform and its dedication to superior support for its clientele. Businesses may easily provide and manage employee health insurance with the help of Bayzat’s insurance solutions. Bayzat’s human resources solutions boost employee morale and output while automating administrative tasks. The firm has been recognized for its contributions to the fintech and HR sectors with multiple accolades.
| Number of businesses using Bayzat’s solutions | 10,000+ |
| Number of employees covered by Bayzat’s insurance solutions | 500,000+ |
| The total value of insurance premiums processed by Bayzat | $1 billion+ |
| Countries operating in | 5 |
16. KNET
KNET, based in Kuwait, offers its electronic banking services to every financial institution in the country. Establishment date: 1992. KNET provides a comprehensive suite of services to both commercial and individual clients, making it the go-to payment gateway in Kuwait. The organization has built a solid reputation for its reliability, security, and ease of use.
KNET is likewise dedicated to innovation, always working to create new goods and services. The company has been recognized multiple times for its contributions to the payments sector.
| Number of POS terminals | 100,000+ |
| Number of ATM withdrawals per day | 500,000+ |
| Value of online transactions per year | $10 billion+ |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
17. Mawdoo3
Founded in 2012 in Kuwait, Mawdoo3 is a firm that offers Arabic-language instructional content to more than 70 million monthly users. Over 70 million people each month visit Mawdoo3, making it the most popular Arabic language instructional website.
The organization has built a solid reputation for producing in-depth, carefully researched papers on a wide variety of themes. The articles on Mawdoo3 are created by a group of professional writers and editors who work together to guarantee precision. The employment of many technologies is just one more way the corporation caters to its audience.
| Number of unique visitors per month | 70 million+ |
| Number of articles published | One million+ |
| Number of countries operating in | 10+ |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
18. Talabat
Talabat is a food delivery service that started in Kuwait and has expanded to more than 13 MENA nations. With over 40,000 partner restaurants and over 10 million active monthly customers, Talabat has established itself as the top online food delivery network in the MENA area. The organization has earned a reputation for its large range of eateries, low prices, and ease of use. Talabat is likewise dedicated to innovation, always working to provide new products and services. Several accolades have been bestowed upon the organization in recognition of its outstanding performance in the online meal delivery market.
| Number of partner restaurants | 40,000+ |
| Number of active monthly users | Ten million+ |
| Number of countries operating in | 13 |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
19. Sihaty General Trading Company
In 2018, Kuwait’s Sihaty General Trading Company began providing its clientele with healthcare services and products. The organization has earned a reputation for its reliability, low prices, and excellent service. Sihaty is also dedicated to innovation, always coming up with new services and solutions to better serve its clientele. The company’s contributions to the healthcare sector have been recognized with multiple accolades.
| Number of customers served | One million+ |
| Number of doctors on the platform | 5,000+ |
| Number of hospitals partnered with | 100+ |
| Insurance companies partnered with | 20+ |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
20. KEM
Kem, created in 2021, is a Kuwaiti startup that facilitates instantaneous P2P payments using its mobile app. In Kuwait, Kem is the go-to service for instantaneous P2P transactions. The company is well-known for its high standards of usability, quickness, and safety. Kem is also dedicated to innovation, always working to create new products and services. The company has been recognized multiple times for its contributions to the fintech sector.
| Number of active users | 100,000+ |
| Number of transactions processed per day | 100,000+ |
| The total value of transactions processed | $10 million+ |
| Customer satisfaction rating | 95% |
Conclusion
Kuwait has progressed significantly over the last few years in building a startup environment that welcomes investors from all over the world. This has led to Kuwait becoming a startup hub in the Middle East that attracts people from all over the world to work for them. Building and advancing entrepreneurship leads to the country growing economically and financially, and the top 20 Innovative Kuwaiti Ventures are an accurate representation.
