InvestorInvesting in the future of Bahrain and beyond.
The startup scene in Bahrain
StartupBlink’s September 2026 listing reports 73 startups classified in Manama and ranks the city 370 globally and 1 in Bahrain; its ranking uses investment, employee count, and quarterly website traffic. This is a publisher-reported listing, not a verified census of the city’s startup ecosystem. [1]
About
StartupBlink’s September 2026 listing reports 73 startups classified in Manama and ranks the city #370 globally and #1 in Bahrain; its ranking uses investment, employee count, and quarterly website traffic. This is a publisher-reported listing, not a verified census of the city’s startup ecosystem. [1]
Bahrain-wide context includes a $1.2 billion ecosystem value measure for July 2021 through December 2023, reported by Startup Genome and Tamkeen using exits and startup valuations; the report highlights fintech, cybersecurity, and AI, Big Data, and Analytics. [2] Bahrain FinTech Bay describes itself as a fintech network connecting founders, financial institutions, regulators, and investors. [3] It advertises Manama office residency and invites inquiries, but does not state terms or current availability. [4]
Bahrain FinTech Bay reports supporting 161 startups and teams through 16 completed programs, and lists an NBB Innovation Programme for 2026 without an application window. [5] Rain’s company history says it was founded in 2017 and describes a Bahrain regulatory-sandbox pathway and a regional licensing milestone. [6]
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Manama ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #325 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
28 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Manama
Investors 19
Investor
InvestorIslamic bank providing alternative investment opportunities.
InvestorInvesting for the Long-Term
The 3 most prominent of 19. Browse all investors
Accelerators 3
AcceleratorAccelerating early-stage technology startups in Bahrain.
AcceleratorEmpowering early-stage startups in Bahrain.
AcceleratorFostering fashion talent and startups.
Incubators 3
IncubatorBahrain's first co-working space and incubator.
IncubatorCo-working space for investors and startups.
IncubatorBuilding and managing businesses in Bahrain.
Venture studios 3
Venture studioBuilding startups and providing media consultation.
Venture studioBuilding ventures that inspire.
Venture studioBuilding fintech startups in MENA.
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Manama
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Manama
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Manama
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Manama
Rain's own history describes its Bahrain sandbox entry, licensing milestone, and 2017 founding.
Source: About RainBahrain FinTech Bay reports program totals and lists a 2026 program without an application window.
Source: Acceleration ProgramsThe hub advertises Manama residency and invites inquiries, without public terms or availability.
Source: Residency & IncubationBahrain FinTech Bay describes a fintech network connecting founders, finance institutions, regulators, and investors.
Source: Bahrain FinTech BayBDB lists these eligibility conditions and a branch submission route; current intake is unclear.
Source: SME FundBDB describes a national bank/Tamkeen partnership and Sharia-compliant asset and working-capital financing.
Source: SME Fund
Questions about Manama
How does Manama rank as a startup ecosystem?
Its best position is #325 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025).
How many startup investors are based in Manama?
19 investors based in Manama have a profile here, including Alzayani Investments, Esterad Bank B.S.C. (c) and Anfal. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Manama?
Yes. Manama has 3 accelerators, 3 incubators and 3 venture studios on record, including StartUp Nest, Diwan Hub and Manara.
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