InvestorInvesting in the future of Bahrain and beyond.
The startup scene across Bahrain
Where startups are forming across Bahrain: the cities, accelerators and investors, and how you get close to them.
The ecosystem
Tamkeen’s 2025 annual plan reports support for more than 2,780 enterprises aged zero to two years during 2024. StartUp Bahrain describes itself as the national startup community since 2013, and its ecosystem site identifies Tamkeen as the organization powering StartUp Bahrain.
Startup Genome reports $458 million in Seed, Series A, and Series B+ funding for Bahrain tech startups during 2021–2025, and $68 million in Seed and Series A funding during H2 2023–2025. Separately, it reports $1.6 billion in ecosystem value for H2 2023–2025, defined as exit values plus startup valuations and including active unicorns, and $258 million in exit value across five exits during 2021–2025; ecosystem value is not venture funding.
Sectors and strengths
Startup Genome lists Tamkeen as a member in its Bahrain ecosystem profile. This identifies a relationship reported by the publisher, rather than establishing Tamkeen’s wider role or the performance of the ecosystem.
As of . Official information. Source: Bahrain | Ecosystem Startup Genome
Notable companies
Startup Genome’s funding-based Bahrain list for July 2023 to December 2025 places Calo first, Tarabut Gateway second, Aion Digital third, Ahlan fourth, and Sellou fifth. The list does not establish these companies’ founding origins or current headquarters.
As of . Official information. Source: Bahrain | Ecosystem Startup Genome
For founders
Tamkeen’s reported 2024 reach is a scale indicator for enterprise support, but it does not specify individual support amounts or establish startup-specific outcomes. Treat it as context, not evidence of a particular benefit or currently available application.
As of . Official information. Source: Annual Plan 2025
For investors
Read Startup Genome’s funding and ecosystem-value figures as separate measures: its funding totals cover specified financing rounds, while ecosystem value combines exits and startup valuations. WIPO’s 2026 Global Innovation Index places Bahrain 64th among 139 economies, with inputs at 48th and outputs at 80th; WIPO gives the overall rank a confidence interval of 59th to 78th and cautions that data availability and model changes affect year-over-year comparisons.
As of . Official information. Source: Bahrain | Ecosystem Startup Genome; Bahrain ranking in the Global Innovation Index 2026
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Bahrain ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking | 2026 | #20 | Up 1 | B | Competitiveness, Business Climate, Performance |
 Doing Business (Ease of Doing Business ranking) | Doing Business 2020 | #43 | Up 19 | B | Business Climate |
 Global Innovation Index | 2025 | #62 | Up 10 | A | Innovation, Competitiveness, Research, Talent |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (countries) | 2025 | #62 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
 Global Financial Centres Index | GFCI 40 | #74 | No prior edition | B | Finance, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
35 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Bahrain
Investors 24
Investor
InvestorEmpowering SMEs for a sustainable future in Bahrain.
InvestorIslamic bank providing alternative investment opportunities.
The 3 most prominent of 24. Browse all investors
Accelerators 4
AcceleratorAccelerating early-stage technology startups in Bahrain.
AcceleratorEmpowering early-stage startups in Bahrain.
AcceleratorEmpowering startups through collaboration and resources.
The 3 most prominent of 4. Browse all accelerators
Incubators 4
IncubatorBahrain's first co-working space and incubator.
IncubatorCo-working space for investors and startups.
IncubatorBuilding and managing businesses in Bahrain.
The 3 most prominent of 4. Browse all incubators
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 Bahrain
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Bahrain
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Bahrain
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingCity guides
Cities in Bahrain
City
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Questions about Bahrain
How does Bahrain rank as a startup ecosystem?
Its best position is #20 in IMD WCR (2026). It appears in 5 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Bahrain?
24 investors based in Bahrain have a profile here, including Alzayani Investments, Bahrain Development Bank and Esterad Bank B.S.C. (c). The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Bahrain?
Yes. Bahrain has 4 accelerators, 4 incubators and 3 venture studios on record, including StartUp Nest, Diwan Hub and Manara.
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