Digital transformation in the Middle East has surged in recent years, with cybersecurity evolving rapidly in response. Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the region’s fastest-growing digital economies, driven by ambitious government initiatives like Vision 2030, which promotes e-government services, fintech, and smart infrastructure. This shift has generated significant demand for cybersecurity solutions, as the Kingdom faces millions of cyber threats annually, according to the Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority.
The global cost of cybercrime is projected to exceed $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, a figure highlighted in research by Cybersecurity Ventures. In the MENA region, the frequency of cyberattacks is also on the rise, with studies from IBM and Kaspersky consistently ranking the Middle East among the most targeted areas, particularly in sectors such as government, finance, and energy. This is especially pertinent for Saudi Arabia, which is home to critical industrial networks vital to the global economy.
Investment trends reflect the urgency of addressing these cyber threats. Data from MAGNiTT indicates that cybersecurity startups in the Middle East have attracted increasing venture capital over recent years, with Saudi Arabia becoming a focal point for funding due to new venture initiatives and government support. Early-stage investments are increasingly directed toward startups developing AI-powered threat detection, cloud security, and compliance software tailored to meet local regulatory frameworks.
This intersection of heightened cybersecurity threats and growing venture capital investment has created an environment ripe for innovation. The emergence of startups focusing on AI-driven security operations and infrastructure protection highlights the need for robust defenses against the backdrop of a burgeoning digital economy. Below are six notable startups contributing to Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity landscape.
COGNNA, Saudi Arabia
Founders: Ibrahim AlShamrani, Ziyad Alshehri
Year of founding: 2022
Last Raise: $9.2M Series A (December, 2025)
COGNNA centers its cybersecurity approach around artificial intelligence. The Riyadh-based startup develops automated security operations systems that help detect and respond to threats within enterprise networks. Its flagship platform utilizes machine learning to analyze vast data streams, identifying anomalies that could signify potential risks.
Solidrange, Saudi Arabia
Founder: Jamal M. Labani
Year of founding: 2023
Last Raise: $2.4M Seed Funding (February, 2026)
Solidrange addresses the regulatory landscape shaping cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia by developing governance, risk, and compliance software. The startup assists organizations in navigating evolving cybersecurity requirements by translating complex policies into actionable workflows for security teams.
CQR, Saudi Arabia
Founder: Naser Aldossary
Year of founding: 2023
Last Raise: $3M (February, 2025)
CQR specializes in operational technology security, focusing on industrial systems that run factories and utilities. Based in Al-Khobar, the company employs machine-learning tools and threat intelligence to monitor industrial networks, which are often vulnerable due to outdated technologies.
Cipher, Saudi Arabia
Founders: Not publicly disclosed
Year of founding: 2018
Last Raise: $13.3M Pre-IPO (November, 2024)
Cipher sits at the intersection of cybersecurity consulting and enterprise security services. The company offers penetration testing, incident response, and threat detection tools that help organizations identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their defenses in a complex digital landscape.
Mozn, Saudi Arabia
Founder: Malik Alyousef
Year of founding: 2017
Last Raise: $10M Series A (February, 2022)
Mozn has evolved from an AI startup to a critical player in cybersecurity and risk technology. Its software primarily focuses on fraud detection and financial crime prevention, particularly in banking and fintech, analyzing large data volumes to identify suspicious activities.
Sirar by stc, Saudi Arabia
Founders: stc Group
Year of founding: 2018
Sirar provides large-scale cybersecurity services backed by one of the region’s largest telecom operators, stc Group. Offering managed security operations and cloud security services, the company leverages its telecom infrastructure to monitor threats across a diverse array of corporate and public-sector clients.
The growth of these startups reflects not only the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia but also a broader trend toward innovation in the region’s digital economy. As digital services continue to expand, the demand for sophisticated security solutions will likely only increase, propelling further investment and development in this critical sector.
See also
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Anthropic’s Claude AI exploited in significant cyber-espionage operation
AI Poisoning Attacks Surge 40%: Businesses Face Growing Cybersecurity Risks
