Source: Fortune
Summary
Fortune reports that despite a rise in female-founded startups in the Gulf, funding remains heavily skewed toward male-led ventures. In August, male-founded startups received over $375 million, while female-founded ones secured just $8.5 million. Abu Dhabi issued 3,058 business licenses to Emirati women in the first half of 2026. Experts point to male-dominated investor networks as a key barrier. Initiatives like Aliph Capital and the TiE Women MENA Program aim to address the gap, while events like the Women Shaping Wealth Summit 2026 seek to connect female founders with investors.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Male-founded startups dominate funding in the Gulf, with $375 million in August.
Female founders get just $8.5 million, despite growing numbers of women launching businesses.
Investor networks remain male-dominated, limiting deal flow for women.
Initiatives aim to close the gap, but progress is slow.
Author: Evan Null
