Week 38: Africa and Middle East startup funding led by Barq

Startups in Africa, the Middle East, and Israel raised $950.3 million in disclosed funding during the week, mostly in fintech and AI. Two Saudi deals, Barq and Tabby, accounted for $562.5 million: Barq was valued at $1.85 billion, Tabby at $6.5 billion.

• Barq raised Series A at $1.85 billion valuation, app has 15 million users
• Tabby held Series F at $6.5 billion valuation led by Blue Pool Capital
• Barq and Tabby accounted for $562.5 million of $950.3 million weekly funding
• Tabby round includes secondary share sales and awaits Saudi central bank approval