Startup Genome, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network has released its flagship report – the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) – today at VivaTech, Paris.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is featured in the GSER 2025 report, highlighting its strong performance across several key metrics. Bahrain’s startup ecosystem generated $1.2 billion in Ecosystem Value—reflecting a 13% compound annual growth compared to the GSER 2023 period. In addition, the Kingdom of Bahrain ranked among the Top 10 MENA Ecosystems in both Funding (early-stage funding and investor activity) and Performance (value created from exits and funding), and secured positions in the Top 15 MENA Ecosystems for Knowledge.
Startup Genome, the Global Entrepreneurship Network and The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) have been working closely together over the past years to monitor and benchmark Bahrain’s startup ecosystem, identifying challenges and opportunities that can inform strategic development plans to foster ecosystem growth.
Commenting on the report findings, Ms. Alya Alaali Chief Strategy & Data Analytics Officer at the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) stated: “Bahrain possesses a well-connected ecosystem, robust infrastructure, and highly skilled tech talent that provide a strong foundation for growth.” She continued: “We remain committed to foster innovation by enabling skill development and providing access to funding for entrepreneurs through various programs and initiatives.”
In addition, Samantha Evans, Managing Director MENA, Startup Genome stated: “Bahrain’s consistent performance reflects a growing maturity and strategic focus on sectors like AI, Fintech, and Cybersecurity. The ecosystem offers startups a cost-effective, high-quality launchpad for early-stage innovation, underpinned by strong connectivity and accessibility. Tamkeen’s role remains pivotal – anchoring a supportive, entrepreneur-friendly environment that continues to strengthen Bahrain’s innovation landscape and long-term competitiveness.”
In the report, several sector drivers were prominent and crucial for startup growth. Fintech, Cybersecurity, and AI are key strengths of Bahrain’s startup ecosystem, supported by proactive regulation and targeted training programs. In 2024, the country advanced open banking and crypto licensing, and launched new infrastructure and education initiatives to scale AI-driven innovation.
The report also highlighted the factors that make Bahrain an attractive destination for startup growth. The Kingdom offers a compelling entry point into the GCC and wider MENA markets, combining regional accessibility with comparatively low startup operational costs. The ecosystem is supported by targeted SME policies, active accelerators, and a steady stream of new initiatives, including 130+ startup events in 2024 and recent expansions by regional tech players such as Tamara.
The 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) offers in-depth analysis of global and regional startup ecosystems, highlighting key trends, investment patterns, and policy strategies. Based on over a decade of research and contributions from 65+ countries, the report ranks the Top 40 global and Top 100 emerging ecosystems, providing data-driven insights and practical guidance for policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and founders to support startup growth and economic development.
Widely regarded as the world’s most comprehensive research on startup ecosystems, the GSER leverages the largest quality-controlled dataset in the industry, analyzing data from over 5 million companies across 350+ entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems worldwide.
View the full report by clicking here.
