The Biban Forum 2025, Riyadh's premier event for entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), concluded its third day with a significant flurry of activity, spotlighting the Kingdom's rapidly accelerating FinTech sector and a robust commitment to its SME ecosystem.

Organised by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha'at), the forum's "Investors Arena" emerged as a central hub of deal-making, with millions in investment interest being funnelled towards promising start-ups.

Investment Arena Fuels FinTech Growth

Day three saw 37 investment interest proposals registered, totalling SAR 7.4 million, directed at just 13 FinTech start-ups. This followed a dynamic series of live pitches where fledgling companies presented their business models to a panel of seasoned investors and industry experts.

The figures underscore not only the "dynamism of the Kingdom's investment environment" but also the perceived "maturity" of the participating business models, particularly within the financial technology space.

The momentum built on the success of the previous day, where the arena recorded 33 investment commitments worth SAR 6.6 million, targeting 22 FinTech start-ups.

"The Investors Arena is a key event at Biban, designed as an interactive space to bring together entrepreneurs and investors," a Monsha'at spokesperson noted. "It facilitates on-the-spot meetings for funding opportunities and strategic partnerships, enabling companies to showcase innovative solutions and understand market trends."

Monsha'at Pledges SAR 7.6 Billion to SME Sector

Beyond the individual start-up deals, the third day marked a significant strategic commitment from Monsha'at itself. The authority witnessed the signing of 11 agreements and memoranda of understanding and the launch of seven financing portfolios.

Collectively, these initiatives boast a staggering total value exceeding SAR 7.6 billion, all dedicated to supporting entrepreneurial projects and the broader SME sector.

These agreements reflect Monsha’at’s strategic focus on "strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem" by forging strategic local and international partnerships. The overarching goal is to "empower entrepreneurs, expand growth opportunities" for SMEs, and drive innovation—a core pillar of the nation's ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

Global Destination for Opportunities

Held under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunities,” the Biban Forum 2025 serves as a massive gathering point for global and local business. The four-day event, held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Convention Centre, features:

• Over 1,000 exhibitors

• 200 speakers

• Representing more than 150 countries

The convergence of global capital and Saudi innovation positions the Kingdom as a burgeoning hotbed for entrepreneurial investment, firmly in line with its national economic strategy.