At Biban Global, Tech Revolt spoke with Rakan Tashkandi, Partner and Head of Ventures at CyberME Studio, to learn how the venture builder is carving a unique role in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem. While the Kingdom has seen a surge in accelerators, government programmes and venture capital support, CyberME focuses its efforts on the overlooked gaps — where founders with strong potential need hands-on backing to bring high-impact ideas to market.

CyberME isn’t just a funder or mentor; it positions itself as a co-builder. The studio partners with entrepreneurs from the earliest concept stage through to seed funding, especially in sectors that require deep technical expertise such as cybersecurity, fintech, logistics, insurance and proptech. Tashkandi describes the approach as “sitting at the same table for nine months,” working side-by-side to define strategy, build the product and navigate operational challenges.

This model has already delivered notable successes. Among them is Cognosis, one of Saudi Arabia’s earliest cybersecurity startups to secure meaningful venture capital backing — raising approximately SAR 8.2 million from multiple VC investors. Tashkandi credits the founders’ persistence, noting that CyberME’s role is about giving the “small push” that unlocks major growth. “We look for those type of founders who just need that support to reach where they are capable of going,” he says.

CyberME’s philosophy is rooted in collaboration, not competition. With accelerators, incubators and academic institutions already fuelling entrepreneurship, the studio acts as an additional piece of the ecosystem puzzle — an entry point for founders who may later progress into accelerator programmes or attract government support. New talent from universities is also nurtured, even if their first venture doesn’t succeed; experience gained becomes the foundation for future startup attempts.

Looking ahead, CyberME plans to expand into more verticals, continuing to focus strictly on enterprise B2B solutions — a segment Tashkandi believes holds significant untapped opportunity in the Kingdom. New sector announcements are expected by Q2 next year as the studio works to broaden its pipeline of startups solving critical commercial challenges.

The message to aspiring founders is clear: Saudi Arabia’s venture momentum is accelerating, and those ready to build bold, unconventional businesses have a partner willing to build alongside them. “If you believe you could be the next founder for CyberME,” Tashkandi says, “reach out. We want to see what we can create together.”