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Explosive Growth In MENA’s Startup Ecosystem

by News Editor

February marked a groundbreaking month for MENA’s startup landscape, with an impressive $494 million raised across 58 deals—almost five times more than last year’s total for the same month. While Saudi Arabia dominated with $250.3 million accrued over 25 deals, the UAE and Egypt followed suit with $203.5 million and $27.5 million respectively.

Debt Financing Dips In February

Unlike January, where debt financing took the bulk of investments, February saw it drop to just 15% of total funding. The exclusion of debt reveals a staggering 371% increase in investment activity, highlighting a promising shift in financial dynamics.

Industry Leaders And Rising Sectors

Fintech emerged as the leading sector, delivering $274 million over 15 deals. Insurtech and logistics took the next spots, with $55 million and $28.5 million respectively. This upswing showcases both sustained interest and escalating financial backing for key tech industries.

Regional Contributions and Gender Disparities

B2B models attracted the most attention in February, garnering $191.6 million through 33 transactions. However, gender disparities remain, as startups led by male founders bagged 87% of the total investment. Despite the progress, this underlines the need for more equitable funding allocations.

For further insights into startup ecosystems, explore how Cyprus is setting new records in global startup growth.

Meta’s New AI App Turns Your Wardrobe Into A Personal Stylist

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Meta is testing a new AI-powered styling app designed to help users plan outfits using clothes they already own. Style Sketch turns wardrobe photos into a digital closet and generates personalised outfit suggestions.

The app is available on iOS and Android in Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Its launch was first highlighted by social media consultant Matt Navarra. Meta has not commented on the launch or confirmed plans to expand availability.

From Instagram Photos To A Digital Wardrobe

Style Sketch can connect to Instagram and use users’ existing photos to help build a virtual wardrobe. Clothing can also be added manually by taking photos, recording short videos or uploading images from a camera roll.

Once the digital closet is ready, the app recommends outfit combinations based on the user’s style. Users can select a specific item and explore different ways to wear it. A virtual try-on feature also displays suggested looks on a model designed to reflect the user’s body shape and skin tone.

AI-Powered Outfit Planning For Travel

Style Sketch also helps users plan what to wear on trips. By entering a destination, travel dates and planned activities, users can generate a daily outfit schedule that accounts for their itinerary and the weather forecast.

This extends the app beyond wardrobe organisation, positioning it as a practical tool for planning outfits and deciding what to pack.

Instagram Could Give Meta An Edge

AI-powered styling is already a competitive market. Startups such as Alta are developing digital wardrobes and styling tools, while Google Photos has introduced features that help users organise clothing images into virtual closets.

Meta’s potential advantage lies in its existing ecosystem. Instagram already contains a visual record of users’ personal style, which could help Style Sketch build wardrobe profiles without requiring users to upload every item from scratch. With users’ permission, existing photos could make the setup process faster and more convenient.

Part Of Meta’s Wider AI App Strategy

Style Sketch joins a growing portfolio of AI-focused consumer apps from Meta. Recent launches include Waddle World, an AI-powered virtual pet experience; Pocket, a tool for creating and sharing games; and Vibes, which enables users to generate AI-powered videos.

The releases reflect Meta’s broader ambition to develop and launch apps more quickly. According to The Wall Street Journal, CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees the company plans to release more apps than it has historically, citing AI-driven efficiencies in product development.

Style Sketch’s long-term success will depend on more than its outfit recommendations. Its appeal will hinge on how accurately it understands users’ wardrobes, how easily it helps them plan what to wear, and whether Instagram integration can turn an existing archive of personal style into a useful everyday service.

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