Jordan Startup Ecosystem in 2025: A Year of Resilience and Transformation

Posted On 02 February, 2025

Jordan, a nation known for its rich history and strategic location in the Middle East, has emerged as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. Despite facing challenges such as limited natural resources and economic pressures, Jordan’s startup ecosystem has demonstrated remarkable resilience and ingenuity. Over the past decade, the country has invested heavily in fostering an entrepreneurial environment, particularly in fintech, edtech, healthtech, agritech, and renewable energy sectors. With strong government support, increasing international collaborations, and a digitally adept youth population, the year 2024 marked a turning point for Jordanian startups. As we enter 2025, Jordan’s startup ecosystem is poised to expand its global influence and address both local and regional challenges.

Record-Breaking Funding in 2024

Jordanian startups raised $300 million in 2024, a 60% increase compared to the previous year. Amman, the capital city, remained the heart of the startup ecosystem, while cities like Irbid and Zarqa began emerging as hubs for agritech, renewable energy, and logistics.

Early-stage funding accounted for $120 million, reflecting increased investor confidence in Jordanian startups. Notable funding rounds included $80 million for a fintech platform advancing digital payment systems, $50 million for an edtech firm focusing on online education, and $40 million for a healthtech company improving access to healthcare in underserved areas.

Government initiatives such as the Jordan Vision 2025, the Startup Act, and partnerships with organizations like the World Bank, European Investment Bank (EIB), and Oasis500 have been instrumental in driving growth.

Fintech: Catalyzing Financial Inclusion Across the Region

Fintech remained the leading sector in Jordan’s startup ecosystem, raising $120 million in 2024. With a large unbanked population in Jordan and the surrounding region, fintech startups are addressing gaps in financial inclusion by offering digital wallets, mobile payment systems, and SME financing platforms.

Key players like MadfooatCom, an online bill payment service, and HyperPay, a regional payment gateway, expanded their reach significantly. Emerging startups like EdfaPay, focusing on microloans for SMEs, and DinarPay, offering digital wallets for cross-border transactions, gained traction. Support from the Central Bank of Jordan and the Financial Inclusion Development Plan created an enabling regulatory environment for fintech innovation.

Edtech: Advancing Learning and Skill Development

Jordan has long been recognized as an educational hub in the Middle East, and edtech startups capitalized on this reputation in 2024, raising $70 million. These startups are addressing gaps in traditional education systems and enhancing access to quality learning resources through digital platforms.

Notable players like Abwaab, an online learning platform, and Elearna, which focuses on skill-based training, are transforming the education landscape. Companies like SkillHub Jordan, offering vocational training programs, and TaleemTech, specializing in AI-driven learning tools, gained significant traction. Government initiatives under the National Human Resources Development Strategy (HRD) and collaborations with UNESCO have accelerated edtech growth.

Healthtech: Improving Access to Quality Healthcare

Healthtech startups in Jordan raised $50 million in 2024, focusing on telemedicine, digital health records, and AI-powered diagnostics. These innovations are particularly critical in rural and underserved areas of the country.

Startups like Altibbi, a telemedicine platform, and PharmaJo, providing digital pharmacy solutions, have expanded their services. Emerging companies like MediAI Jordan, specializing in diagnostics, and CareLink, offering integrated healthcare management systems, gained recognition. Investments under the National Health Strategy 2030 and support from international organizations like USAID have bolstered the sector’s growth.

Agritech: Transforming Jordan’s Agricultural Sector

Agritech startups raised $30 million in 2024, leveraging technology to address challenges such as water scarcity, limited arable land, and food security. Agriculture, though a smaller portion of Jordan’s economy, remains vital for rural communities and national resilience.

Key players like GreenTech Jo, specializing in hydroponics, and AgroLink Jordan, a digital marketplace for farmers, are revolutionizing the sector. Companies like SmartFarm Jordan, focusing on precision agriculture, and CropCycle, providing AI-driven crop management insights, gained traction. Government programs under the National Agricultural Development Plan and partnerships with global agribusiness firms have accelerated innovation.

Green Tech: Focusing on Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Green tech startups raised $20 million in 2024, focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and water management. Jordan’s abundant solar resources and commitment to sustainability have driven innovation in this sector.

Key players like Shams Jo, a solar energy solutions provider, and EcoWave Jordan, focusing on water desalination and conservation, are leading the charge. Emerging startups like GreenBuild Jordan, offering eco-friendly construction materials, and RenewJordan, developing microgrid solutions, gained recognition. Government policies under the National Renewable Energy Plan and support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have catalyzed growth in green tech.

E-Commerce and Logistics: Connecting Urban and Rural Markets

E-commerce and logistics startups raised $15 million in 2024, driven by growing consumer demand for online shopping and improvements in digital infrastructure.

Companies like CartVenture, an online marketplace, and SendIt Jo, a logistics and delivery platform, continued to scale rapidly. Emerging startups like SouqRural, targeting rural consumers, and QuickShip Jordan, addressing last-mile delivery challenges, gained traction. Investments under the Digital Economy Action Plan have enabled rapid scaling of these services.

Digital Infrastructure and Smart Cities

Jordan achieved significant progress in digital infrastructure in 2024, including expanded broadband access and the rollout of 5G networks. These advancements enabled startups to innovate in IoT, cloud computing, and smart city solutions.

Amman is leading smart city initiatives focused on renewable energy integration, AI-driven traffic management, and digital public services. Programs like Smart Jordan 2025 have positioned the country as a leader in digital transformation in the Middle East.

Global Collaborations and Market Expansion

Jordanian startups increasingly entered international markets in 2024, with over 25 companies establishing a presence in the Gulf, Europe, and North America. Initiatives like the MENA Startup Hub and partnerships with accelerators such as Flat6Labs and Techstars facilitated cross-border collaborations.

Jordan’s strategic location, robust talent pool, and improving innovation ecosystem have made it an attractive destination for international investors and a gateway to the Middle East.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Strengthening the Ecosystem

M&A activity in Jordan reached new heights in 2024, with 12 deals valued at $25 million. Startups in fintech, edtech, and healthtech were the primary targets for acquisitions by regional and global corporations.

A notable deal included the acquisition of a Jordanian edtech startup by a multinational e-learning platform, highlighting the ecosystem’s growing global relevance.

Employment and Talent Development

Jordanian startups created over 10,000 new jobs in 2024, with strong demand for professionals in fintech, AI, and healthtech. Collaborations between startups and universities, along with government programs like the Youth Skills and Employment Initiative, ensured a steady pipeline of skilled talent.

Investments in STEM education and digital upskilling have empowered local professionals and attracted international talent to the ecosystem.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its progress, Jordan’s startup ecosystem faces challenges such as limited access to late-stage funding, regulatory hurdles, and regional political instability. However, opportunities lie in leveraging its educated workforce, strategic location, and strong digital infrastructure. Emerging sectors like fintech, edtech, and green tech are poised to drive the next wave of growth.

The government’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and regional integration will be critical in addressing these challenges and sustaining momentum in 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Jordan’s startup ecosystem advances into 2025, it is poised for continued growth and regional leadership. Key focus areas include scaling fintech and edtech solutions, advancing renewable energy innovations, and fostering deeper international collaborations.

With its strong commitment to entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and sustainability, Jordan is well-positioned to become a leading innovation hub in the Middle East.

The Jordan startup ecosystem in 2025 exemplifies resilience, creativity, and transformation. By leveraging its strengths in technology, education, and international collaboration, Jordan is shaping its future as a leader in the global innovation landscape. Startups in the country are not only addressing local challenges but are also paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for the region and beyond.