Vision 2030 Startup Grants Program – Funding for Founders in Riyadh & London

Accessing startup grants in Saudi Arabia, especially through Vision 2030, is one of the fastest routes for London and Riyadh‑based founders to fund growth without giving up equity. As the Kingdom jettisons its oil‑dependency, the state is directing capital toward high‑growth sectors like health-tech, sustainability, energy, and digital innovation‍, all under structured programs tailored for SMEs and startups. In this blog, we explore how your venture can access these grant streams, align with Vision 2030 priorities, and build momentum from Riyadh into the GCC and beyond.

What Are Vision 2030 Startup Grant Programs?

Vision 2030 catalyses a network of funding and support initiatives aimed at accelerating high‑impact innovation across the Kingdom’s priority sectors including AI adoption. These include:

• The Saudi Innovation Grant Program (SIGP), offering non‑dilutive RDI funding in health & wellness, sustainability, energy & industrials .

• Monsha’at, the SME authority, providing funding, training, and resources for startups in tech and manufacturing .

• Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), traditionally supporting industrial projects, now expanding into energy, logistics, and mining—aligned with Vision 2030 diversification aims .

• Targeted women‑entrepreneur grants via Monsha’at, the Social Development Bank, and NGOs offering non‑equity support, loans, mentorship, and capacity building

Why London- and Riyadh-Based Founders Should Apply

• Non‑dilutive capital through SIGP avoids equity dilution, ideal for early‑stage innovation founders targeting scalable RDI initiatives.

• Strategic alignment: The grants direct capital precisely where Vision 2030 needs it—healthcare innovation, green energy, and sustainable food and water solutions .

• Operational leverage: For UK‑based founders planning an RHQ or expansion into the GCC, Saudi incorporation unlocks tailored support and credibility.

• Inclusive support: Women‑led ventures benefit from specific pipelines via Monsha’at, NGOs, and the Social Development Bank .

Data & Market Trends (Saudi vs. Global Benchmarks)

• Saudi venture funding is booming: In H1 2025, startups raised $1.34 billion, a 342 % YoY surge .

• July 2025 was a record month: MENA raised $783 million across 57 deals—Saudi Arabia accounted for $396.5 million across 16 deals .

• Deep tech and SaaS dominate: Deep tech and e‑commerce each raised roughly $250 million, with SaaS next at $89 million; fintech is cooling .

• These funding flows are underpinned by Vision 2030 funding frameworks and ecosystem support, creating a fertile grant‑plus‑investment nexus.

Common Pain Points & Actionable Solutions

Pain Point 1 – Navigating Saudi Grants Complexity

Solution: Use a step-by-step application framework:

1. Incorporate a legal entity in Saudi or register via Monsha’at.

2. Clearly align your project with SIGP/Monsha’at priority sectors.

3. Prepare business plans and RDI roadmaps demonstrating scalable impact and commercial viability.

4. Engage Saudi‑based consultants or partners for Saudization and IKTVA alignment.

Pain Point 2 – Equity vs Grant Trade-Off

Solution: Position your model as grant-funded early, moving to investment later. Use SIGP funds for RDI and prototyping, then leverage investor rounds backed by validated milestones.

Pain Point 3 – Managing Grant Compliance

Solution: Adhere to usage audits, reporting schedules, and deliverable milestones. Partner with regulators or advisory firms to ensure grant-acceptable use, as dictated by Monsha’at and SIDF policies .

Step-by-Step Framework to Access Grants

Conclusion

Vision 2030 startup grants, especially SIGP, Monsha’at, and SIDF, provide non-dilutive capital that can be leveraged by London- and Riyadh-based founders to accelerate RDI, secure pilot partners, and launch with credibility. With funding flows surging across deep tech, SaaS, and sustainability, these grants are a smart gateway to market entry and scale. By following a structured application and compliance framework, founders can de-risk their Saudi launch and build a path toward VC funding and multi-year national contracts. For founders, investors, and government partners, now is the moment to move from opportunity to execution and 7startup is ready to help you sequence every step.

If you’re a western tech founder exploring Vision 2030 alignment and funding, 7startup can guide you through grant applications, PoCs, and scaling.

FAQs

Q1: What types of startup grants does Saudi Arabia offer under Vision 2030?

A: Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia offers several grant schemes: the non-equity Saudi Innovation Grant Program (SIGP) for RDI in health, sustainability, and energy; Monsha’at grants for SMEs including women-led businesses; and SIDF grants/loans for industrial, logistics, and mining ventures. These programs align with national priorities and offer valuable funding pathways.

Q2: How can foreign startups apply for Vision 2030 grants?

Foreign startups must establish a Saudi entity or partner with a local organisation to qualify. Applications are submitted through Monsha’at, SIGP, or SIDF portals. Proposals must show alignment with Vision 2030 sectors, clear commercial viability, and RDI (research, development, innovation) roadmaps.

Q3: Are Vision 2030 startup grants non-dilutive?

Yes. Grants under Vision 2030 programs such as SIGP and Monsha’at are non-dilutive, meaning founders retain 100% equity. This makes them attractive for London and Riyadh founders seeking early-stage funding to validate technologies before raising venture capital rounds.

Q4: Which sectors qualify for Vision 2030 startup grants?

Priority sectors include health and life sciences, clean energy and hydrogen, AI and deep tech, logistics, and sustainable water and food solutions. These areas are central to Vision 2030’s national transformation plan and represent the fastest-growing funding streams for startups.

Q5: What is the benefit of grants compared to VC funding in Saudi Arabia?

Grants provide early traction without equity dilution, helping startups de-risk operations, run proof-of-concepts, and gain credibility with regulators. Founders can then leverage results to secure larger VC or corporate investment, combining non-dilutive and equity funding for faster market entry.