A Step Forward for Saudi Retail Innovation

Saudi Arabia’s push toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy has gained another ally. In a major boost to its digital transformation efforts, BirdEye, a Riyadh-based retail tech startup, has secured SAR 2.2 million (approx. USD 586,000) in a pre-seed funding round. This capital injection marks a crucial milestone in the startup’s journey, enabling it to scale and provide innovative tools tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The funding also reflects growing investor interest in localized tech solutions that empower traditional industries—like retail—to leap into the digital future. With a mission rooted in simplification and automation, BirdEye is poised to help thousands of merchants manage their operations more efficiently through technology, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

About BirdEye: Bridging Retail and Technology

Founded in late 2024 by Abdullah Bin Omairah and Abdulrahman Al Hassan, BirdEye emerged from the need to streamline retail operations for SMEs in the Kingdom. While e-commerce giants and enterprise retailers have access to sophisticated systems, many local businesses continue to rely on manual methods or fragmented tools. BirdEye aims to change that by offering a comprehensive, cloud-based retail management platform that is simple, affordable, and customizable.

The platform includes features such as inventory tracking, digital receipts, sales analytics, customer engagement, and automated reporting—all accessible through a mobile-first interface. By reducing the time and effort required for administrative tasks, BirdEye allows retail entrepreneurs to focus more on growing their business and less on paperwork.

Funding Highlights: Where the SAR 2.2 Million Will Go

This pre-seed funding round was led by a local private investor fund focused on nurturing Saudi-born startups in critical sectors like fintech, healthtech, and retailtech. The fund’s backing not only provides financial support but also strategic guidance and networking opportunities within the Kingdom’s growing tech ecosystem.

The raised capital will be allocated in several key areas:

• Product Development: BirdEye plans to enhance its platform by integrating AI-powered inventory forecasting, multilingual support for diverse users, and new modules for loyalty and promotions.
• Team Expansion: The startup aims to grow its team from 7 to over 25 employees, hiring specialists in software engineering, UI/UX design, sales, customer support, and local market outreach.
• Market Reach: A portion of the funds will support digital marketing campaigns, partnerships with local retail chambers, and onboarding workshops in cities beyond Riyadh, including Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah.

The founders have emphasized that the goal is to build a Saudi-grown solution for Saudi retailers, with potential to expand regionally in the near future.

Strategic Fit with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

BirdEye’s value proposition is deeply aligned with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s long-term blueprint for national transformation. One of the key pillars of this vision is fostering a vibrant SME sector, which includes enabling technology adoption among local businesses to boost efficiency and global competitiveness.

The Kingdom has already launched various initiatives to support digitalization—such as the Monsha’at SME Authority, the E-Commerce National Program, and numerous tech accelerator hubs. BirdEye is a prime example of a homegrown innovation that addresses the specific needs of local businesses, without relying on imported, one-size-fits-all tools.

Furthermore, the startup contributes to job creation, talent development, and economic diversification—three crucial components of Saudi Arabia’s transformation agenda. By integrating young Saudi professionals into its core team and serving a largely domestic client base, BirdEye stands as a model of how technology can fuel grassroots economic change.

What’s Next? The Road Ahead for BirdEye

Looking forward, BirdEye has ambitious plans. The company intends to:

• Launch BirdEye Pro, a premium tier with advanced analytics and integrations for point-of-sale hardware.
• Develop a vendor marketplace that allows local suppliers and retailers to connect directly within the platform.
• Expand into neighboring Gulf countries (UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait) by late 2026, focusing on markets with similar retail infrastructures.

The company is also considering applying for a government-backed innovation grant and participating in local startup exhibitions, such as LEAP and Biban. These efforts will help it gain visibility and credibility within the tech startup ecosystem in the Kingdom and beyond.

As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and digital excellence, BirdEye’s trajectory shows how local startups can create scalable solutions that are both impactful and sustainable.

Conclusion

BirdEye’s SAR 2.2 million pre-seed funding round is more than just a financial milestone—it’s a signal that Saudi Arabia’s retail tech sector is maturing, and that there’s growing trust in young innovators who understand local challenges firsthand.

As BirdEye scales its operations, enhances its platform, and deepens its roots in the Kingdom, it serves as a beacon of what’s possible when vision, technology, and opportunity converge. Whether you’re a startup founder, tech investor, or retail entrepreneur, BirdEye is one to watch in 2025.