Saudi agritech startup Nabt has successfully closed a $3.4 million Seed Extension funding round, elevating its total capital to $5 million. The investment was led by SHG Group, with continued support from early backer Merak Capital and other distinguished angel investors. This new capital injection is earmarked for scaling the company's innovative infrastructure designed to modernize the Kingdom's fresh-produce supply chain.
Modernizing the Kingdom's Produce Supply Chain
Nabt is strategically building both physical and digital infrastructure to address long-standing inefficiencies in Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector. The company operates a B2B marketplace that directly connects farmers with commercial buyers, aiming to enhance profitability for producers. This model ensures businesses receive a consistent and high-quality supply of fresh produce, streamlining the entire value chain.
Central to its operations is a growing network of fulfillment centers equipped for sorting, grading, and cold storage. These hubs manage temperature-controlled logistics, enabling farmers to deliver produce at scale while maintaining quality standards. By providing this crucial infrastructure, Nabt allows businesses to source their supplies more reliably and efficiently than ever before.
Digital Innovation at the Core
The company has introduced powerful digital tools to complement its physical operations, including the recently launched Nabt Online Auction platform. This digital marketplace facilitates large-scale produce trading across the Kingdom, increasing market transparency and improving price discovery for all participants. It provides farmers with broader access to markets that were previously difficult to reach through traditional channels.
Alongside its auction platform, Nabt offers Nabt Intel, a real-time market intelligence system. This tool provides live pricing data and demand trends, empowering farmers to maximize the value of their crops. Simultaneously, it gives businesses the data-driven insights needed to plan their purchases with greater accuracy and competitiveness.
Strategic Expansion and Investor Confidence
The newly secured funds will fuel Nabt's ambitious expansion plans across Saudi Arabia. The company intends to enter additional cities, broaden its portfolio of fresh produce, and grow its nationwide customer network. These efforts will also involve reinforcing its operational infrastructure to further enhance market access for farmers throughout the Kingdom.
Investor confidence in Nabt's vision is strong, with lead investor SHG Group highlighting the startup as a pioneering model that bridges technology with agriculture. Othman Alhokail of Merak Capital noted that Nabt is effectively addressing supply chain fragmentation with its digital-first approach. Both investors see the company as a key player in creating lasting productivity gains for the economy.
Aligning with National Food Security Goals
Nabt's mission is closely aligned with the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, particularly in strengthening national food security. By building a more resilient and efficient food supply system, the company is contributing directly to the Kingdom's strategic priorities. The funding announcement was fittingly made during an event for the Sunbola program, under the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
Abdullah Alotaibi, Nabt's founder and CEO, emphasized that the company's vision is to create a model that not only serves the Kingdom but also sets a benchmark for the region. With the Saudi fresh-produce market valued at $19 billion, Nabt is well-positioned to become a foundational player. The startup aims to power the nation's produce economy while driving sustainability and efficiency.
This latest funding round marks a significant milestone for Nabt, empowering it to accelerate its mission of transforming Saudi Arabia's agricultural landscape. By integrating advanced technology with robust logistics, the company is creating a more transparent, efficient, and profitable ecosystem for fresh produce. Nabt's continued growth promises to deliver substantial benefits to farmers, businesses, and the Kingdom's long-term food security objectives.