Prime Highlights:
Arable secures $2.55 million in seed funding to advance hydroponic farming in Saudi Arabia, with 90% of capital raised from foreign investors.
Hydroponic farming technology offers a sustainable solution for agriculture in Saudi Arabia, addressing water scarcity and harsh climate conditions.
Strategic partnerships and government support from entities like the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and Ministry of Investment, foster rapid growth for the startup.
Key Background:
Arable, a Saudi-based agritech startup, has successfully raised $2.55 million in a seed funding round, marking a significant step forward for the Kingdom’s hydroponic farming sector. The round attracted a blend of institutional and private investors, with 90% of the capital sourced from foreign investors. The funds will be used to support the company’s expansion within Saudi Arabia, aiming to enhance the country’s agricultural capabilities.
Saudi Arabia faces considerable agricultural challenges due to its arid climate and limited water resources, exacerbated by groundwater salinization. In this context, hydroponic farming—growing plants without soil using nutrient-rich water solutions—presents a promising solution. Arable’s innovative approach to hydroponics allows for faster, more cost-effective setups with reduced operational expenses, aligning with the Kingdom’s goal of boosting local food production.
Founded in 2024 by Lawrence Ong and Christina Khalife, Arable specializes in designing and operating hydroponic farming systems that are particularly suited to the harsh desert climate of the Arabian Peninsula. The company’s systems are designed for sustainability, with 80% of components locally sourced or manufactured, contributing to the Kingdom’s push for self-sufficiency in agriculture.
Arable’s growth has been supported by strategic partnerships and strong government backing, including from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and the Ministry of Investment. The company is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly in reducing food imports and fostering local innovation.
The success of Arable’s seed funding round underscores the growing interest in Saudi Arabia’s agritech sector, which has seen significant investment in technologies like hydroponics and drones, contributing to the Kingdom’s agricultural transformation. As Arable continues to scale, its efforts are expected to enhance the Kingdom’s agricultural self-sufficiency and attract global attention, furthering the nation’s economic diversification goals.
