The global technology event LEAP 2026 will return to Riyadh from August 31 to September 3, bringing together more than 1,000 investors representing USD 14.3 trillion in assets under management. Over 900 investment firms are confirmed to attend the fifth edition of the conference. The gathering follows the 2025 event, which recorded USD 14.9 billion in investment announcements across diverse technology sectors.
Capital Strategy and Matchmaking at LEAP 2026
Capital allocation serves as a core focus for the upcoming event. Organizers have scheduled direct one-to-one meetings between startup founders and fund managers on the dedicated Investor Stage. Furthermore, an artificial intelligence system within the event application will facilitate targeted connections among capital providers, exhibitors, and corporate leaders seeking growth opportunities in the economy.
The broader program includes Ecosystem Xchange, which concentrates on market access, soft-landing assistance, and cross-border partnerships through specialized workshops. Meanwhile, the LEAP Connect initiative offers a networking setting for technology executives to discuss enterprise expansion and cross-industry cooperation.
Rocket Fuel Startup Competition
The Rocket Fuel competition returns as a primary vehicle for early-stage companies seeking market entry into Saudi Arabia. Organizers selected 100 startups from an international pool of over 3,000 applications. These finalists represent more than 40 nationalities across 12 sectors and 60 subsectors.
The selected startups will present live pitches to compete for USD 1 million in equity-free funding. Participating firms developing solutions in artificial intelligence and software include Think AI, Zinki AI, Annot8, EleeN, Uvera, RightNowAI, DuoKey, and AtomicaAI.
Participating Investors and Global Firms
Several major institutional investors and venture capital firms have confirmed their participation. The roster includes the Public Investment Fund, General Atlantic, HUMAIN, Aramco Ventures, Merak Capital, Impact46, 500 Global, Sanabil Investments, Raed Ventures, J.P. Morgan, STV, Gobi Partners, Morgan Stanley, and MSA Capital.
“LEAP has become an increasingly important platform for bringing together the founders, investors, and industry leaders shaping the future of technology. As AI continues to transform industries worldwide, the ability to connect ambitious entrepreneurs with experienced investors and strategic partners has never been more critical.”
Mazin Alzaidi, General Partner at STV
Long-Term Commercial Impact
The conference series has demonstrated ongoing commercial outcomes for participating companies. For instance, Saudi startup Ejari secured a USD 400,000 investment following connections established at the 2023 edition, facilitating its operational expansion across the Kingdom. The organizers structure the event to sustain post-conference business development and capital deployment.
“Today, LEAP has become a place where ideas attract investment, partnerships drive innovation and emerging technologies scale into real businesses.”
Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice-President and Co-Creator of LEAP
