The Startup Ecosystem of Jordan

Jordan prides itself on a high level of entrepreneurial activity. The country has nurtured several successful startups, such as Arabia Weather, Abjjad, and the promising enterprises of MonoJo, Mawdoo3, and Tamatem. These successes are in part due to multiple incubators, accelerators, and investment programs available.
For instance, Jordan is home to Oasis500, Innovative Jordan, and the Innovative Startups Fund Project from the World Bank, all working to facilitate startup and small business registration processes, celebrate local innovators, and encourage Arab and foreign investors to pour capital into Jordan’s startup ecosystem. The capital city of Amman hosts the Jordan Startup Expo, which is participated in by startups, private sector organizations, government representatives, and other ecosystem stakeholders. The country is also enjoying the presence of a talented team from Response Innovation Labs and their ongoing support of local entrepreneurs. Despite this massive startup support network, entrepreneurs are discouraged by high tax rates and investment barriers. However, the public sector has been active in reducing the red tape and enacting laws to promote investment. In this respect, the country has VC companies like Propeller Inc., Al Arabi Investment Group Co., Amwal Invest PLC, and AdamTec that help startups scale.
Political stability and a strategic location are great assets for Jordan. The country’s main challenge will be to make its most ambitious and talented entrepreneurs stay and develop their startups in Jordan. With the active support of the government, the startup scene can flourish in the coming years and produce more success stories.