Arable, a Saudi-based AgriTech startup, has successfully closed a $2.55 million Seed funding round, led by undisclosed investors. The company is co-founded by Lawrence Ong and Christina Khalife. The Saudi AgriTech startup aims to revolutionize vegetable farming in the Kingdom using hydroponic systems tailored for desert climates.
Arable offers tailored solutions for the arid Saudi farmland
Arable’s hydroponic systems are designed specifically for Saudi Arabia’s harsh climate. Evidently, this will set them apart from imported technologies that are optimized for cooler, temperate conditions. Arable’s engineering systems withstand high temperatures and intense sunlight. In effect, this ensures maximum efficiency and productivity. These innovations mean facilities start up four times faster, at a quarter of the cost, and with operating expenses 2.5 times lower than existing regional solutions.
Moreover, Arable takes pride in its localized approach: 80% of the system components are either sourced or manufactured within Saudi Arabia. In brief, this reduces reliance on foreign imports and supports the Kingdom’s push toward self-sufficiency.
Arable and the Saudi Vision 2030
Arable’s mission complements Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes reducing food imports and increasing local agricultural production. The company aims to position the Kingdom as a regional leader in sustainable vegetable farming.
“Our goal is to help Saudi Arabia achieve self-sufficiency in vegetable production and become an exporter of premium-quality produce,” said Lawrence Ong, Arable’s CEO. He highlighted the country’s unparalleled support for startups, particularly through organizations like the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) and the Ministry of Investment (MISA).
Backed by Global Investors
An impressive 90% of the $2.55M funding came from international investors, a testament to Arable’s potential to drive meaningful innovation. These funds, spent inside Saudi Arabia, will further develop the nation’s agricultural ecosystem.
“Saudi Arabia offers a thriving ecosystem for startups,” explained Ong. “With support from key organizations like NTDP and Monshaat, we’ve been able to grow quickly and bring cutting-edge technology directly to the Kingdom.”
A Bright Future for Sustainable Agriculture
Arable envisions a future where Saudi Arabia not only meets its domestic food needs but also becomes a global hub for sustainable farming practices. Through partnerships with government bodies and private entities, the company is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in agriculture.
Dr. Ali Alsabhan, General Manager of Entrepreneurship at MEWA, expressed his support for Arable’s work: “Their innovative hydroponic systems, designed for local conditions and built using predominantly local components, set new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability. We’re proud to support their journey as they enhance agricultural self-sufficiency and attract global interest.”
The startup combines strategic funding, government support, and cutting-edge technology. All these ingredients show that Arable is well-positioned to lead Saudi Arabia into a new era of agricultural innovation.
