Crowdfunding Platforms and Startup Financing in the Arab Region: Opportunities, Challenges and Institutional Constraints
Baya Ouaguenouni; Nabila Benkattas; Baya Saou; Derradji Raki; Nabila Belmehdi; Ouahiba Louahab
Authors and Affiliations
Baya Ouaguenouni
Akli Mohand Oulhaj University, Bouira, Algeria
Email: b.ouaguenouni@univ-bouira.dz
Nabila Benkattas
Amar Telidji University, Laghouat, Algeria
Email: n.benkattas@lagh-univ.dz
Baya Saou
Akli Mohand Oulhaj University, Bouira, Algeria
Email: b.saou@univ-bouira.dz
Derradji Raki
Akli Mohand Oulhaj University, Bouira, Algeria
Email: d.raki@univ-bouira.dz
Nabila Belmehdi
Akli Mohand Oulhaj University, Bouira, Algeria
Email: n.belmehdi@univ-bouira.dz
Ouahiba Louahab
Akli Mohand Oulhaj University, Bouira, Algeria
Email: o.louahab@univ-bouira.dz
Keywords
Crowdfunding Startups Financial Technologies (FinTech) Alternative Finance Financing Gap Arab Region Entrepreneurship Financial Inclusion
Abstract
This study examines the role of crowdfunding platforms as an alternative financing mechanism for addressing the financial constraints faced by startups operating in the Arab region. Employing a descriptive–analytical methodology and drawing upon secondary data sources, the study explores the financing challenges encountered by startups, the conceptual and theoretical foundations of crowdfunding, its principal models, and the functions of the key stakeholders involved in the crowdfunding ecosystem. The analysis further investigates the institutional, regulatory, technological, and operational factors influencing the development of crowdfunding mechanisms across selected Arab countries. The findings indicate that crowdfunding platforms possess substantial potential to enhance access to finance, stimulate innovative entrepreneurship, and promote financial inclusion. However, the effectiveness of these platforms remains constrained by fragmented regulatory frameworks, underdeveloped digital infrastructure, varying levels of institutional maturity, and limited investor confidence. The study concludes that strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, accelerating digital transformation, fostering fintech innovation, and enhancing coordination among regulatory authorities are essential prerequisites for the sustainable development of crowdfunding ecosystems in the Arab region. Such reforms would contribute significantly to entrepreneurial growth, startup financing, and broader economic diversification objectives.
JEL Classification Codes
G23 G24 O31 O53
How to Cite
Ouaguenouni, B., Benkattas, N., Saou, B., Raki, D., Belmehdi, N., & Louahab, O. (2026). Crowdfunding Platforms and Startup Financing in the Arab Region: Opportunities, Challenges and Institutional Constraints. Science, Education and Innovations in the Context of Modern Problems, 9(9), 1–18.
Publication History
| Received | February 04, 2026 |
| Accepted | May 22, 2026 |
| Published Online | June 13, 2026 |
Open Access and Licensing
© 2026 The Author(s).
Published by Science, Education and Innovations in the Context of Modern Problems (SEI) under the auspices of IMCRA – International Meetings and Conferences Research Association (Azerbaijan).
This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
CC BY 4.0 LicenseReferences
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