TDF Grow
Nurturing the Next Generation of Businesses
TDF Grow is a proactive program creating significant positive impact across the tourism ecosystem.
It goes beyond conventional support by empowering startups, fostering innovation, and accelerating growth. Through this initiative, the Fund nurtures entrepreneurial talent and strengthens market readiness, ensuring emerging businesses are equipped for long-term success
TDF Grow objectives
Support SMEs to address challenges
Prepare SMEs for funding
Connect SMEs to the right partners
- Total number of participants: 333+ participants
- Total number of training hours: 300+ hours
- Total number of sessions and workshops conducted: 315+
- Total investments secured for start-ups: SAR 20+ Mn
- Total number of collaborations and partnerships formed between start-ups: 26+ collaborations and partnerships
- Total number of models registered for intellectual property: 9 Models registered
Start-ups that participated in previous years and then returned for subsequent cohorts:
1. Eish’ha Tours: participated in the pre-seed program & co-working spaces and also got funded by TDF. 2. Nsr & Be Tours: graduated from Bootcamp Program with an MVP and later joined the current Accelerator Program.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are crucial contributors to the global economy, with approximately 50 million new businesses set up each year. - Microsoft, 2022
In the MENA region, startups continue to emerge as a formidable economic force, securing SAR 857 Mn in investments in April 2025 alone, across 26 deals. Saudi Arabia leads this growth, attracting SAR 595 Mn accounting for approximately 69% of the total investment in the region, followed by the UAE, with nine startups raising a total of SAR 233 Mn (WAMDA, 2025).
However, SMEs encounter significant challenges, including limited access to financing and complex regulations. TDF Grow, the Fund’s non-profit program dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium-sized start-ups, is committed to addressing these issues by offering tailored support, funding opportunities, and valuable resources that empower SMEs to thrive in Saudi Arabia.
TDF Grow focuses on fostering innovation and development through services designed to tackle the challenges at every stage of the tourism startup life cycle - from Inspiration/ Ideation to Early Stage and Growth/Maturity - equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and networks essential for their success.
Inspiration / Ideation
- Mass offering
- Tourism Bootcamp
Early Stage
- Handicrafts & Souvenirs Accelerator
- Tourism Bootcamp
- Grow Co-working Spaces & Grow Mentor
Growth / Maturity
- Tourism Accelerator
- F&B Accelerator
- Tourism Rural Accelerator
- Grow Co-working Spaces & Grow Mentor
TDF Grow Programmes
Grow Tourism Bootcamp
Grow Tourism Accelerator
- Tourism Accelerator
- F&B Accelerator
- Tourism Rural Accelerator
- Handicrafts & Souvenirs Accelerator
Mass Trainings
TDF Grow Mentor
TDF Grow Spaces
Grow Tourism Bootcamp
A national call to identify and develop promising ideas in the Kingdom. The bootcamp sets competitive challenges to select top applicants, who undergo intensive training, mentorship and MVP development.
2024 impact
- Hackathons conducted in 3 cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, AL Khobar) with 250+ participants
- 69 MVPs created
- 35 New commercial registrations (CR)
- 100+ hours of training delivered through 34 workshops
- Participants gain investor readiness and regulatory guidance
Grow Tourism Accelerator
An initiative to connect ambitious entrepreneurs with industry experts for mentorship and investment opportunities. The program seeks top-tier startups focused on innovative solutions in the tourism sector. The Grow Tourism Accelerator Programs launched in 2024 included:
Handicraft & Souvenirs Accelerator
- 40 participants completed the hackathon, 15 entered the accelerator
- All the accepted start-ups in the program were led by handicrafts and artisans.
- 40+ hours of training session
- 9 models have been registered for intellectual property
Tourism Rural Accelerator
This accelerator is designed to support and grow emerging lodging ventures in the hospitality sector, particularly those with less than 18 months of operation, by inviting farm owners committed to enhancing cultural experiences and sustainable hospitality for visitors to the Kingdom.
- 18 participants (farm & lodge owners)
- 5 sessions led by 5 industry experts.
- 125+ training hours & 90+ mentorship hours were conducted
Program activities included
- 16 professional photography sessions
- 5 interior design consultation sessions
- 18 listing content creation sessions
- 6 tourist activities consultation sessions
- 18 1:1 weekly sessions
- 5 new tools were introduced
Program Impact Summary
- 75% Increase in revenue (1.3 million SAR in generated revenue)
- 84% increase in bookings for the Farms (1289 total bookings)
- 31 new social media accounts
- 4 jobs created
- 59% increase in listing (13 new listings created)
- 100% increase in branding (10 logos created)
Tourism Accelerator
15 start-ups were accepted out of 112 applicants. From these 15 participating start-ups:
- 9 startups in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 2 startups in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- 2 startups in Dubai, UAE
- 1 startup in Seoul, South Korea
- 1 startup in Manama, Bahrain
Secured SAR20+ Mn in investments. Examples of start-ups that secured external funding post-graduation:
- JARAS: closed its pre-seed investment round with a 2.5 million SAR investment, which will be invested in product development and expanding the customer base.
- Verofax: secured a SAR 11.3 Mn investment in bridge round, led by King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, Plug & Play Tech Center, Navig8 Group, and Trove Capital UK. The funding will aid Verofax’ s to develop its projects in the Middle East and the EU, including AI-powered guides for the GCC and sports fan guides in the EU and North America.
- Darent: raised a SAR 3.75 Mn pre-Seed round led by Watheeq Proptech Venture with the participation of other investors, which will be used to utilise the round in enhancing its AI technology and supporting its marketing efforts.
26+ collaborations and partnerships between startups designed to empower entrepreneurs and investors in the tourism sector through a comprehensive 3-month program that provides non-financial support, including workshops, expert consultations, and connections to financial institutions and investors.
F&B Accelerator
This accelerator is designed to enhance growth and foster innovation in the Food Service industry in Saudi Arabia, while creating connections with industry leaders and attracting investment opportunities to boost the competitiveness of the tourism sector.
Out of 134 applicants,15 start-ups were accepted:
- 7 start-ups in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 1 start-up in Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- 1 start-up in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- 2 start-ups in Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- 1 start-up in Dubai, UAE
- 1 start-up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- 1 start-up in Madrid, Spain
- 1 start-up in Malaga, Spain
- 15 F&B start-ups referred for funding though VC, angel investors, and Funds
- 40+ hours of mentoring delivered & 60+ training hours
Mass Training
Regular training sessions for tourism startup owners that emphasise knowledge sharing and community support. These live e-learning experiences focus on the latest trends in the Saudi tourism sector, helping participants enhance their skills and expertise.
Several training sessions were conducted for SMEs during 2024, including the following:
- Mastering the Art of Guiding: Elevating the Tourist Experience
- Marine Tourism and Coastal Heritage
- The Art of Creating Saudi Souvenirs
- Analysing the Latest Trends in Tourism Experiences for Enhancing the Saudi Tourism Experience
- The Financial Plan for Your Tourism Business.
- The Impact of Wellness Tourism in Creating Exceptional Experiences.
2024 impact
- Conducted 19 physical & online sessions serving 3500+ beneficiaries YTD
- Supported users from business modelling to feasibility studies, connected them with industry experts, and simplifies legal and financial processes
TDF Grow Mentor
Mentorship sessions tailored for tourism entrepreneurs providing essential guidance and support to entrepreneurs through scheduled interactions with experienced mentors, helping them grow, acquire new skills, and achieve their goals more effectively.
2024 impact
- Conducted 160+ physical and online 1-1 mentorship sessions
- Empowered startups to grow and innovate, with experienced mentors helping develop essential skills and strategies for success.
TDF Grow Spaces
Aimed at supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, TDF Grow Spaces offer vibrant co-working environments that promote collaboration and innovation.
2024 impact
- 25+ tenants utilised the co-working space
- Conducted 12+ workshops for the tenants
These spaces empowered entrepreneurs to share ideas and drive growth in the tourism industry by simplifying business setup, facilitating networking, and providing access to the expertise of established professionals.
Startups Driving Sustainable Development
While TDF Grow startups are focused on enhancing the tourism sector in KSA, they are equally committed to fostering sustainable development within the KSA tourism ecosystem.
Through their agility, innovation, and community engagement, these businesses play a vital role in promoting environmental stewardship and socio-economic empowerment. TDF Grow startups support a diverse range of sustainability themes, including but not limited to:
- Transition to sustainable energy
- Circular economy practices
- Nature conservation
- Cultural preservation
- Empowerment of women and local communities
Case Study
Rehla
Rehla is Saudi Arabia’s first ride sharing application, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional transport by connecting passengers travelling to the same destination. Inspired by the shared economy, Rehla combines ride-sharing, ride-hailing, and guided tours into a single platform, with ambitions to become a regional “super app.” The startup addresses key sustainability challenges by reducing carbon emissions, creating job opportunities, and enhancing tourism experiences.
Rehla’s model is particularly impactful in religious tourism hubs such as Makkah and Madinah, where shared rides help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact. As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Rehla is positioned to support low-emission transport solutions across multiple cities.
The Fund has supported Rehla through its Grow Startup Support Program, recognising its alignment with sustainability themes such as emissions reduction, community empowerment, and sustainable mobility.
Impact Highlights
- 45,958 kg of CO2e emissions saved through ride sharing trips
- 400,000 total trips completed (as of 2025)
- 20,000 ride sharing trips completed (as of 2025)
- 20% increase in ride sharing trips between 2023 and 2024
- 59% increase in new user registrations (2023–2024)
- 104% increase in new trip captains registered (2023–2024)
- Tree-planting initiative: One tree planted per ride, with customer participation encouraged
Growth and Recognition
- Expanded to 12 cities globally since 2023
- Featured in KAUST’s “37 TAQADAM Startups Ready to Disrupt”
- Covered by Entrepreneur Middle East and Arab News
Case Study
Jood
Founded by Dr. Layla Al Refaee, Jood is a pioneering platform that empowers women and productive families in Saudi Arabia by transforming home cooking into a sustainable source of income. Operating as a marketplace for freelance home chefs, Jood enables users to discover and order authentic, locally prepared meals while promoting culinary heritage and community empowerment.
Jood’s flexible business model allows chefs - primarily women - to work on their own terms, overcoming barriers in the mainstream food delivery sector. The platform also supports responsible consumption through its food-sharing feature, which helps reduce waste by enabling chefs to sell surplus meals.
Recognised for its impact in sustainable tourism, Jood was selected as a finalist at the 9th United Nations World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2024. It continues to expand its reach through partnerships, including with Umm Al Qura Charity Organisation, integrating productive families into its ecosystem.
The Fund has supported Jood through its Grow Startup Support Program, acknowledging its alignment with sustainability themes such as community empowerment, women’s inclusion, cultural preservation, and responsible consumption.
Impact Highlights
- 139 registered female home chefs (as of 2025)
- 300 meals served (as of 2025)
- 80% growth in female home chef registrations (2024–2025)
- 20% growth in meals provided (2024–2025)
- 40% growth in active users (2024–2025)
- Live map feature promotes food sharing and reduces waste
Growth and Recognition
- Finalist at the 9th UN World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism (2024)
- Featured on MBC
- Winner of Taif Innovates competition (2024)
- Participant in the Saudi Social Entrepreneurship Summit (2025)
Case Study
Hido
Founded by Wojoud Al Ubaid, Hido is a pioneering platform that connects tourists with local hosts to deliver authentic cultural experiences across Saudi Arabia. Operating in regions such as Riyadh, Sudair, and Al Qassim, Hido offers immersive activities that celebrate Saudi heritage, from family hosting and guided tours to cultural participation and traditional crafts.
Hido’s model promotes economic inclusion, community empowerment, and cultural preservation, aligning with TDF’s sustainability priorities. By engaging local families and individuals as hosts and guides, the platform creates income opportunities while enriching the tourism experience with genuine, locally rooted interactions.
The Fund has supported Hido through its Grow Startup Support Program, recognising its contribution to sustainable tourism development and its alignment with themes such as community empowerment, preserving culture and heritage, and inclusive economic growth.
Impact Highlights
- 83% female team, promoting gender inclusion
- 500+ active platform users
- 40+ local experiences offered
- 50+ guides, host families, and local travel enthusiasts engaged
- Targeting 5,000 local experience requests by 2025
- Targeting 50% regional coverage across Saudi Arabia by 2025
- Targeting 25,000 active platform users by 2025
Growth and Recognition
- Winner of the Misk Foundation Spark Award (2021)