8 Iraqi Startups And Scaleups To Watch In 2025

Iraq’s startup ecosystem ranks #119 globally and #10 in the SWANA region. Despite structural challenges such as regulatory hurdles, limited access to funding, and underdeveloped digital infrastructure, venture capital investment has increased since our 10 Startups In Iraq You Need To Know About list in 2018. This growth is evidenced by the emergence of several promising startups across various sectors:

1. Wayl (Baghdad)

Wayl is transforming social media merchants into real businesses by enabling seamless online payments without the need for company registration or payment gateways. Merchants can easily create product catalogs, manage orders, and analyse their audience through a user-friendly interface. 

Partnering with First Iraqi Bank, Wayl now supports QR payments for instant settlements. In 2024, Wayl’s electronic payments grew 11x with over 100 million IQD processed, driven by organic merchant growth.

Wayl’s electronic payment penetration is at 14%, whereas the overall market average is only 3%.

2. Lezzoo (Erbil)

Lezzoo, the region’s leading super app, has witnessed major breakthroughs in 2024, most recently the launch of JIRAN, a social-commerce platform allowing users to create profiles, open shops, and engage with the community. Offering free product listings, AI-managed content, and seamless delivery.

Furthermore, Lezzoo has witnessed notable expansion over the past year, now covering over 50% of Iraq’s market. In Karbala, Najaf, Baghdad, and Nineveh, Lezzoo tripled its serviceable market and surpassed its total GMV from the past 4.5 years in just one year.

3. 1001 (Baghdad)

1001 is a rapidly growing over-the-top media service. Launched in 2023 just before Ramadan, 1001 attracted a million users within three weeks, 80% from Iraq and the rest from the diaspora. Its rapid growth is driven by founding investor Al Sharqiya, Iraq’s largest TV network, whose full program roster 1001 is licensed to offer. 

In 2024 the platform scored major deals, including the rights to stream all 380 LaLiga EA Sports matches. 1001 also offers movies, series, documentaries, and exclusive Iraqi-dubbed content. 

4. Simma (Baghdad)

Simma, founded in 2022, is revolutionising digital payments in Iraq. The startup aims to minimise market risks and streamline the path to digital payments, empowering e-tailers to tap into Iraq’s massive market potential. By 2024, Simma had already facilitated over $12.3 million in transactions, with $1.3 million processed digitally through the Simma wallet. The company’s innovative approach includes:

• A three-phase strategy focusing on user acquisition, digital wallet introduction, and expansion into digital financial services
• Addressing trust issues by positioning itself as a reliable provider of digital services
• Offering international brands to create a compelling use case for digital payments

5. Orderii (Baghdad)

Orderii bridges Iraqi customers with international markets, allowing seamless shopping from U.S., Turkish, and European websites. In 2024, Orderii’s e-payment share surged from 50% to 95%, driven by collaborations with Iraqi banks. On Black Friday this year they achieved their highest daily GMV, growing by 3x compared to Black Friday of last year, showcasing evident growth. The platform launched an “Orderii Gifts” service, which now enables users worldwide to send gifts to Iraq, further boosting cross-border commerce.

6. Sindibad (Baghdad)

Sindibad is a leading travel app. They launched an eSIM service, providing instant activation and affordable connectivity in Iraq and beyond. The platform’s Smart Travel Assistant helps users book flights, find the best prices, and manage itineraries. With over 1 million users on Google Play, Sindibad continues to redefine travel experiences.

7. Saleem (Baghdad)

This doctor-led healthcare app provides physiotherapy, nursing, and doctor visits while introducing telemedicine, bringing medical services directly to Iraqi patients at home.
Launched in March 2024, the app has already reached the 1000 patient milestone and shared success stories for patients whilst also providing job opportunities for healthcare professionals.

8. IQ Cars (Erbil)

iQ Cars is Iraq’s largest online car marketplace, transforming the car buying and selling experience with over 2 million downloads and 400,000+ users. Launched in 2020, iQ Cars operates across major cities like Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra. The platform facilitates more than 2.2 million car searches and 7.5 million listing clicks each month. 

iQ Cars signed a long-term agreement with Toyota Iraq to support USelect, the country’s first certified pre-owned car retail program, further solidifying its position as a market leader. Additionally, the company renewed its collaboration with MG distributor GK-Auto, offering targeted digital marketing, lead generation, and market insights to strengthen MG’s presence in Iraq. With over 30,000 active car listings, iQ Cars continues to set the standard for Iraq’s automotive digital marketplace, making vehicle transactions more seamless, efficient, and accessible than ever.

These companies are driving innovation and contributing significantly to the country’s economic diversification and technological advancement. Despite challenges, these startups and scaleups have attracted increased investment and attention, creating jobs, solving real-world problems, and enhancing the quality of life for millions of Iraqis. As the ecosystem matures, it is likely that even more groundbreaking ideas will emerge, propelling Iraq towards a brighter, more digitally empowered future.