Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is exploding with projects worth over 1.7 trillion dollars in the pipeline, driven by Vision 2030 goals. At the center stands BRKZ, an online marketplace that just secured 30 million dollars in debt funding to help small and medium enterprises grab a bigger share of the action.
This move comes as the kingdom pushes for massive developments like NEOM, The Line, and hosting the 2034 World Cup. BRKZ connects contractors with suppliers and offers financing to smooth out cash flow issues, letting SMEs scale up fast.
Massive Projects Drive Saudi Building Surge
Saudi Arabia plans to spend billions on infrastructure through 2030. The focus includes new cities, housing, and event venues. Recent reports show the construction market could hit 181 billion dollars by 2028, making it the world’s largest.
This growth ties into Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil. Key efforts include smart cities and tourism spots. For example, the kingdom recently won the bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh, adding more projects to the list.
Experts say this boom creates jobs and boosts local businesses. Yet, it also brings challenges like supply chain gaps and labor shortages. Small firms often struggle to keep up with big demands.
The push has led to a 37 percent rise in lending to SMEs, reaching 112 billion dollars in the second quarter of 2025. This shows banks and platforms stepping in to support growth.
BRKZ Platform Bridges Gaps for Contractors
BRKZ launched in 2022 as a B2B marketplace for building materials. It lets contractors post needs and get bids from suppliers quickly. So far, it has linked 1,300 suppliers with 850 contractors, handling deals worth 840 million dollars.
The platform cuts down on manual processes that slow the industry. Contractors avoid long negotiations and fragmented supply chains. Instead, they get fast quotes and reliable deliveries.
Financing is a big part. BRKZ offers loans to cover material costs until clients pay up. This helps SMEs take on larger jobs without tying up their cash.
Users praise the setup. One contractor noted it helped manage multiple projects across the kingdom without usual money worries.
Latest Funding Boosts Expansion Plans
BRKZ announced a 30 million dollar debt facility from Stride Ventures on October 1, 2025. This adds to earlier raises, including an 8 million dollar round in February and a 17 million dollar Series A soon after.
The new funds will expand lending options on the platform. It targets working capital needs for contractors facing tight deadlines in giga-projects.
Here is a quick look at BRKZ’s funding history:
| Round | Amount (Million Dollars) | Date | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed | Not specified | 2022 | Platform launch |
| Series A (initial) | 8 | February 2025 | Growth after rapid user increase |
| Series A (extended) | 17 | February 2025 | Procurement transformation |
| Debt Facility | 30 | October 2025 | Embedded financing expansion |
This progression shows strong investor confidence. Total funding now tops 55 million dollars, fueling tech upgrades and market reach.
Stride Ventures, known for backing marketplaces in India, now eyes the Middle East. The deal highlights Saudi Arabia’s appeal for global capital.
How SMEs Benefit from the Boom
Small and medium enterprises form the backbone of Saudi construction. With 80,000 new SMEs registered in the second quarter of 2025, the sector is vibrant. Total SMEs now stand at 1.7 million, many eyeing construction opportunities.
BRKZ helps by providing tools for efficiency. Benefits include:
- Faster procurement, reducing project delays by weeks.
- Flexible loans that ease cash flow, allowing bids on bigger contracts.
- Access to a wide supplier network, cutting costs through competition.
- Data insights to track market trends and plan ahead.
These features level the playing field. A user from AlFanar Contracting said the platform gave them confidence to scale with the kingdom’s pace.
Beyond construction, this ties into broader SME support. The Biban 2025 Forum in November will unveil 2 billion dollars in initiatives across tech, tourism, and finance.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the excitement, hurdles remain. Rising demand for materials and workers could strain supplies by 2026. Experts warn of price hikes and shortages if not managed.
Sustainability is another focus. Saudi pushes for green building, with precast materials market expected to grow to 30 billion riyals by 2028.
BRKZ plans to add features like AI-driven matching and eco-friendly options. As the World Cup and Expo near, the platform could play a key role in timely completions.
Looking ahead, Saudi startups raised 862 million dollars in the first half of 2025, with construction tech leading. This momentum suggests more innovation and jobs.
The construction boom offers huge potential for SMEs, but success depends on smart tools like BRKZ. Readers, share your thoughts on how this could reshape the industry. What challenges do you see for small businesses in Saudi Arabia? Comment below and spread the word to spark discussion.
