Iran Startup Ecosystem Weekly news(March 8-13, 2025)
Iran's Tech & Business: AI Shifts, FinTech Growth, and Regulatory Updates
Iran’s tech and business landscape this week revealed significant shifts, notably the impending restructuring of AI governance under the Vice Presidency, indicating potential policy changes, alongside robust FinTech growth evidenced by the planned Bitcoin ETF and expanding financial super-apps; strategic investments, such as Zar Group’s backing of Achareh with IPO plans, highlight growth sectors like home services, while e-commerce surges, exemplified by Okala’s massive sales, underscore a thriving consumer market, all within a regulatory environment that, while evolving, presents both opportunities and challenges for foreign investors.
AI & Tech Policy: Major Restructuring Underway
Iran’s National AI Organization Faces Dissolution
The National Artificial Intelligence Organization, launched in July 2024, is likely to be dismantled. AI governance will shift to the Vice Presidency for Science & Technology, marking a pivotal change in the way AI policies will be shaped in Iran. This shift indicates a new phase in the country’s AI policymaking, with a focus on streamlined governance under the Vice Presidency.
Supreme Council of Cyberspace Stalls on Unblocking Telegram & YouTube
Despite growing public anticipation, the final meeting of 2024 failed to approve the second phase of website unblocking. As a result, popular platforms such as Telegram and YouTube remain restricted, delaying hopes for greater internet freedom in the country.
Major Investments & IPO Plans
Achareh Secures Strategic Investment
Zar Group has made a strategic investment in Achareh, a leading home services platform in Iran. The company is now preparing for an IPO, after having secured previous funding from significant investors like Hamrah Aval, Exxon, and Kayson. This marks a crucial step in Achareh’s expansion as it moves toward public listing.
Fesgheli Center Expands with New Backing
Fesgheli Center, a startup focused on the mother and child sector, has secured investment from Khatam Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. This financial backing is set to accelerate its growth and broaden its impact in the growing market for maternal and child services.
Mobility & Transport Updates
Iran’s First Air Taxi Takes Off
The launch of Iran’s first air taxi marks a significant milestone in the country’s transportation sector. The Karaj-Qazvin route, along with additional flights to key cities such as Kashan, Zanjan, Ramsar, Noshahr, and Rasht, will be available at a cost of 6.8 million Tomans per hour. This is a bold step toward modernizing Iran’s mobility infrastructure.
Kish Island Regulates Ride-Hailing
In a move to enhance regulation and control over ride-hailing services, drivers operating for platforms like Snapp and Tapsi must now obtain official approval and display identification stickers to operate on Kish Island. This new policy is aimed at ensuring a more transparent and secure ride-hailing experience for passengers.
Taxi Organization Introduces Digital Booking Plans
A new app introduced by Iran’s Taxi Organization will allow users to check fare rates before booking rides. This development aims to bring greater transparency to pricing and improve customer trust in the city’s taxi services.
Fintech & Digital Economy
Iran’s First Bitcoin ETF in the Works
Firoozeh Financial Group, in partnership with Nobitex, is taking significant steps toward launching Iran’s first Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). The initiative is currently pending regulatory approval, which could pave the way for broader adoption of cryptocurrencies in the country’s financial ecosystem.
724 App Aims to Become a Financial Super-App
With over 15 million active users, the 724 app is expanding its digital financial services. The platform is positioning itself to become a leading fintech player in Iran by offering a comprehensive suite of financial products, including mobile payments, insurance, and investment services.
Postal & E-Commerce Developments
Okala’s Mega Sale Drives Massive Orders
Okala’s recent mega sale was a huge success, fulfilling over 212,000 orders in more than 180 cities across the country in a single day. The sale generated a staggering 160 billion Tomans in discounts during a 15-day period, highlighting Okala’s growing influence in Iran’s e-commerce space.
Post Company Struggles with Profitability
Iran’s National Post Company is facing significant financial challenges. According to the CEO, the company’s profits are currently only half of what private operators are earning, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of state-run postal services in the country.
