Business launch in Saudi — a highly promising, but complicated initiative
DIG — your reliable partner in unlocking market opportunities in the region
Partner with experienced leaders to unlock the full potential of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
first
01
Perform market research and assessment of business model feasibility in the region
second
02
third
Develop go-to-market and business development strategy
03
Register legal entities in context of local and international regulation and obtain licenses
04
Set up local representation to conduct in-person meetings with partners, clients, suppliers
fourth
Essential steps for business launch in KSA:
Challenges
Depending on the industry, there are some legal limitations and nuances, affecting the activity of foreign entrepreneurs and investors. At the same time, regulations are developing rapidly, while legal implications require thorough research
Exponential economic development increases the shortage of professional, motivated talent. Geographic location, climate, and socio-cultural factors make talent recruitment long and expensive
Business etiquette, relationship norms and culture code differ significantly from Western standards. Building trusting relationships is essential, takes a long time
Who we are
DIG — consulting and investment company. Our mission is to provide market access for foreign companies entering the Saudi market
Our services
We support your business at all stages of development in the region, from research to launch and exit
Our advantages
Team of professionals with a successful track record of launching and scaling business projects in Saudi Arabia with an established local presence during many years
What we offer
01
Market analysis and strategy
02
Business development and project management
03
Legal research of regulations by business segment: licenses, capital requirements, ownership structure
Legal and customs regulations research, limitations and risks
Comprehensive build-up of HR function: employer brand development, team recruitment, relocation & onboarding support, compliance with Saudization requirements
Legal and HR support
Business launch & scale-up, PMO
Pilot business launch
Commercial real estate search, selection and deal support
Certification, license acquisition from regulators
Business support to overcome culture barriers
Business development and sales
Potential partners search and negotiations
Customer value proposition development, sales, marketing
Relationship building with market participants: regulators, suppliers, clients, investors
04
Investments
Fundraising with strategic investors, private and public funds
Asset management
M&A deals support and due diligence in KSA
Market analysis, customer development and insights from local experts
Competitor analysis and customer value proposition localization
Analysis of regulations and certification requirements, process
Go-to-market strategy and long-term strategy development
Overview of Saudi Labor Law& compliance essentials
Guidance on hiring regulations, Saudization, and employment contracts
Best practices for onboarding, retention, and HR policy setup
Referrals to reputable local HR and admin service providers
HR & Labor
Introduction to Saudi regulatory environment & key government agencies
Overview of incorporation, foreign investment, and licensing requirements
Bank account opening essentials: timeline and documentation
Referrals to specialized legal partners for in-depth services
Legal & Regulations
Standard brokering practices and compliance checkpoints
Overview of local tax obligations, VAT, and Zakat, corporate bank account setup
Financial modelling, investment opportunities overview + search support
Referrals to local CPAs, bookkeepers, and finance experts
Finance & Accounting
Overview of residential options, costs of living, and family-friendly areas
Guidance on visa processes, housing contracts, and utility setup
Recommendations for schools, healthcare, and local services
Cultural and practical tips to ensure smooth daily life in Riyadh
Business & Real Estate
Review of sales propositions and value localization for the Saudi market
Guidance on commercial real estate, office locations, rental costs + search and valuation
Recommendations for neighborhoods and business hubs
Connections to reputable brokers and co-working space providers
Insights on vision 2030, economic priorities, and market trends
Demographic analysis, consumer behavior, and competition overview
Feasibility checks and preliminary entry requirements
Websites, presentations, decks, Arabic translations, and financials
Market Entry & Strategy
Lifestyle & Relocation
Services
01
When you need comprehensive guidance to launch your business from initial concept to first revenue in Saudi Arabia and the GCC.
End-to-End Launch Programs
Outcome: Your business successfully operational and generating initial revenue, fully compliant and strategically positioned for sustainable growth.
Our company can also offer full-service solutions in addition to fast-track options.
Curated introductions to vetted local partners, service providers, or stakeholders
Local Introductions
We have a successful track record of supporting the launch of international businesses and executing local projects
Saudi Arabian fintech market research, product ideation, market entry strategy&execution
Analysis and prioritization of MENA markets for expansion, development of market entry strategy
Outstaffing market research, global best-practice analysis with prioritization of organic or M&A growth opportunities for a large local player
E-commerce strategy development for the largest local retailer. Marketplace operational launch from scratch, inc. in-house technology platform and own operations
KSA greens & vegetables market analysis inc. field research of on-shelf assortment across 3 cities, 30 stores
Market research, business plan and legal analysis of retail trade regulation in KSA in the interest of private foreign investors
Business case development in real estate, design of logo and branding, analysis of a project portfolio of a family office in KSA
Business plan finalization, financial model development for investment case, pitch deck and pre-seed fundraise for a startup in last-mile delivery with focus on CX
GCC in-depth market research & entry strategy for Russia’s largest family-focused retailer
Pre-seed business case evaluation, market research & execution plan for nano-tech UK startup
Portfolio Companies
Arabian Mile
A Saudi-born delivery platform with a global edge, connecting the best players from the market.
Octopus
A next-gen Saudi courier manpower company with ambition to consolidate the market
Solim Mimo
Innovative Snack Producer
Team
Pavel Orlov
Partner | Strategy
2+ yrs of KSA experience in ecom and fintech with 2 ventures launched
6+ yrs of TOP-management in corporate ventures, innovations and ecom in Cenomi, Lamoda, Magnit
4+ years with BCG with focus on digital transformation and venture building
Worked in EU, UK, US, Russia, KSA
Alexey Glazman
Partner | Development
15+ yrs in retail and commercial real estate investments
Implemented large-scale infrastructure projects at SVO International Airport
Closed transactions totaling $500+ M
Co-founder of an innovative snack producer Solim Mimo
Andrey Savchenko
Partner | Investment
15+ yrs in M&A and PE / VC funds management in tech sectors, digital strategy, consulting on digital strategy development & investments in TMT sector (30+ deals amounting to c. $2bn+)
Senior roles in PSB Group, Skolkovo Foundation, Otkritie, PwC
Co-founded SWiP (MarTech AI for SMEs retailers & HoReCa), SolimMimo (innovative snack producer)