Business launch in Saudi — a highly promising, but complicated initiative
DIG — your reliable partner in unlocking market opportunities in the region
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
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
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
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 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
and strategy
02
Business development
and project
management
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.
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.
Competency
What We Cover
Typical Outputs / Impact
Market Intelligence
Opportunity sizing; competitive landscape analysis; target customer profiles
In-depth market analysis to validate commercial viability
Comprehensive guidance through regulatory processes and local entity setup
Entity registration; licence acquisition; regulatory compliance roadmap
Regulatory Pathway
Launch PMO
Detailed launch timeline; milestone tracking; operational readiness checklist
Structured oversight and hands-on management of your first 100 days of operations
Development of tailored market-entry and strategic partnership approaches
Partnership strategy; customer acquisition plan; value proposition positioning
Go-to-Market Strategy
Talent & Saudization
Staffing plan; Saudization compliance advisory; recruitment support
Strategic workforce planning and compliance
with local employment mandates
with local employment mandates
Guidance on structuring transactions and securing funding for growth
Investment strategy; deal structuring advice; investor introductions
Capital & Deal Advisory
02
When you need rapid insights, validation, or targeted local support without committing to a full-scale engagement.
Expertise-on-Demand
Outcome: Clarity and confidence gained quickly, enabling informed decisions without unnecessary overhead.
Competency
What We Cover
Typical Outputs / Impact
Regulatory Clarifications
Rapid regulatory advice; compliance checklists; authority insights
Quick clarifications on regulatory and compliance issues
Fast, targeted insights into local market dynamics and competitors
Quick market snapshots; competitor briefings; trend highlights
Market Quick Checks
HR & Labour Advice
Employment guidelines; compliance Q&A; contract clarifications
On-demand answers regarding Saudi labour law and employment regulations
High-level guidance on local financial and tax considerations
Tax implications overview; financial compliance summaries; banking guidance
Finance & Tax Basics
Real Estate Guidance
Property recommenda-tions; site selection
criteria; lease overview
criteria; lease overview
Advice on selecting appropriate commercial properties or locations
Practical lifestyle advice for executives relocating to Saudi Arabia
Living arrangements insights;
schooling recommenda-tions; settling-in tips
schooling recommenda-tions; settling-in tips
Relocation Advice
High-value contacts; partnership opportunities; trusted referrals
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 OrlovPartner | Strategy2+ 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 GlazmanPartner | Development15+ 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 SavchenkoPartner | Investment15+ 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)
Contacts
Andrey Savchenko
andrey@dig.group | +7 903 961 2882
Pavel Orlov
pavel@dig.group | +966 55 030 0931
Alexey Glazman
alexey@dig.group | +7 985 779 1770
Partnership with experienced leaders