Saudi startup Metafare raises $1M for VR and AI wellness platform

Saudi Arabia-based startup Metafare has secured $1 million in its first funding round to expand its virtual reality and AI-powered wellness platform. Harmonix Ventures led the investment, with backing from several family offices.

Founded in 2025 by Ibrahim Almaghlouth, Metafare combines VR and AI to create interactive wellness experiences. The company has already delivered more than 3,000 virtual sessions since launching in mid-2025, indicating early traction in both consumer and corporate markets.

The funds will be used for...

Metafare plans to use the capital for three main areas:

• Strengthening its AI-driven personalisation engine that adapts content to individual users
• Expanding its library of wellness content and experiences
• Growing its presence in Saudi Arabia and preparing for expansion across the Gulf region

The platform currently offers short sessions under 15 minutes that blend physical fitness, mental health support, and behavioral therapy into single digital experiences.

Why does it matter?

This funding reflects a broader shift in healthcare from traditional clinic-based care to preventive, digital-first approaches. Companies and individuals are increasingly looking for accessible wellness solutions that don't require physical healthcare visits.

The corporate wellness market is particularly active, with employers investing in digital tools to improve employee wellbeing and productivity. This trend is especially strong in high-growth economies where talent retention is crucial.

Metafare's AI personalisation approach also fits into the growing precision wellness trend, where health interventions are tailored to individual preferences and health patterns rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

The context

The global digital therapeutics and wellness platform market is becoming increasingly competitive. Companies are trying to prove they can deliver measurable health outcomes while keeping users engaged over time.

Saudi Arabia has been actively promoting healthtech innovation as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. The country is investing heavily in digital health infrastructure and encouraging startups in the sector.

For Metafare to succeed long-term, it will need to demonstrate that its VR and AI approach actually improves health outcomes compared to traditional wellness programs. It also faces the challenge of scaling user engagement and differentiating itself in a crowded market of wellness apps and platforms.