Saudi-Based Vacation Rental Leader Gathern Secures $72 Million Series B to Power AI Upgrades and IPO Plans

Company Snapshot
Gathern is redefining Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape with a platform that bridges property owners and travelers in one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in the world. As the first licensed peer-to-peer vacation rental operator in the Kingdom, Gathern gives hosts and guests access to a regulated, tech-enabled ecosystem for short-term and long-term stays. The company’s scale, reach, and female-led leadership make it a standout in the MENA proptech space.

Title:
Saudi-Based Vacation Rental Leader Gathern Secures $72 Million Series B to Power AI Upgrades and IPO Plans

Subtitle:
The round, led by Sanabil Investments with participation from STV, Pinnacle Capital, Nuwa Capital, and Endeavor Catalyst, supports Gathern’s expansion and tech development ahead of a potential Tadawul listing.

Intro
Gathern, Saudi Arabia’s largest alternative hospitality platform, announced on August 22, 2025, that it has raised $72 million in a Series B funding round. The investment was led by Sanabil Investments, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), with participation from STV, Pinnacle Capital, Nuwa Capital, and Endeavor Catalyst (Wamda).

Founded in 2016 by Latifa Altamimi, Gathern has become one of the most prominent woman-led startups in the region. The Riyadh-based company operates a peer-to-peer vacation rental platform featuring more than 72,000 listings, over 5 million users, and $533 million in payouts to 33,000 hosts.

The new funding will support Gathern’s IPO ambitions on Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul exchange, AI-powered technology upgrades, and deeper expansion into longer-term rentals and inbound tourism markets.

What Gathern Does
Gathern operates a digital marketplace that connects property owners directly with travelers for short-term, long-term, and vacation stays. The platform supports a broad range of property types, including villas, city apartments, heritage sites, and desert camps.

Platform Highlights:

72,000+ listings across Saudi Arabia, about 15% of total accommodations nationwide
44% national market share in alternative hospitality; 53% in Riyadh
Supports vacation rentals, monthly stays, and unique experiences such as tents and yachts
AI-powered tools for dynamic pricing, host operations, and guest personalization
Fully licensed and compliant with Saudi tourism regulations

Who It’s Best For
Segments:

Property owners, vacation hosts, and boutique accommodation managers
Domestic and inbound travelers
Real estate investors exploring short-term or hybrid rental models
Tourism and government partners expanding hospitality infrastructure

Use Cases:

Peer-to-peer vacation stays and monthly rentals
Long-term accommodations for remote workers or expats
Event-based stays for major Saudi events such as Hajj or Riyadh Season
Yield optimization through AI-driven pricing and analytics

Market Fit:
Gathern operates in a fast-developing, regulated market with strong alignment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism goals. Its first-mover advantage and licensing compliance have made it the market leader, while the Series B funding positions it to scale regionally.

Team

Latifa Altamimi, Founder & CEO – A pioneer in Saudi Arabia’s tech ecosystem and one of the country’s leading female entrepreneurs.
Eman Alsuwailem, Co-founder (as cited in some sources) – Executive details undisclosed in the funding release.

Investors

Lead Investor: Sanabil Investments (Public Investment Fund subsidiary)
Other Investors: STV, Pinnacle Capital, Nuwa Capital, Endeavor Catalyst
Total Known Funding: ~$78 million
- Series A (2021): ~$6 million
- Series B (2025): $72 million

Adoption and Traction

72,000+ units listed
33,000+ active hosts
$533 million+ in host payouts
5 million+ registered users from 150+ countries
44% market share in Saudi alternative hospitality; 53% in Riyadh

Similar Companies

Airbnb – Global leader in vacation rentals; Gathern’s regulated model focuses on local compliance and cultural fit.
Bayut – Property marketplace with regional reach but limited short-stay integration.
Sakan – Saudi-based housing platform serving long-term leases rather than vacation rentals.
Viavii – MENA travel experience platform integrating tours and stays.

How to Get in Touch
Website: gathern.com
Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Contact: Through website form or partnership channels