NymCard is a payment processing platform founded in 2016, with operations based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and a subsidiary in London, United Kingdom. The company focuses on providing a comprehensive online payments solution that enhances user experience, security, and data management. NymCard offers mobile wallet solutions, card issuance and processing, and cloud-based services, allowing financial institutions in Africa and the Middle East to issue innovative digital payment products. By leveraging open APIs and mobile SDKs, NymCard enables clients to provide plastic, virtual, or tokenized cards to users quickly and efficiently, facilitating access to the digital economy. The platform aims to streamline the account opening process and ensure secure online transactions, addressing the challenges of low payment card penetration in its target regions.
Paymob is a digital payments enabler based in Cairo, Egypt, founded in 2015. The company focuses on building payment infrastructure technologies that enhance financial inclusion in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. By providing integrated payment services, Paymob helps businesses of all sizes transition from cash to electronic payments, thereby unlocking new opportunities and efficiencies. Its software aims to minimize the risks associated with fraud and theft while speeding up money circulation. By empowering underserved communities with access to a variety of electronic payment and money transfer options, Paymob plays a crucial role in bridging the financial inclusion gap in the region.
Tamara is a prominent shopping and payments platform based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and serves the GCC region. Founded by Abdulmajeed Alsukhan and his partners, the company aims to transform the shopping, payment, and banking experience for consumers. With a workforce of over 350 employees, Tamara has established a significant presence, operating offices in the UAE, Egypt, Germany, and Vietnam. Since its inception in September 2020, Tamara has raised approximately $366 million in both equity and debt from notable investors, including Sanabil Investments and Goldman Sachs. The platform boasts around 6 million customers and partners with more than 15,000 merchants, featuring a mix of global and regional brands as well as local small and medium enterprises. Tamara empowers merchants by providing flexible payment options through its application programming interfaces, allowing clients to increase sales by offering installment payment plans.
Noon Academy
Series B in 2023
Noon Academy operates an online learning platform that focuses on enhancing educational experiences for students in the Middle East. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with offices in Cairo, Egypt, and Bengaluru, India, the platform has successfully taught 12 million students. It offers a blend of free educational content and tutoring services, allowing students to study collaboratively in groups, compete with peers, and request on-demand tutoring. The platform is designed to prepare students for various examinations, including general aptitude and achievement tests. Additionally, Noon Academy supports teachers by enabling them to build followings and earn income based on their performance and student feedback. By integrating elements of peer-to-peer learning and advanced technology, Noon Academy aims to provide equitable access to high-quality education for every student.
Tabby Inc. is a financial technology company based in the United Arab Emirates that offers payment solutions for online purchases. It operates a platform that provides customers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with a buy now, pay later option, allowing them to make payments for their purchases either in a single deferred payment or through multiple installments. This service aims to enhance financial flexibility, enabling consumers to manage their spending more effectively while ensuring safe payment transactions. Through its innovative approach, Tabby seeks to reshape the relationship individuals have with their finances, promoting a more accessible shopping experience.
Zid is an e-commerce in a box - solution that any retailer can use to start their eRetail. Zid helps them to build their own eStores (with their own name and identity) and integrates them with the supply chain players to enable them to manage and with ease. The company aims to enable the retail sector to enter the world of electronic retail in an easy and professional. Zid was founded in 2017 and based in Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia.
ZenHR
Venture Round in 2022
ZenHR is a cloud-based human resources management system based in Amman, Jordan, with additional offices in Dubai and Riyadh. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on the Middle East and North Africa, providing a comprehensive suite of HR solutions tailored to local labor laws, expat regulations, and tax requirements. ZenHR's software includes features such as onboarding and offboarding, attendance and time tracking, payroll, performance evaluation, and employee self-service tools. By streamlining HR processes, ZenHR aims to enhance the experience for both HR departments and employees, facilitating a seamless transition from recruitment to retirement. The platform serves a range of clients, from small and medium-sized enterprises to larger organizations, positioning itself as a leader in the B2B HR SaaS market in the region.
Tamara is a prominent shopping and payments platform based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and serves the GCC region. Founded by Abdulmajeed Alsukhan and his partners, the company aims to transform the shopping, payment, and banking experience for consumers. With a workforce of over 350 employees, Tamara has established a significant presence, operating offices in the UAE, Egypt, Germany, and Vietnam. Since its inception in September 2020, Tamara has raised approximately $366 million in both equity and debt from notable investors, including Sanabil Investments and Goldman Sachs. The platform boasts around 6 million customers and partners with more than 15,000 merchants, featuring a mix of global and regional brands as well as local small and medium enterprises. Tamara empowers merchants by providing flexible payment options through its application programming interfaces, allowing clients to increase sales by offering installment payment plans.
Huspy is a proptech company based in Dubai, UAE, that aims to simplify the home financing process. Founded in 2020, it focuses on creating an easy-to-use online platform that enhances the home buying and selling experience. By eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork, Huspy enables home buyers to secure mortgages conveniently through its web and mobile applications. The company seeks to transform the traditional mortgage process into a more accessible and cost-effective solution, making home buying a more celebratory experience for its users.
NymCard is a payment processing platform founded in 2016, with operations based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and a subsidiary in London, United Kingdom. The company focuses on providing a comprehensive online payments solution that enhances user experience, security, and data management. NymCard offers mobile wallet solutions, card issuance and processing, and cloud-based services, allowing financial institutions in Africa and the Middle East to issue innovative digital payment products. By leveraging open APIs and mobile SDKs, NymCard enables clients to provide plastic, virtual, or tokenized cards to users quickly and efficiently, facilitating access to the digital economy. The platform aims to streamline the account opening process and ensure secure online transactions, addressing the challenges of low payment card penetration in its target regions.
Instabug, Inc. is a mobile observability platform that assists developers in enhancing the quality and performance of their applications. Founded in 2012 and initially known as AStarApps, the company is headquartered in Giza, Egypt, and has expanded its operations to California, United States. Instabug provides advanced tools for crash and bug reporting, application performance monitoring, and user feedback collection, enabling developers to identify and resolve issues effectively. The platform supports over 4 billion devices globally, offering real-time insights throughout the application lifecycle to help mobile teams deliver seamless user experiences and drive sustained growth. Through its AI-powered capabilities, Instabug aims to empower developers and enterprises to optimize their applications and enhance overall user satisfaction.
Foodics is a company that specializes in cloud-based restaurant management systems, primarily utilizing iPads for its operations. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia, Foodics provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed for the restaurant industry, including point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. Its solutions also feature management dashboards and kitchen displays, along with various add-on iOS applications. Serving thousands of clients across the Middle East, Foodics aims to enhance revenue and customer relationships for restaurants, food trucks, cafes, and fast-food chains. The platform supports operations in both English and Arabic, catering to a diverse clientele. With a focus on user-friendly technology, Foodics has facilitated over a billion orders, emphasizing its commitment to simplifying restaurant management.
Insider is a growth management platform that assists digital marketers in enhancing their strategies from customer acquisition to retention and revenue generation. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Insider leverages real-time predictive segmentation driven by advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning. This technology enables marketers to create personalized customer journeys across various channels, including web, mobile apps, and advertising platforms. The platform is designed for ease of implementation and use, minimizing the need for complex integrations or IT dependencies. By unifying data and providing actionable insights, Insider helps clients optimize their marketing spending, improve product discovery, and enhance overall brand experiences. The company operates globally with offices in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia, serving a diverse range of industries such as retail, finance, and travel.
Brimore is a social commerce platform that connects emerging brand owners with a network of individual distributors, enabling them to market and sell their products via social media. The platform facilitates a parallel distribution channel, allowing small local manufacturers to reach consumers directly through freelance sales agents. By leveraging data analytics, Brimore provides nationwide coverage across all twenty-seven governorates, enhancing the visibility and accessibility of emerging brands in the market. This approach supports local businesses by expanding their sales reach and fostering a community-driven sales model.
Brimore is a social commerce platform that connects emerging brand owners with a network of individual distributors, enabling them to market and sell their products via social media. The platform facilitates a parallel distribution channel, allowing small local manufacturers to reach consumers directly through freelance sales agents. By leveraging data analytics, Brimore provides nationwide coverage across all twenty-seven governorates, enhancing the visibility and accessibility of emerging brands in the market. This approach supports local businesses by expanding their sales reach and fostering a community-driven sales model.
Sary is a digital B2B marketplace based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that connects small businesses with merchant wholesalers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Launched in 2018, the platform allows small and medium-sized enterprises, including mini-market chains, hotels, restaurants, and convenience shops, to efficiently procure a wide range of products such as milk, tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, juices, oils, and chocolates. Sary's user-friendly mobile and web application enables customers to place orders for wholesale items, ranging from small boxes to large truckloads, with delivery options available as quickly as 24 hours. The company has expanded its services to 12 major cities and has served over 40,000 customers while collaborating with more than 1,700 brands and wholesalers. Sary aims to streamline the supply chain in the wholesale industry, providing businesses with immediate price quotations, product comparisons, and insights to help manage costs effectively.
Tamatem Inc. is a mobile gaming studio and publishing company based in Amman, Jordan, with an additional office in Mountain View, California. Founded in 2013, Tamatem specializes in developing and localizing mobile games for Arabic-speaking smartphone users. The company collaborates with international studios to adapt games, ensuring they resonate culturally and linguistically with the Arabic audience. Tamatem's portfolio includes various genres, such as racing, RPG-MMO, strategy, puzzle, and trivia games. With a focus on user acquisition, distribution, and monetization, Tamatem has successfully published 40 games that have garnered over 50 million downloads. The company is recognized for its expertise in making games relevant to the regional market, enhancing their potential for success.
Yassir is a leading super app based in Algiers, Algeria, that offers a range of on-demand services, including ride-hailing, food delivery, and financial services. Founded in 2016, Yassir has developed a mobile application that allows users to book drivers at any time and place, along with options for ordering food and groceries. The company operates in 45 cities across multiple countries and aims to enhance daily services through its technology-driven platform. Recently, Yassir has expanded its offerings to include digital payment solutions, enabling users to pay, save, and borrow online, thereby contributing to the digital economy in the region. With significant backing from notable investors, Yassir is focused on creating a marketplace that meets various consumer needs while embedding social values in its operations.
MRSOOL is an on-demand delivery platform based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 2015. The company enables users to order products from any store within its operational cities, facilitating the transportation of goods directly to consumers' doorsteps. MRSOOL has experienced significant growth, processing over 1 billion Riyals and serving more than 10 million users by early 2019. It pioneered a unique customer-to-customer network in the region, allowing users to describe their delivery needs through a chat-based interface. This innovative model empowers couriers to bid for delivery jobs, creating a scalable and self-regulating system that enhances user experience and operational efficiency.
Halan
Venture Round in 2021
Halan is a ride-hailing application that provides two and three-wheeler vehicle rides and on-demand logistics. The application also caters to businesses, offering smart-tech last-mile delivery through their integrated smart services using motorcycle and tricycles. It allows customers to request motorbike or tuk-tuk rides, or order food or goods for delivery via motorbikes or cargo tricycles. Halan also offers on-demand logistics solutions to support large organizations and small businesses alike in their distribution and supply chain. It also provides convenience and safety, while for the driver it offers incremental business. The application has delivered partnerships with fast-food chains like McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut in Egypt. Halan was founded in November 2017 and is based in Cairo, Al Qahirah, Egypt.
Akinon
Venture Round in 2021
Akinon is a company that specializes in developing cloud-based omnichannel applications tailored for the retail industry. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, with additional offices in London, Dubai, and Athens, Akinon offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions. Its key products include an order management system that coordinates various eCommerce operations, an in-store application that integrates inventories from physical locations and warehouses, and a marketplace solution that enhances product management. Additionally, Akinon provides a customizable eCommerce platform designed to improve conversion rates and a tool for synchronizing sales channels across devices. By focusing on both business and technical needs, Akinon enables retailers to create unique and efficient shopping experiences that drive customer engagement and optimize sales without requiring disruptive platform changes.
Maxab is a B2B e-commerce platform based in Cairo, Egypt, that connects food and grocery retailers with suppliers, focusing on underserved markets. Founded in 2018, the company aims to transform the informal grocery and food market through innovative technologies and efficient supply chain solutions tailored to the needs of local retailers. Maxab's mobile platform facilitates an e-marketplace and offers logistics services, ensuring timely and accurate distribution of goods. By enhancing access to a wide range of products and providing operational support, Maxab empowers retailers to streamline their procurement processes and improve their overall business efficiency.
Foodics is a company that specializes in cloud-based restaurant management systems, primarily utilizing iPads for its operations. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia, Foodics provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed for the restaurant industry, including point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. Its solutions also feature management dashboards and kitchen displays, along with various add-on iOS applications. Serving thousands of clients across the Middle East, Foodics aims to enhance revenue and customer relationships for restaurants, food trucks, cafes, and fast-food chains. The platform supports operations in both English and Arabic, catering to a diverse clientele. With a focus on user-friendly technology, Foodics has facilitated over a billion orders, emphasizing its commitment to simplifying restaurant management.
Insider is a growth management platform that assists digital marketers in enhancing their strategies from customer acquisition to retention and revenue generation. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Insider leverages real-time predictive segmentation driven by advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning. This technology enables marketers to create personalized customer journeys across various channels, including web, mobile apps, and advertising platforms. The platform is designed for ease of implementation and use, minimizing the need for complex integrations or IT dependencies. By unifying data and providing actionable insights, Insider helps clients optimize their marketing spending, improve product discovery, and enhance overall brand experiences. The company operates globally with offices in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia, serving a diverse range of industries such as retail, finance, and travel.
Vezeeta is a digital healthcare platform based in Heliopolis, Egypt, that connects patients with healthcare providers across the Middle East and Africa, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon. Founded in 2011, the platform allows patients to search, compare, book, and review doctors, leveraging more than 200,000 verified reviews to enhance the decision-making process. Vezeeta offers a user-friendly experience, enabling patients to schedule appointments for in-clinic, virtual, or at-home consultations in as little as one minute. In addition to patient services, the company provides innovative software solutions for healthcare providers, facilitating clinic management and improving overall healthcare experiences. With features like live scheduling, automated appointment reminders, and comprehensive information on healthcare providers, Vezeeta aims to empower patients and enhance access to quality healthcare in the region.
TruKKer is a technology-enabled truck aggregator founded in 2016 and based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The company operates a logistics and fleet management platform that simplifies road freight and logistics operations by connecting shippers with available trucks in real-time. This integration of supply and demand enhances asset utilization, reduces transportation costs, and provides reliable cross-border services. TruKKer's cloud-based freight solutions offer comprehensive coverage and a full-service portfolio for shippers, carriers, and businesses, leveraging real-time data analytics to ensure transparency and efficiency. The company’s rapid growth has opened up opportunities for data monetization and consolidated procurement, further solidifying its position in the logistics market.
Bayzat LLC operates an online platform in the United Arab Emirates that allows users to compare and purchase health insurance policies. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Dubai, the company also provides a suite of services including Bayzat Benefits, which enables users to track their insurance policies, view benefits and exclusions, and access information about covered networks and nearby hospitals. In addition to health insurance, Bayzat offers car insurance services and human resource software solutions that help businesses manage employee records, track time off, and administer health benefits. By streamlining the insurance and payroll processes, Bayzat aims to enhance the overall employee experience for over 80,000 individuals, particularly focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises.
Swvl, LLC is a mobility company that offers an application enabling users to book fixed-route bus and van trips at affordable rates. Launched in 2017 and headquartered in Dubai, the app allows customers to reserve rides on underutilized buses during peak commuting hours without surge pricing. Swvl operates in several countries, including Egypt, Kenya, and Pakistan, providing a reliable alternative to traditional public transportation and ridesharing services. The company's primary focus is on creating a cost-effective, safe, and environmentally friendly mass transit solution, allowing commuters to travel between designated pick-up points within cities using its technology-driven platform.
Jamalon, Inc. is the largest online bookstore in the Middle East, established in 2010 and headquartered in Amman, Jordan. The company offers a vast selection of over 9.3 million titles in Arabic and English from approximately 30,000 publishers. Jamalon specializes in providing home delivery services and customized payment methods tailored to the needs of customers in the region. Its extensive catalog includes books across various genres from both well-known and emerging authors, enabling publishers to reach a wider audience and facilitating access to literature for readers throughout the Middle East.
Kitopi is a Kitchen as a Service (KaaS) platform that facilitates the establishment of delivery-only restaurant locations by offering managed kitchen infrastructure and software solutions. Founded in 2018 by Mohamad Ballout, Saman Darkan, Bader Ataya, and Andy Arenas, Kitopi operates a network of over 60 cloud kitchens across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The company enables restaurateurs to minimize capital expenditure and streamline operations by providing essential services such as management, call assistance, delivery management, trained staff, and specialized technology. Although Kitopi expanded into the United States in 2019, it exited the market following the onset of the pandemic.
Property Finder
Private Equity Round in 2018
Property Finder is a leading property portal operating in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, founded in 2005 by Michael Lahyani. Initially launched as a print magazine, the company transitioned to a digital platform and has expanded its services across several countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Property Finder facilitates over 14 million monthly visits, connecting home seekers with real estate brokers and developers through its web and app platform. The company offers a wide range of real estate listings, allowing users to search for properties to buy, sell, lease, or rent. It is recognized for its innovative approach in the proptech sector, having introduced features such as Verified Listings, an AI-driven subscription model called PF Flex, and Data Guru, a tool providing market insights for informed decision-making. Property Finder is also known for its commitment to industry collaboration, hosting events to share market knowledge and best practices among real estate professionals.
Blueground
Venture Round in 2018
Blueground is a corporate hospitality company that specializes in leasing and managing fully furnished residential properties. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Kifisia, Greece, Blueground operates in Greece, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, catering to corporate travelers, expatriates, and leisure visitors. The company aims to transform the rental experience by providing thoughtfully equipped apartments that combine modern design with essential amenities. Blueground's platform leverages local knowledge and technology to facilitate seamless access to high-quality accommodations, allowing guests to enjoy a comfortable living experience tailored to their needs.
Souqalmal
Series B in 2017
Souqalmal.com is the leading financial comparison site in the Middle East with operations in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE. The company has empowers customers to make decisions on their best deal on credit cards, mortgages, personal loans and insurance products. The company has raised 3 rounds of fundraise and over USD 12M to date. Shareholders include major comparison site GoCompare from the UK, Hummingbird Ventures, Riyadh Taqnia Fund, 500 Start up amongst others. Multiple awards from the Best Online Business of the Year by Gulf Capital to The UAE start up of the Year by Forbes, the company has thrived and grown its insurance business 7X in 3 years.
Vezeeta is a digital healthcare platform based in Heliopolis, Egypt, that connects patients with healthcare providers across the Middle East and Africa, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon. Founded in 2011, the platform allows patients to search, compare, book, and review doctors, leveraging more than 200,000 verified reviews to enhance the decision-making process. Vezeeta offers a user-friendly experience, enabling patients to schedule appointments for in-clinic, virtual, or at-home consultations in as little as one minute. In addition to patient services, the company provides innovative software solutions for healthcare providers, facilitating clinic management and improving overall healthcare experiences. With features like live scheduling, automated appointment reminders, and comprehensive information on healthcare providers, Vezeeta aims to empower patients and enhance access to quality healthcare in the region.
Blueground
Series A in 2017
Blueground is a corporate hospitality company that specializes in leasing and managing fully furnished residential properties. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Kifisia, Greece, Blueground operates in Greece, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, catering to corporate travelers, expatriates, and leisure visitors. The company aims to transform the rental experience by providing thoughtfully equipped apartments that combine modern design with essential amenities. Blueground's platform leverages local knowledge and technology to facilitate seamless access to high-quality accommodations, allowing guests to enjoy a comfortable living experience tailored to their needs.
Anghami is a music streaming application founded in 2011 and headquartered in Jounieh, Lebanon. It provides users in the Middle East and North Africa with access to a vast catalog of Arabic and international music, allowing for both streaming and offline downloads. The platform features licensed content from major Arabic music labels, including Rotana, Melody, and Platinum Records, as well as international labels such as Universal, Sony, and Warner. Anghami aims to cater specifically to the musical tastes of its regional audience, and it has established a strategic partnership with MBC Group to enhance its offerings. As the largest digital music venture in the region, Anghami continues to expand its catalog by licensing new content from various artists and distributors.
UTURN Entertainment
Series B in 2016
UTURN Entertainment operates an Arabic entertainment network that produces diverse video content tailored for Arabic speakers worldwide. Founded in 2010 and based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, UTURN focuses on creating engaging multimedia in various genres, including entertainment, vlogging, gaming, children's content, and lifestyle. The company aims to promote Arabic culture globally, offering its content through platforms such as the UTURN application and YouTube. By providing edgy, local, and interactive content, UTURN seeks to connect with users in a meaningful way while maintaining a professional standard.
Kharabeesh
Series B in 2016
Kharabeesh Limited is a media and entertainment network based in Amman, Jordan, founded in 2008. It focuses on creating artistic video shows that address social and political issues, aiming to enhance youth-oriented Arabic e-content. As a leading multi-channel network, Kharabeesh produces and co-produces a variety of content, including animations, music, and short films, which are distributed through YouTube and social media platforms. The company operates as a subsidiary of Think Arabia and serves as a platform for digital creators to showcase their talents to a global audience. By combining media, entertainment, and technology, Kharabeesh contributes significantly to the online entertainment landscape for Arab internet users.
Mobinets is a rapidly growing Lebanese company that specializes in software solutions for mobile network operators in the MENA region. Its primary offering, the Network Engineering Platform (NEP), is utilized by over 20 prominent telecommunications operators to enhance network design, optimize costs, and facilitate maintenance. The platform provides operating system services that automate and streamline telecom network operations, improving workflow functionality and accelerating inter-departmental processes. By enhancing execution speed and accuracy, Mobinets enables telecom operators to achieve significant transformation benefits efficiently.
Yemeksepeti
Series B in 2012
Yemeksepeti is Turkey's leading online food ordering platform, allowing users to conveniently order meals from a wide selection of restaurants. Operating in 58 provinces, the company collaborates with nearly 8,000 restaurants to provide fast delivery services, typically within 30 to 45 minutes. The platform gives customers direct access to a variety of dining options, ensuring a seamless ordering experience. Yemeksepeti has also expanded its reach to the Middle East through its global brand Foodonclick.com, serving customers in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Greece.
Tarjama, a certified translation agency in Dubai and across the region, understands that in order to compete in today’s global market, businesses must be able to connect with their customers and stakeholders and communicate about their products and services in a way that fits into the regional and cultural context. What works in Europe or the US may simply not work in the Middle East. As cultural and linguistic experts, we help you transcend geographic borders and communicate globally!