Iyris Advanced Desert Greenhouses specializes in agriculture glazing, focusing on enhancing crop production in the challenging climates of the Middle East. The company collaborates with leading glass manufacturers to offer ultra-clear glazing equipped with advanced anti-reflective and light diffusive coatings. Additionally, Iyris develops agroclimatic technologies that integrate climate control, plant science, and intelligent control systems. This approach aims to create sustainable food production in water-scarce regions, effectively reducing both the carbon and water footprints of local farming. By designing innovative agricultural technologies tailored for harsh environments, Iyris enables farmers to grow food with fewer resources, ultimately lowering costs and improving crop yields.
Hakbah Fintech is a prominent startup based in Saudi Arabia that specializes in financial savings through a unique social savings model. The company aims to transform how individuals save and access funds by offering a digital platform that facilitates both business-to-consumer and business-to-business-to-consumer solutions. Its application allows users to create or join savings groups, enabling them to save collaboratively with others. Users can participate in various time-based savings plans and customize their saving options. Payments for installments can be made using debit cards, and users have the flexibility to withdraw funds to their bank accounts when it is their turn to receive the pooled savings. Hakbah's mission is to simplify the savings process and make it accessible to everyone, empowering individuals to take control of their financial habits in a hassle-free manner.
dru is the Middle East and Africa's (MEA) first patient-centric, digitally-enabled lifestyle and diabetes management platform. dru aids the prevention and management of Diabetes, Pre-diabetes, and Obesity- serving millions in Egypt and across MEA and harnessing cutting-edge technology and an extensive network of providers. By using dru's app, users can keep track and continuously monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure levels. dru users also have a full and organized record of their medications, lab and radiology results by logging them all in dru’s digital logbook intended for all types of medical records. One of the very unique features of dru is that it can connect its users to a wide array of monitoring devices, including continuous glucose monitoring. The insight dru users have access to as a result of dru’s features enables them to attain full 360 degree visibility over their health and state of wellbeing. dru’s round-the-clock medical support team are also available through the in-app's chat feature to answer all user queries and to connect users with a wide network of providers that are specialized in their cases. dru is now available for users, patients and patient caregivers to download on the Apple Store and on Google Play. dru was launched in 2023 by Almouneer, the leading digital transformation platform revolutionizing healthcare for patients and doctors across MEA.
Democrance
Venture Round in 2023
Democrance is an insurance technology company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 2015. It specializes in developing software that facilitates the distribution, servicing, and administration of insurance policies across the Middle East and Northern Africa. The company focuses on providing insurance solutions to underinsured and uninsured populations in emerging markets, offering a range of products from micro-insurance to traditional policies. Democrance's platform enables low-income families to access life and health insurance programs conveniently through mobile devices, while also providing essential industry expertise, project management, customer management, and claim management services.
Hakbah Fintech is a prominent startup based in Saudi Arabia that specializes in financial savings through a unique social savings model. The company aims to transform how individuals save and access funds by offering a digital platform that facilitates both business-to-consumer and business-to-business-to-consumer solutions. Its application allows users to create or join savings groups, enabling them to save collaboratively with others. Users can participate in various time-based savings plans and customize their saving options. Payments for installments can be made using debit cards, and users have the flexibility to withdraw funds to their bank accounts when it is their turn to receive the pooled savings. Hakbah's mission is to simplify the savings process and make it accessible to everyone, empowering individuals to take control of their financial habits in a hassle-free manner.
Yodawy Inc. is an online pharmacy and insurtech startup based in Giza, Egypt, founded in 2018. The company offers a mobile app that allows customers to browse and order pharmaceuticals and personal care products, with delivery facilitated through a network of over 500 pharmacies across the country. Yodawy's platform features an artificial intelligence-powered approval engine that streamlines the medicine ordering process, automatically applying insurance and copayment benefits from four major insurance carriers, with plans to onboard additional providers. Additionally, Yodawy provides a digital prescription app and a pharmacy portal, enhancing the overall experience for patients seeking convenient access to medications and healthcare products.
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.
Hire at enterprise scale without enterprise complexity. Since 2019, Elevatus has been rigorously implementing the latest in AI technology and modern science to design award-winning recruiting solutions that are revolutionizing the future of HR. Through these solutions, hundreds of companies from all over the world have been able to hire and assess over 1 million candidates to date. Elevatus helps enterprises, industry giants, startups, and brands from all around the globe centralize their core HR processes under one unified umbrella – to create a faster and more cost-efficient hiring experience. Today, Elevatus is a multi-award-winning software company headquartered in Saudi Arabia; with a growing client base, first-class awards, and legions of talented people in our team.
Nexford University
Series A in 2022
Nexford University is an online higher education institution founded in 2017 and based in Washington, D.C. It offers degree programs and courses designed to meet the demands of various industries, including technology, business, and healthcare. The university focuses on providing quality, affordable education that aligns with the needs of global employers, utilizing a curriculum informed by the skills most sought after in the job market. Nexford caters to students in multiple countries, such as the United States, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Egypt, and emphasizes flexible learning options to accommodate diverse learners. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the institution enhances its educational offerings to prepare students for success in a global workplace.
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.
Lucky is a financial services company that operates an app designed to enhance the shopping experience through credit products, discounts, and cashback rewards. The app allows users to search for and coordinate their shopping, payments, and savings, providing access to cashback rewards of up to 50% from various merchants. With a mission to transform shopping, payment, and savings in the Middle East and North Africa, Lucky has successfully connected over six million users since its launch. By partnering with both local and global brands, the app enables customers to easily access credit and save on their purchases, both in-person and online.
Thndr is a financial services company based in Cairo, Egypt, that operates an app-based investment platform designed to facilitate commission-free trading for investors. Established in 2020 by Seif Amr, Thndr offers features such as no account minimums, easy account setup, and streamlined funding processes. The platform provides users with access to real-time market data and the latest financial news, along with educational tools to enhance their investment experience. By eliminating traditional barriers to entry in investing, Thndr aims to empower individuals to make informed financial decisions.
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.
Arrow Labs
Series A in 2021
Arrow Labs is a mobility software manufacturer based in Dubai, specializing in niche applications and mobility solutions for various industries. The company's flagship product, the Arrow Labs MIMS, serves as an advanced mobility platform tailored for the modern workforce. By leveraging machine learning, process automation, and workforce optimization technology, Arrow Labs develops workforce management solutions designed to enhance the management of field resources through smart technology wearables and services. Their modular system caters to sectors such as facility management, hospitality, logistics, security, and transport, enabling clients to improve operational efficiencies, boost productivity, and lower operating costs. Arrow Labs' experience in creating and architecting critical medium and large-scale solutions positions them as a key player in the mobility software market.
Democrance
Venture Round in 2021
Democrance is an insurance technology company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 2015. It specializes in developing software that facilitates the distribution, servicing, and administration of insurance policies across the Middle East and Northern Africa. The company focuses on providing insurance solutions to underinsured and uninsured populations in emerging markets, offering a range of products from micro-insurance to traditional policies. Democrance's platform enables low-income families to access life and health insurance programs conveniently through mobile devices, while also providing essential industry expertise, project management, customer management, and claim management services.
TeamApt is a financial technology company that develops digital banking and payment platform for financial transactions. It offers an end-to-end omnichannel digital banking service called Moneytor Digital Banking, enabling banks to offer retail, merchant, and corporate banking services through digital channels, Aptpay for automation of digital banking business operations, settlements, reconciliations, and tracks digital transformation processes with web and mobile interfaces. TeamApt was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.
Minly Ltd is an online platform that connects celebrities with their fans by offering personalized experiences, such as video shoutouts, direct messages, and voice notes. Founded in 2020 and based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Minly allows fans to book unique interactions with their favorite actors, musicians, athletes, and influencers. This service enables fans to celebrate special occasions, including birthdays and anniversaries, with personalized messages from celebrities. Additionally, Minly engages in social responsibility by partnering with local non-profit organizations that focus on feeding and community development initiatives in the region. The platform serves users in the Middle East and globally through its website and mobile applications.
Nexford University
Seed Round in 2021
Nexford University is an online higher education institution founded in 2017 and based in Washington, D.C. It offers degree programs and courses designed to meet the demands of various industries, including technology, business, and healthcare. The university focuses on providing quality, affordable education that aligns with the needs of global employers, utilizing a curriculum informed by the skills most sought after in the job market. Nexford caters to students in multiple countries, such as the United States, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Egypt, and emphasizes flexible learning options to accommodate diverse learners. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the institution enhances its educational offerings to prepare students for success in a global workplace.
Red Sea Farms
Series A in 2021
Red Sea Farms, based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, specializes in sustainable agriculture solutions tailored for arid environments. The company focuses on developing innovative technologies that enable greenhouse and hydroponic farms to cultivate high-quality produce while minimizing water and energy consumption. This approach not only enhances food production efficiency but also promotes sustainability and cost savings for farmers. In addition to its proprietary technologies, Red Sea Farms offers consultancy services, providing expert technical advice on the design and project management of saltwater-based and desert agricultural systems. Through its diverse range of products and services, the company aims to address the challenges of agriculture in water-scarce regions.
Mamo is a fintech startup based in Dubai, UAE, specializing in payment and financial solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is the first fintech company licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority to provide money services, enabling it to offer a diverse range of financial services. Mamo's flagship product, Mamo Business, serves as an alternative to traditional business banking, functioning as a financial operating system tailored to the needs of SMEs. The platform incorporates essential components such as payments, spend management, and analytics, facilitating efficient financial operations. Mamo's application allows businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies, issue virtual cards, manage expenses, and integrate with e-commerce platforms. Its customer base includes a variety of sectors, including B2B service providers, tourism, healthcare, wellness, and retail, helping to streamline financial processes and enhance analysis of spending habits.
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.
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.
NowPay, Inc. is a fintech company based in Cairo, Egypt, that aims to enhance the financial wellness of corporate employees. Established in 2018, it offers an online platform that enables employees to manage personal finances, including budgeting, spending, and borrowing. Through its mobile application, users can access detailed information about their salaries, account balances, and potential loan amounts. NowPay collaborates with employers to provide employees with the option to receive advance salary payments at any time during the month, allowing for repayment over multiple months without additional liabilities. This service not only aids employees in times of financial need but also helps corporations improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty.
Buseet
Convertible Note in 2021
Buseet Corporation is a shared mobility startup based in Cairo, Egypt, founded in 2016. The company operates an online bus platform that simplifies the process of booking bus rides for daily commuters. Users can select their pickup and drop-off points, utilize saved locations for convenience, and pay via credit card. Buseet's platform offers the option to find nearby stations and provides personalized recommendations to help users optimize their travel plans. The service features air-conditioned buses with fixed routes and times, ensuring a comfortable commuting experience. Additionally, Buseet offers customer support to assist users in planning their daily commutes efficiently.
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.
Thndr
Funding Round in 2020
Thndr is a financial services company based in Cairo, Egypt, that operates an app-based investment platform designed to facilitate commission-free trading for investors. Established in 2020 by Seif Amr, Thndr offers features such as no account minimums, easy account setup, and streamlined funding processes. The platform provides users with access to real-time market data and the latest financial news, along with educational tools to enhance their investment experience. By eliminating traditional barriers to entry in investing, Thndr aims to empower individuals to make informed financial decisions.
Paymob
Venture Round in 2020
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.
Lean Technologies
Seed Round in 2020
Lean Technologies Limited, founded in 2019 and based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is a FinTech startup that specializes in providing an application programming interface (API) platform for financial data applications. The company's API suite simplifies access to consumer financial data, allowing businesses to navigate the complexities of financial infrastructure with ease. By enabling seamless access to customers' financial information and facilitating instant bank transfers, Lean Technologies aims to enhance the accessibility, transparency, and utility of financial data and payments. This approach fosters a more inclusive and interconnected financial landscape, ultimately benefiting both consumers and businesses.
Ogram is a Dubai-based company that offers an on-demand staffing platform designed to address the manpower needs of various industries, including food and beverage, hospitality, retail, e-commerce, and logistics. By acting as a freelance marketplace, Ogram connects temporary workers with businesses seeking immediate staffing solutions. The platform streamlines the process of staff placement, scheduling, and coordination, allowing clients to efficiently manage their staffing requirements. Ogram addresses common staffing challenges, such as limited access to reliable personnel, lengthy onboarding processes, and the need for immediate staff availability, thereby enhancing operational efficiency for its clients.
Mamo is a fintech startup based in Dubai, UAE, specializing in payment and financial solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is the first fintech company licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority to provide money services, enabling it to offer a diverse range of financial services. Mamo's flagship product, Mamo Business, serves as an alternative to traditional business banking, functioning as a financial operating system tailored to the needs of SMEs. The platform incorporates essential components such as payments, spend management, and analytics, facilitating efficient financial operations. Mamo's application allows businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies, issue virtual cards, manage expenses, and integrate with e-commerce platforms. Its customer base includes a variety of sectors, including B2B service providers, tourism, healthcare, wellness, and retail, helping to streamline financial processes and enhance analysis of spending habits.
Elmenus is a food discovery platform based in Cairo, Egypt, founded in 2011. The company operates a digital application that allows users to explore nearby restaurants and discover popular dishes, enhanced by community-generated content including photos, reviews, and ratings. Catering to over one million monthly users, Elmenus combines a social and visual experience to facilitate food discovery and ordering. It has expanded its presence with offices in several Egyptian cities, including Alexandria and Sharm El Sheikh. The platform's focus on personalized recommendations helps users find and enjoy the food they love, making it a significant player in Egypt's food tech landscape.
spiderSilk
Seed Round in 2020
spiderSilk Security is a cybersecurity firm based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 2019. The company specializes in simulating advanced cyberattacks to help organizations strengthen their security defenses. By combining proprietary machine-driven technology with the expertise of ethical hackers, spiderSilk enhances its capability to identify security vulnerabilities in applications across both public and internal infrastructures. Their methodologies enable impactful simulations that have potential implications for millions of individuals. In addition to its simulation services, spiderSilk offers advisory services that provide organizations with critical insights into security weaknesses and recommend best practices for improvement. The firm continuously monitors assets and attack surfaces to ensure comprehensive protection against emerging threats.
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.
MUNCH:ON is a food tech startup that has cracked the subscription space in the UAE & KSA, focusing on offering meals from the best restaurants at a significant discount and with free delivery. The company has invested heavily in its scheduling, bundling and order prediction software which has enabled it to achieve massive cost savings for its restaurant partners that they then pass on to their users, often offering up to a 55% discount vs. restaurants' regular price. Whether it's employees ordering from their company's curated menu or users ordering for their families at home, the platform takes the usual hassle and cost out of food delivery in a financially (and environmentally) sustainable manner for all stakeholders
Buseet
Funding Round in 2019
Buseet Corporation is a shared mobility startup based in Cairo, Egypt, founded in 2016. The company operates an online bus platform that simplifies the process of booking bus rides for daily commuters. Users can select their pickup and drop-off points, utilize saved locations for convenience, and pay via credit card. Buseet's platform offers the option to find nearby stations and provides personalized recommendations to help users optimize their travel plans. The service features air-conditioned buses with fixed routes and times, ensuring a comfortable commuting experience. Additionally, Buseet offers customer support to assist users in planning their daily commutes efficiently.
HolidayMe
Series C in 2018
HolidayMe is an online travel portal founded in 2013 and operates under the registered trademark of Traveazy DMCC, with its headquarters in Dubai, UAE. The company provides a comprehensive travel booking platform that offers a range of services, including holiday planning, hotel bookings, customized travel packages, and booking vouchers. With a presence in multiple countries, including India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, HolidayMe caters to both B2B and B2C markets, featuring products such as Umrah and leisure packages. The platform is designed to streamline the travel experience, allowing customers to easily select and book their desired holiday destinations through various payment methods. HolidayMe has received multiple accolades and recognition within the travel and startup community, highlighting its commitment to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions in a competitive market.
Mumzworld
Series B in 2018
Mumzworld.com is the leading e-commerce platform in the Middle East focused on products for mothers, babies, and children, serving over 2 million customers across the MENA region and shipping to more than 20 countries. The platform features an extensive catalog of over 200,000 items from more than 2,000 global and regional brands, making it a comprehensive resource for mothers seeking unique and essential products. Users can conveniently search, compare, and purchase a wide range of childcare items, educational toys, and maternity products, supported by detailed information and reviews to aid decision-making. Recognized as a pioneer in the e-commerce landscape for mothers, Mumzworld.com has partnered with major FMCG brands and secured exclusive distribution rights for numerous products, enhancing its offerings and solidifying its reputation as a vital online resource for families.
Arrow Labs
Series A in 2018
Arrow Labs is a mobility software manufacturer based in Dubai, specializing in niche applications and mobility solutions for various industries. The company's flagship product, the Arrow Labs MIMS, serves as an advanced mobility platform tailored for the modern workforce. By leveraging machine learning, process automation, and workforce optimization technology, Arrow Labs develops workforce management solutions designed to enhance the management of field resources through smart technology wearables and services. Their modular system caters to sectors such as facility management, hospitality, logistics, security, and transport, enabling clients to improve operational efficiencies, boost productivity, and lower operating costs. Arrow Labs' experience in creating and architecting critical medium and large-scale solutions positions them as a key player in the mobility software market.
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