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.
Toters is a delivery service that connects customers with local retailers through its marketplace platform. The company offers a user-friendly application that allows customers to order food, groceries, and various products from neighborhood stores, facilitating a seamless shopping experience. Toters also operates dark grocery stores under the brand name Toters Fresh, enhancing its service offerings. The company has established a strong presence in its markets and maintains a leadership position across multiple verticals. Through a network of couriers, Toters ensures efficient delivery from any store within the city, allowing users to track their orders in real-time.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Private Equity Round in 2021
MNT-Halan is a microfinance lending and payments company focused on providing financial services to both commercial and retail clients. The company aims to serve the unbanked population and facilitate the transition from cash to electronic payment methods. Its digital ecosystem encompasses a variety of offerings, including small and micro business lending, consumer finance, digital payment solutions such as mobile wallets and cards, and e-commerce services. By leveraging proprietary digital channels and physical networks, MNT-Halan enables clients to digitalize their banking services effectively.
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.
Eyewa is an online optical store focused on simplifying the eyewear shopping experience. The company offers a diverse range of products, including sunglasses, prescription glasses, blue-light reading glasses, and contact lenses. By providing a user-friendly platform, Eyewa aims to make eyewear shopping accessible and affordable for customers, catering to both fashion and functional needs.
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.
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.
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.
Mawdoo3 is an online platform dedicated to providing high-quality Arabic content across a wide range of topics, including health, education, and cooking. With a monthly reach of over 50 million unique visitors, the platform seeks to enhance the availability of credible information in the Arabic language. Utilizing an artificial intelligence-driven encyclopedia, Mawdoo3 ensures that users can access reliable content from trustworthy sources efficiently. The platform is committed to enriching the digital landscape for Arabic-speaking internet users, making it easier for them to find relevant and accurate information about Arabian culture, history, and various other subjects.
InstaDeep Ltd is a company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence-based decision-making systems for the enterprise sector. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in London, the company also has offices in Paris, Tunis, Nairobi, and Lagos. InstaDeep's platform is designed to enhance talent retention and training while providing a range of AI programs. These include optimized pattern recognition, GPU-accelerated insights, self-learning systems, machine learning, and predictive analytics. By utilizing these technologies, InstaDeep enables businesses to improve efficiencies in manufacturing, logistics, mobility, and energy, ultimately leading to increased return on investments.
Awok.com is an e-commerce platform that offers a diverse range of consumer products online, including apparel, personal care items, electronics, home equipment, and decorative goods. With a catalog of approximately 70,000 products across over 30 categories, the company aims to provide a seamless and affordable shopping experience. Operating in at least 120 countries, Awok.com manages its own fulfillment center and logistics, supported by a dedicated courier service fleet to ensure timely delivery and quality service. The company employs nearly 700 staff members and emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to enhance customer satisfaction and improve the shopping experience. Through continuous innovation and a skilled team, Awok.com strives to be the preferred e-commerce channel in all its operating locations.
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.
Private Equity Round in 2018
Property Finder is a leading property portal in the MENA region, founded in 2005 by Michael Lahyani. Initially launched as a print magazine called Al Bab World in the UAE, it transitioned to a digital platform in 2007 after being rebranded. The company operates in several countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, facilitating over 14 million monthly visits. Property Finder connects home seekers with real estate agents, offering a wide range of listings for properties to buy, sell, lease, and rent. The platform is recognized for its innovative tools, such as Verified Listings, PF Flex, and Super Agent, all designed to enhance user experience and market insights. In 2023, it introduced Data Guru, a comprehensive data solution for property seekers. Property Finder has received multiple awards for its performance and innovation, including recognition as one of the top MENA leaders in 2023. With over 600 employees across five regional offices, the company continues to shape the proptech industry in the region.
Unifonic Inc. is a cloud communication solutions provider based in San Francisco, California, established in 2006. The company specializes in developing a suite of services that includes SMS, voice, phone number verification, and real-time roaming detection. As a prominent player in the MENA region, Unifonic offers an enterprise-grade, multilingual, omnichannel communications platform that enables organizations to foster seamless engagement with their customers. Its technology unifies various communication channels, messaging apps, and chatbots, allowing businesses to enhance customer experiences while optimizing their communication strategies. Notable clients include Haier, aramex, Easy Taxi, Careem, Medgulf, and Arabia Insurance.
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.
Keeward Group is a technology company focussed on the long tail in the media, art and culture industries. Through its platform, Keeward creates value at the intersection of innovation and diversity, leveraging the entire value chain: from digital and physical distribution to content creation, machine learning and big data. Over the last 10 years, Keeward Group has brought together a family of companies who share this same focus. We do this through our in-depth expertise across a range of specializations (project management, design, development, marketing, content creation, knowledge sharing, to name a few) and by identifying creative clusters in cities around the world where we nurture young businesses, as well as creative talents, who will bring value to our platform.
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.
Altibbi is a digital health platform that offers tools and information to provide access to health advice 24/7 anywhere through its website and apps.
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 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 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 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.
Webedia Arabia is a digital Arab networks, through pillars of fashion & beauty, pop culture, food, parenting, and gaming/esports.
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.
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.
Fetchr helps local merchants and global brands build, launch and grow profitable eCommerce businesses with an easy to use proprietary shipping and logistics solution. With our app and a simple tap, we can locate your exact location allowing us to deliver packages to your phone faster and more efficiently. Fetchr solves the problem of no physical addresses in emerging markets.
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.