Endeavor Catalyst

Endeavor Catalyst, established in 2012, is a venture capital arm of Endeavor Global, a non-profit supporting entrepreneurs in developing countries. Based in New York with global offices, Catalyst invests in early to growth-stage companies across sectors such as agriculture, education, enterprise software, fintech, healthcare, and smart cities. Focusing on Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Catalyst targets companies with revenues between $0.5 million and $15 million, aiming to take up to a 10% stake. It co-invests in financing rounds of $5 million or more, with a portfolio comprising over 200 companies across 32 markets, including several unicorns. Catalyst's unique model aligns with Endeavor's mission, providing a platform for high-impact entrepreneurs to scale and create jobs.

Jackie Carmel

Managing Director

Emre Kurttepeli

President

Past deals in Gulf Cooperation Council

NymCard

Series B in 2025
NymCard is a payment processing platform founded in 2016, operating from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with a focus on enhancing the digital payment landscape in Africa and the Middle East. The company specializes in providing an issuer processor solution that allows banks and financial institutions to offer innovative digital payment products, including plastic, virtual, and tokenized cards. NymCard's advanced infrastructure and user-friendly mobile wallet solutions facilitate quick account setup and immediate access to smart payment cards, promoting efficient and secure online transactions. By leveraging open APIs and mobile SDKs, NymCard aims to address the low penetration of payment cards in these regions, thereby driving greater participation in the digital economy.

Tamara

Series C in 2023
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.

Thunes

Series C in 2023
Thunes is a global B2B payment infrastructure platform established in 2016, specializing in cross-border payment solutions. It facilitates seamless fund transfers between various payment systems, catering to a diverse range of clients, including major players in the gig economy and fintech sectors. The platform enables businesses and consumers to send and receive payments in 80 currencies across 132 countries, supporting 300 payment methods. Thunes offers a suite of services including remittance processing, mass payouts, virtual accounts, and payment collection, utilizing application programming interfaces (APIs) to enhance accessibility and reduce transaction costs. In April 2022, the company expanded its capabilities by acquiring a controlling stake in Tookitaki, a compliance platform that strengthens its anti-money laundering and fraud prevention measures. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes operates regional offices in key global cities such as London, Paris, and Dubai, positioning itself as a vital player in the international payment landscape.

Tabby

Series C in 2023
Tabby Inc. is a financial technology company based in the United Arab Emirates that offers innovative payment solutions for online and offline shopping. The company specializes in a buy now, pay later service, providing consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with flexible payment options. Customers can choose to pay for their purchases either in a single deferred payment or in multiple installments, allowing them to manage their spending and enhance their shopping experience. Through its platform, Tabby aims to reshape the relationship between consumers and money, promoting financial freedom and responsible spending.

Zid زد

Series B in 2022
Zid is a cloud-based multi-channel commerce platform tailored for small and medium-sized businesses in Saudi Arabia. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Riyadh, Zid enables merchants to create their own branded eStores while integrating with various supply chain players. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools that allow users to manage products and inventory, process orders and payments, ship products, and build customer relationships. It also provides analytics and reporting features, facilitating data-driven decision-making, and offers access to financing options. Zid's mission is to simplify the entry of retailers into electronic commerce, making it accessible and professional for businesses in the region.

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

Series B in 2022
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

Series A in 2022
Huspy is a proptech company founded in 2020 and based in Dubai, UAE, that aims to simplify the home financing process. It offers an online mortgage service platform designed to enhance the home-buying experience by making it user-friendly and efficient. Huspy addresses the complexities of securing a mortgage by allowing home buyers to obtain home loans through its web and mobile application, eliminating the need for traditional paperwork. By reimagining the home buying process, Huspy seeks to make obtaining a mortgage a celebratory experience for buyers, ultimately facilitating a more accessible and cost-effective approach to home ownership.

NymCard

Series A in 2022
NymCard is a payment processing platform founded in 2016, operating from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with a focus on enhancing the digital payment landscape in Africa and the Middle East. The company specializes in providing an issuer processor solution that allows banks and financial institutions to offer innovative digital payment products, including plastic, virtual, and tokenized cards. NymCard's advanced infrastructure and user-friendly mobile wallet solutions facilitate quick account setup and immediate access to smart payment cards, promoting efficient and secure online transactions. By leveraging open APIs and mobile SDKs, NymCard aims to address the low penetration of payment cards in these regions, thereby driving greater participation in the digital economy.

Foodics

Series C in 2022
Foodics is a technology company based in AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing a cloud-based restaurant management system designed for iPads, catering to the needs of restaurants, food trucks, cafes, and fast-food chains across the Middle East. The platform offers comprehensive solutions including point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, employee scheduling, loyalty programs, e-commerce integration, and real-time operational oversight through a user-friendly dashboard. Foodics aims to enhance revenue generation and customer relationships for its clients by providing high-tech, easy-to-use tools that streamline restaurant operations.

Insider

Series D in 2022
Insider is a growth management platform that assists digital marketers in optimizing their strategies across the entire marketing funnel, from acquisition to retention and revenue generation. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, the company utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to provide real-time predictive segmentation. This enables marketers to create personalized customer journeys across various channels, including web, mobile, and advertising platforms. Insider's unified data layer simplifies implementation and usage, reducing reliance on complex IT integrations. The platform is designed to minimize marketing waste by enhancing cross-channel customer experiences and optimizing return on ad spend. With a focus on delivering insights that enhance personalization efforts, Insider serves a diverse range of industries, including retail, finance, automotive, and travel, and has established a global presence with offices in multiple countries.

Sary

Series C in 2021
Sary is a digital business-to-business marketplace based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that connects small and medium-sized enterprises with merchant wholesalers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Founded in 2018 by Mohammed Aldossary and Khaled AlSiari, Sary aims to streamline the supply chain in the wholesale industry, allowing businesses to efficiently procure inventory. Its mobile and web application offers a range of FMCG products, including beverages, oils, and snacks, facilitating orders from small quantities to truckloads with rapid delivery options, often within 24 hours. Sary serves a diverse clientele, including mini-market chains, hotels, restaurants, and convenience shops, and has expanded its operations to 12 major cities, catering to over 40,000 customers and partnering with more than 1,700 brands and wholesalers. The platform provides users with immediate price quotations and product comparisons, enabling them to manage their expenses effectively as their businesses grow.

AnyMind Group

Venture Round in 2021
AnyMind Group, established in Singapore in 2016, operates as an end-to-end commerce enablement company. It develops interconnected software and solutions that facilitate business operations across various stages, from brand building and manufacturing to e-commerce, marketing, logistics, and global expansion. With a mission to make businesses borderless by bridging gaps between customers, online and offline channels, industries, and geographical boundaries, AnyMind Group has expanded its presence to 13 markets across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

MRSOOL

Series B in 2021
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.

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.

Foodics

Series B in 2021
Foodics is a technology company based in AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing a cloud-based restaurant management system designed for iPads, catering to the needs of restaurants, food trucks, cafes, and fast-food chains across the Middle East. The platform offers comprehensive solutions including point-of-sale transactions, inventory management, employee scheduling, loyalty programs, e-commerce integration, and real-time operational oversight through a user-friendly dashboard. Foodics aims to enhance revenue generation and customer relationships for its clients by providing high-tech, easy-to-use tools that streamline restaurant operations.

Insider

Series C in 2020
Insider is a growth management platform that assists digital marketers in optimizing their strategies across the entire marketing funnel, from acquisition to retention and revenue generation. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, the company utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to provide real-time predictive segmentation. This enables marketers to create personalized customer journeys across various channels, including web, mobile, and advertising platforms. Insider's unified data layer simplifies implementation and usage, reducing reliance on complex IT integrations. The platform is designed to minimize marketing waste by enhancing cross-channel customer experiences and optimizing return on ad spend. With a focus on delivering insights that enhance personalization efforts, Insider serves a diverse range of industries, including retail, finance, automotive, and travel, and has established a global presence with offices in multiple countries.

Swvl

Venture Round in 2020
Swvl is a technology-driven mobility company that offers an app for booking fixed-route bus trips, providing users with a cost-effective alternative to traditional public transportation and ride-sharing services. Founded in 2017, Swvl operates in Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, and has its headquarters in Dubai. The company's core product is the B2C Swvl Retail offering, which allows commuters to book rides on minibuses and other vehicles running on fixed or semi-fixed routes within cities through a mobile application. This service enables users to share rides during peak commute times for a flat fare with no surge pricing, promoting environmentally responsible mass transit solutions.

Vezeeta

Series D in 2020
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

Series A in 2019
TruKKer is a technology-enabled truck aggregator based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, founded in 2016. The company operates a logistics and fleet management platform that simplifies road freight and logistics operations by integrating demand and supply for land freight services. TruKKer's platform connects shippers and carriers in real time, ensuring maximum utilization of available trucks and reducing overall transportation costs. The company's network, powered by real-time data analytics, enhances reliability and transparency while creating opportunities for data monetization and consolidated procurement. By offering end-to-end coverage and a comprehensive service portfolio, TruKKer facilitates cross-border transportation services for various end markets, benefiting both shippers and transporters alike.

Bayzat

Series B in 2019
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

Series B in 2019
Swvl is a technology-driven mobility company that offers an app for booking fixed-route bus trips, providing users with a cost-effective alternative to traditional public transportation and ride-sharing services. Founded in 2017, Swvl operates in Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, and has its headquarters in Dubai. The company's core product is the B2C Swvl Retail offering, which allows commuters to book rides on minibuses and other vehicles running on fixed or semi-fixed routes within cities through a mobile application. This service enables users to share rides during peak commute times for a flat fare with no surge pricing, promoting environmentally responsible mass transit solutions.

Kitopi

Series A in 2018
Kitopi is a Kitchen as a Service (KaaS) platform that provides restaurants with the essential infrastructure and software needed to establish delivery-only locations efficiently and cost-effectively. Founded in 2018 by Mohamad Ballout, Saman Darkan, Bader Ataya, and Andy Arenas, the company operates a network of over 60 cloud kitchens across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Kitopi's offerings include kitchen infrastructure, management services, call assistance, delivery management, trained staff, and industry-specific technology, allowing restaurateurs to focus on their culinary creations while minimizing capital expenditure and time. 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 hospitality company specializing in the leasing and management of fully furnished residential properties across Greece, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Kifisia, Greece, the company focuses on providing high-quality accommodations for corporate travelers, expatriates, and leisure guests. By leveraging a combination of local expertise, thoughtful design, and technology, Blueground offers a seamless living experience that allows clients to access apartments on flexible terms. Its platform is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern travelers, ensuring that guests enjoy comfortable, well-equipped homes during their stay.

Souqalmal

Series B in 2017
Souqalmal.com LLC FZ operates a leading financial comparison website in the Middle East, providing consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with the tools to search and compare various financial products. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Dubai, the platform offers detailed information on credit cards, personal loans, car loans, bank accounts, mortgages, and various insurance options, including car, home, travel, and SME insurance. Users can obtain real-time quotes for insurance in under 60 seconds and have their policies issued within an hour. Souqalmal.com has also expanded its services to include mobile phone and broadband plans, as well as educational options like schools and nurseries. The company has received multiple awards for its innovative approach and has grown its insurance business significantly. With backing from notable investors and a proven track record, Souqalmal.com continues to empower consumers to make informed financial decisions.

Vezeeta

Series B in 2017
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 hospitality company specializing in the leasing and management of fully furnished residential properties across Greece, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Kifisia, Greece, the company focuses on providing high-quality accommodations for corporate travelers, expatriates, and leisure guests. By leveraging a combination of local expertise, thoughtful design, and technology, Blueground offers a seamless living experience that allows clients to access apartments on flexible terms. Its platform is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern travelers, ensuring that guests enjoy comfortable, well-equipped homes during their stay.

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.

Yemeksepeti

Series B in 2012
Yemeksepeti is Turkey's leading online food ordering platform, allowing users to order meals from a wide selection of restaurants via the internet. Operating in 58 provinces, Yemeksepeti has partnered with approximately 8,000 restaurants, enabling efficient food delivery within a time frame of 30 to 45 minutes. The platform provides customers with direct access to their favorite dining options, ensuring a convenient ordering experience. Expanding its reach beyond Turkey, the company also established a presence in the Middle East under the brand Foodonclick.com, currently serving countries such as the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Greece.

Tarjama

Tarjama is a certified translation agency based in Dubai that offers a comprehensive suite of language-related services. Recognizing the importance of effective communication in today's global market, Tarjama provides translation, proofreading, transcription, content writing, and subtitling services, allowing businesses to connect with customers and stakeholders in culturally relevant ways. With a smart language platform, the agency enables organizations to produce and manage multilingual content efficiently, addressing the unique linguistic and cultural needs of the Middle East. By leveraging its expertise, Tarjama helps clients transcend geographic borders and engage effectively in diverse markets.
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