The investment will fuel the expansion of Next’House’s unique concept, starting with a premium location in Dubai. The upcoming property will offer direct beach access, providing guests with the perfect blend of social atmosphere, comfort, and high-end amenities. This new hostel aims to attract a global community of young professionals, digital nomads, and remote workers looking for an inspiring space to work, connect, and unwind.

“Next’House has developed a brand that is perfectly positioned to meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers, especially in a dynamic market like the GCC,” said Mark Aitchison, CEO of EIGHTClouds. “Our investment reflects our belief in the immense potential of the luxury hostel market in the region, where we see a growing demand for more affordable yet stylish accommodations that foster community and creativity. We are thrilled to bring in the strong industry experience of our team to support their growth and introduce a fresh take on hospitality to Dubai.”

Introducing Hostel Culture to the GCC
Next’House is set to introduce hostels to the GCC by blending the casual and social atmosphere of traditional hostels with the upscale amenities and stylish design typically found in boutique hotels. The Dubai location will feature modern co-living spaces, private rooms, and communal work areas equipped with high-speed internet, catering to the needs of remote workers and digital entrepreneurs.

“Dubai is not only a gateway to the GCC, but also a thriving hub for the digital nomad community worldwide,” said Rayan Hanna, Founder & CEO of Next’House. “With this investment, we are eager to bring our vision to the GCC. We believe that by combining the essence of the community hostel experience with the sophistication that Dubai is known for, we can create a truly unique offering that resonates with modern travelers. We also see enormous potential for collaboration with brands and businesses that align with our ethos.”

The investment indeed opens significant opportunities for cross-brand collaboration, allowing Next’House to partner with other EIGHTClouds lifestyle brands and local businesses, such as global barbershop brand Chaps & Co, and UAE food institution MORE Café. The company is also exploring partnerships with local brands that will introduce guests to hidden gems of Dubai.

Unlocking the GCC’s Untapped Potential
The GCC region, with its central global location and growing appeal as a destination for remote work, is primed for the introduction of upscale hostels. The region’s infrastructure, tourism industry, climate, and digital leadership make it an ideal environment for attracting international travelers. EIGHTCloud’s investment underscores a shared belief in the potential for this new segment of hospitality to thrive in the region.

As Dubai continues to establish itself as a global leader in tourism and innovation, Next’House is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a new trend in the market—one that embraces the spirit of community and adventure that has made hostels popular across the globe.

The post EIGHTClouds invests $10 million in Next’House appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

With a mission to enable the next generation of financial innovation in MENA, Lean Technologies provides businesses with secure access to critical financial infrastructure, allowing them to embed more personalized financial services into their platforms. The company believes in making financial data and payments more accessible, transparent, and beneficial for consumers and businesses, fostering a more inclusive and connected financial ecosystem.

Over the past 3 years, Lean’s impact has been evident. Regulated by ADGM in the UAE, Lean has transformed payment journeys for businesses through its A2A payment solutions, simplifying pay-ins and payouts for major clients like e&, DAMAC, and Careem, with over $2 billion in total processed volumes. In Saudi Arabia, Lean’s launch of its data solutions under the Saudi Central Bank’s regulatory sandbox has impacted clients across various industries, including insurance, lending, and marketplaces, verifying nearly 1 million bank accounts. Clients like Tawuniya, Abdul Latif Jameel Finance, Salla, Tabby, and Tamara have leveraged these services to unlock new use cases, further establishing Lean as the key player in enabling the region’s financial ecosystem.

Hisham Al-Falih, CEO and Co-Founder of Lean Technologies said: “This funding marks a pivotal moment not only for Lean but for the entire fintech landscape in the Middle East. We’re witnessing fintech evolve from a specialized vertical into an essential layer of the region’s economic fabric, with Lean playing a crucial role in building infrastructure that enables seamless adoption across industries. Our goal has always been to create a financial ecosystem that prioritizes accessibility and inclusion, empowering consumers and SMEs to access the tools they need for growth. With this new investment, we’re energized to expand our solutions and continue supporting businesses of all sizes in delivering secure, impactful financial services that meet the needs of a dynamic region.”

Neeraj Arora, Managing Director at General Catalyst, said, “We are excited to partner with Lean, a pioneer in Open Banking in the MENA region. Over the last 5 years, Lean’s stellar team, led by Hisham, has demonstrated deep commitment towards solving unique local merchant needs, earning tremendous customer loyalty. We believe Lean is well-positioned to become a pivotal force in driving the growth of the region by building the fintech infrastructure layer for local businesses.”

With this seminal round of funding, Lean is positioned to scale its Pay-by-Bank and Open Banking offerings, which in turn will further enhance operational efficiencies for businesses across the region. With plans to deepen partnerships, grow its expert team, and expand its product offerings, Lean is set to solidify its role as the Middle East’s leading fintech infrastructure provider, driving long-term growth and innovation across the ecosystem.

The post Lean Technologies secures $67.5 million in Series B led by General Catalyst appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

Furthermore, Pemo is eying expansion into wider markets in the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, which is fast-becoming a major technology hub, with an appetite for smart, digitally-connected solutions.

Co-led by investors Shorooq and Augmentum Fintech, the new investment builds on the business’ success so far – with more than 4,000 companies already using Pemo’s award-winning software to manage their expenses. Set up to make spend management more efficient, Pemo provides corporate virtual and physical cards and automated tools to deliver full visibility and control on a company’s financial data. This empowers businesses to make faster, better-informed decisions to fuel their growth.

With the goal of enabling businesses to gain better control of their finances, Pemo’s corporate cards allow employees to set limits, match receipts, and track company spending through real-time analytics and AI-driven automated accounting. This advanced technology helps businesses stay compliant and streamline operations, especially with the recent introduction of corporate income tax in the UAE.

“We’ve been on a mission to help businesses save time and money by simplifying expense management and empowering teams to make responsible purchasing decisions. Ayham Gorani, Co-Founder of Pemo, explained. “The UAE’s thriving ‘pro-business’ ecosystem has been the perfect foundation for Pemo’s growth, and we’re excited to strengthen our presence further, enhance our product offering, and expand into new markets.”.

“We want to help empower these businesses to grow by removing the headaches that drag them down. Having the backing of our incredible investors, who bring a wealth of industry and market knowledge to the fore, will support our expansion and deliver even greater value to our customers.” Ayham added.

Echoing these thoughts, Tim Levene, CEO of fintech-focused investment company Augmentum said: “Pemo represents an outstanding opportunity in a rapidly growing market, led by a seasoned team with a proven track record in European fintech. We believe Pemo is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth across the Middle East, a region we are closely monitoring and where we see considerable opportunity and exciting developments in the fintech space.

“With our extensive expertise and network in the fintech sector, we are excited to support Pemo as they embark on this next phase, unlocking the market’s vast potential through transforming expense management and corporate payments, and accelerating the growth of SMEs on a global scale.”

Dr. Bilal Baloch, Partner at Shorooq, added: “Pemo has been on an exciting journey from day one. We recognised the potential of the business early on, building a value creation plan for the company, and it’s been great to see them go from strength to strength under the leadership of stellar co-founders. We are looking forward to supporting Pemo during its next phase of growth as it enters dynamic new markets and accelerates fast and cost-effective decision-making for SMEs”.

The post Pemo secures $7M in Pre-Series A led by Shorooq and Augmentum Finance appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

As startup momentum has gained currency in the UAE, what specific initiatives is RAKEZ implementing to support startups in Ras Al Khaimah?
SMEs and startups are an essential part of the UAE’s economic engine, contributing around 63.5% to the non-oil GDP and driving innovation across sectors. With projections of up to 1 million SMEs by 2030, we’re focused on creating an environment at RAKEZ that helps these businesses thrive and grow.

To support this momentum, we’ve introduced flexible business packages that lower entry barriers, allowing SMEs and startups to get off the ground without heavy costs. But we know startups need more than just a license—they need ongoing support. That’s why we’ve built a lineup of events, from workshops and seminars to networking forums, where entrepreneurs can connect with investors, industry experts, and like-minded peers. These events aren’t just gatherings; they’re key opportunities for startups to gain market insights, broaden their networks, and explore potential funding channels.

In addition to this, we offer a range of value-added services, providing specialized consultations in areas like legal, marketing, and administration to help founders navigate the complexities of scaling up. And we know how important collaboration and community are, which is why we established the Compass Coworking Centre. It’s more than a workspace—it’s a dynamic hub designed for entrepreneurs to work, network, and innovate side by side. With modern amenities and a flexible setup, Compass provides a space where creativity and collaboration thrive.

Our focus is on making market entry as seamless as possible, so entrepreneurs can concentrate on what they do best: innovating and making a difference. At RAKEZ, we’re building more than just business solutions; we’re creating a thriving ecosystem where startups can play an active role in shaping the UAE’s diverse and dynamic economy.

How does RAKEZ collaborate with other organizations or government entities to enhance the country’s startup ecosystem?
Collaboration is essential to RAKEZ’s mission of building a strong, sustainable startup and SME ecosystem in the UAE. By partnering with key organizations and government entities, we create an environment where startups and SMEs have access to the resources, expertise, and support needed to thrive.

Our partnerships with leading banks—including RAKBANK, Mashreq, Emirates NBD, and others—provide streamlined financial solutions for startups and SMEs. These banks offer easy account set-up, dedicated advisors, online payment services, and financial support packages, simplifying the set-up process and helping new businesses operate smoothly. In the e-commerce space, we work with platforms like Amazon UAE and Tradeling to empower RAKEZ-based businesses with digital tools, access to a vast customer network, and resources for scaling online. Additionally, our collaboration with Emirates Post offers startups bundled logistics, financial, and tech support, allowing them to streamline their operations and focus on growth.

On the regulatory front, RAKEZ works with government bodies such as the RAK Department of Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Emirates Development Bank (EDB), Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), RAK Courts, Customs Departments, RAK Civil Defense, and RAK Immigration. These partnerships ensure that our businesses have a robust support network to navigate regulatory processes with ease, fostering a smooth market entry and operational efficiency.

We also create valuable networking and learning opportunities through our events, forums, and workshops, where entrepreneurs can connect with investors, potential partners, and industry experts. These gatherings go beyond traditional networking by fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and strengthening the startup community in Ras Al Khaimah.

These are just a few of our key partnerships, and we’re continually expanding our network to bring even more resources and opportunities to our business community. Our commitment is to build a thriving ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs every step of the way.

What resources and facilities do RAKEZ provide to help startups scale their operations?
At RAKEZ, we provide startups with resources and facilities that truly drive growth. Our Compass Coworking Centre serves as a collaborative space where entrepreneurs can work flexibly and connect with a dynamic community of peers. It’s more than just a workspace—it’s where ideas flourish, partnerships form, and innovation thrives.

Our training programs cover essential topics such as business development strategies, client relationship management, social media mastery, financial planning and budgeting, IT and digital solutions, and sales techniques. These sessions address practical challenges, equipping entrepreneurs with skills crucial for long-term success.

We also offer extensive networking opportunities, allowing startups to connect not only with like-minded entrepreneurs but also with professionals from other sectors. Through our events, workshops, and mentorship programs, entrepreneurs gain valuable industry insights, expand their networks, and create connections that can lead to potential partnerships and collaborations.

For companies needing physical space to grow, RAKEZ provides scalable warehouse and office solutions. Our warehouses meet logistical needs, while our flexible office spaces allow teams to expand smoothly as they grow.

Each of these resources is designed to make scaling up as seamless as possible, empowering startups to focus on what they do best. With the right facilities, training, and connections, businesses at RAKEZ have everything they need to tackle new challenges and seize opportunities in the UAE’s thriving market. 

How does RAKEZ plan to attract international startups to establish a presence in Ras Al Khaimah?
We’re all about creating the ideal environment for international startups to establish and thrive in Ras Al Khaimah. At RAKEZ, we understand what it takes for a startup to enter a new market smoothly, so we focus on making setup straightforward, affordable, and growth-oriented.

To make RAKEZ even more attractive to global entrepreneurs, we offer a range of incentives that truly set us apart—100% foreign ownership, zero income tax, and a simplified setup process. These benefits give startups the freedom to operate and grow without the usual complexities. We actively promote these advantages through international roadshows, trade missions, and partnerships with foreign trade bodies, so that startups worldwide know about the unique opportunities RAKEZ offers.

Our recent participation in Expand North Star, one of the world’s largest startup events, was part of this mission to connect directly with the global startup community and show how we’re the perfect launchpad for growth in the UAE.

Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location offers another competitive edge, providing startups access to high-demand markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Combined with our attractive pricing models, RAKEZ is an ideal hub for startups looking to enter and scale in the region. 

How does RAKEZ address the unique challenges faced by startups in the region, particularly in terms of funding and access to markets?
We at RAKEZ understand that access to funding and markets are two of the biggest challenges startups face, especially in a competitive region like ours. That’s why we’ve built strong partnerships and programs that specifically address these needs, giving startups a solid foundation for growth.

To support funding, RAKEZ actively connects startups with the Emirates Development Bank (EDB), a key partner in financing entrepreneurial ventures across the UAE. Through EDB, startups have access to tailored financial support, including loans and growth funding, designed to help them scale their operations.

When it comes to market access, RAKEZ’s location in Ras Al Khaimah offers startups strategic connectivity to high-demand markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. We also work with leading e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon UAE, Tradeling and many others, to help startups establish a strong digital presence and reach customers online. Our international roadshows and trade missions give startups a hands-on opportunity to explore new markets, connect with local trade bodies, and build global partnerships.

Through funding connections, strategic location, and market entry support, RAKEZ provides startups with the essential tools to overcome challenges and succeed in the region’s fast-paced business landscape.

Can you discuss any upcoming programs or events RAKEZ hosts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship?
We’re constantly introducing new programs and events to spark innovation and support entrepreneurship here in Ras Al Khaimah. One of our key initiatives includes a series of industry-focused workshops and networking events that bring together thought leaders, investors, and successful entrepreneurs from across the region. These gatherings are designed to equip startups with valuable insights, foster collaboration, and create meaningful B2B opportunities.

We recently launched the RAKEZ Growth Series, an ongoing program covering essential topics like scaling strategies, digital transformation, and financial management tailored specifically for startups and SMEs. The response has been fantastic, and we’re excited to expand this series with even more sessions and fresh topics to support our clients’ evolving needs.

There’s also a lot more in the pipeline, including larger events and sector-specific programs, and we’ll be announcing these soon. We’re committed to providing our business community with a dynamic calendar of resources and events to ensure they have everything they need to thrive.

How does RAKEZ incorporate feedback from the startup community to refine its support initiatives?
Listening to the startup community is essential to how we shape and enhance our support initiatives. We actively gather feedback from entrepreneurs through regular sessions, surveys, and one-on-one meetings, giving them an open platform to share insights on their experiences—from business setup to mentorship programs and events. This input enables us to make real-time improvements and ensures our offerings stay aligned with what startups truly need.

For us, feedback isn’t just valuable—it’s the foundation of our approach. By staying closely connected to the challenges and goals of our startup community, we ensure that RAKEZ remains a responsive, supportive environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. Every piece of feedback we collect helps us refine our services, improve operational efficiency, and tailor support packages that grow alongside our clients’ ambitions.

What is RAKEZ’s vision for the startup ecosystem in Ras Al Khaimah over the next 2-3 years?
We’re on an exciting journey at RAKEZ to establish Ras Al Khaimah as a premier hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Our goal is to expand our startup ecosystem by drawing in more local and international startups, strengthening our infrastructure, and building deeper connections with global accelerators and investors.

Building on the incredible response to our current Compass Coworking Centre, I’m thrilled to share that we’re moving forward with Compass Coworking Centre 2 (CCC2)—a state-of-the-art facility that will be around three times the size of the original. Located right between Marjan Island and Al Hamra in the business and beach district, CCC2 is all about creating an inspiring, sustainable space for innovators. It’s LEED-certified, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, and it’ll feature expanded event spaces, flexible office layouts, and amenities like cafés, retail spaces, and even a podcast recording studio.

Beyond CCC2, we’re also adding 20,000 square meters of private office space and upgrading another 20,000 square meters to meet the demand for dedicated work environments. These spaces are designed to give startups and growing businesses the flexibility they need as they scale.

We’ll also continue to support our community with regular sessions, workshops, and events to keep startups up to date on industry trends and best practices. Our goal is to create a thriving, sustainable ecosystem where entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to succeed. We’re building an environment right here in Ras Al Khaimah that’s primed for growth, collaboration, and innovation—and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

How does RAKEZ leverage technology to improve services for startups?
Technology is at the heart of how we’re enhancing the RAKEZ experience for startups. We know that time is everything for entrepreneurs, so we’re focused on creating digital solutions that make business setup and management as seamless as possible.

One of our standout offerings is the Instant License, which allows startups to get their business up and running in record time. With just a few clicks, entrepreneurs can secure their license online, cutting down on processing time so they can dive straight into their business activities without delay.

We’re also integrating AI into our processes to enhance efficiency and personalize the experience for our clients. AI-driven insights help us anticipate the needs of startups, automate routine tasks, and streamline administrative processes. This means faster responses, more tailored services, and a smoother journey from setup to scale-up.

Behind the scenes, we’re using data insights to understand what our clients need most, so we can keep refining our support and introducing services that genuinely make a difference. By embracing technology, we’re building a dynamic, responsive environment that empowers startups to focus on what really matters: growing and innovating. 

What advice do you have for entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses in Ras Al Khaimah?
For any entrepreneur looking to establish in Ras Al Khaimah, my advice is to approach it strategically and stay open to the unique advantages this place offers.

First, understand your market deeply. Successful businesses are built around real demand, so take the time to understand your target audience, their needs, and what you can offer that truly adds value. Ras Al Khaimah is an incredibly diverse market with access to the wider Middle East, Africa, and Asia, so think about how your product or service can resonate across these regions.

Second, location is everything. Ras Al Khaimah combines a business-friendly regulatory environment with strategic positioning. By choosing RAKEZ, you’re not only benefiting from our flexible setup options but also our support infrastructure, designed to help startups thrive right from the start.

Adaptability is key—the market can shift fast, and staying responsive to trends can keep you ahead of the curve. We encourage startups here to stay agile and leverage our mentorship and networking programs, which keep entrepreneurs connected to new developments and resources.

Also, invest in a strong team. Talent is a critical driver of growth, so bring on people who share your vision and expertise. At RAKEZ, we offer visa and relocation support to make it easier to build that solid team.

Finally, always think long-term. Keep an eye on future trends, and don’t be afraid to innovate. Whether it’s through adopting sustainable practices or integrating new technology, positioning your business for the future will pay off. At RAKEZ, we’re here to support you every step of the way, with facilities and resources designed for growth.

Ras Al Khaimah is a place where you can grow sustainably, connect globally, and build something impactful. Take advantage of all it has to offer, and don’t hesitate to lean on our community—we’re here to help you succeed.

How do you measure the success of your initiatives aimed at supporting startups?
At RAKEZ, we measure the success of our initiatives by focusing on both the individual growth of startups and the overall strength of the startup ecosystem in Ras Al Khaimah. A key indicator is the number of startups registered with RAKEZ, along with their growth and survival rates beyond the crucial early years. The fact that a significant portion of our business community is made up of SMEs and startups is clear proof that our support and infrastructure align well with the needs of emerging ventures.

Engagement within our programs is another major metric. By tracking participation levels in our events, workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking platforms, we can gauge the relevance and impact of these resources on our community. High engagement shows us that we’re providing real value, and it also helps us fine-tune our offerings to better support startups.

Direct feedback from our clients is also essential. Through regular surveys, feedback sessions, and one-on-one discussions with founders, we gather insights into what’s working well and what could be improved. This feedback loop allows us to continuously adapt and evolve to meet the needs of our growing startup community.

Finally, we look at the broader economic contributions of our startups in Ras Al Khaimah. As these businesses expand, create jobs, and introduce new ideas, they play a vital role in strengthening the local economy. For us, success means not just helping startups grow individually but fostering a vibrant, thriving business environment that drives Ras Al Khaimah forward.

In the end, seeing our startups thrive and actively contribute to the local economy is the strongest validation of our efforts and a testament to the value of RAKEZ’s ecosystem.

Are there any partnerships with educational institutions to promote entrepreneurship among students in the region?
Absolutely, supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs is something we’re truly passionate about at RAKEZ. We’ve partnered with educational institutions and organizations like the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation and Skyrize Partners to deliver impactful programs that build real-world skills among students and young professionals.

Through initiatives like the Nomu Al Ghurair program, we’re empowering Emirati and Arab women with essential leadership skills, career guidance, and hands-on project experience. It’s all about bridging the gap between academic learning and practical business skills, so these young talents are ready to step into the entrepreneurial world with confidence.

In addition, we welcome students from various universities and colleges for internships at RAKEZ, not only to give them insight into different career paths but also to introduce them to the world of business setup and entrepreneurship. These experiences offer students a firsthand look at what it takes to launch and grow a business, sparking that entrepreneurial mindset early on.

For us, these initiatives are more than just programs—they’re an investment in the future of Ras Al Khaimah’s business community. By nurturing young talent, we’re building a foundation for a vibrant, innovative, and opportunity-rich ecosystem.

The post RAKEZ paving the way for thriving startup ecosystem appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

Since taking the company private, Thoma Bravo has partnered with the Qlik leadership team to accelerate growth through 14 strategic acquisitions and substantial R&D investments. Qlik serves customers across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, financial services, retail, and the public sector. Its solutions empower organizations to bring data together, make sense of it, trust it, analyze it, and take action.

The recently launched Qlik Talend Cloud enables businesses to build a trusted foundation for AI, while Qlik Answers brings value to proprietary unstructured data sources by generating relevant answers to questions with full explainability. Qlik’s platform supports comprehensive data needs across cloud, multi-cloud, and on-premises environments.

Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik, said, “We look forward to accelerating Qlik’s impact in the era of AI and welcome ADIA into our next phase of growth. Our team has seized the AI opportunity, grounded in a commitment to strong partnerships, customer success, and solutions that drive real competitive advantage. These principles have fueled our growth and enabled us to deliver meaningful, tangible value from data and analytics.”

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Mike and the Qlik team to establish it as a leader in data integration, data quality, analytics, and AI. We are thrilled to continue this journey alongside Qlik, and now with ADIA, to drive further innovation,” added Seth Boro, a Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo. “Through a forward-focused strategy and execution, Qlik has become invaluable to enterprises seeking to create more value from their data.”

“As companies across global markets increasingly recognize the value of data integration, data quality, and analytics in realizing AI’s potential, we anticipate sustained acceleration in demand for these foundational technologies,” said Mike Hoffmann, Partner at Thoma Bravo. “Our investment reflects the strong tailwinds behind these solutions.”

The post ADIA and Thoma Bravo makes strategic investment in Qlik appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

Epik Foods Global Holding was formed by a partnership between KR&CO founders Khaled Fadly and Ranya Basyuni and Gulf Islamic Investments (GII), a leading Shari’ah-compliant global alternative investment company with over $4.5 billion of assets under management, through the merger of three food / food tech players in the UAE, Happy Platter Kitchen, Kreative Restaurant and Co, and Sweetheart Kitchen.

Epik Foods currently manages a diverse portfolio of 60 unique F&B brands across 50 locations in the UAE and KSA with 20 more in the pipeline. The company is well positioned with a number of strong brands within multiple food categories, such as Poke & Co., Healthy & Co. Acai & Co and Route Beirut.

“We’re excited to have Ruya Partners’ support as we expand across Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This investment strengthens our vision to grow Epik Foods and bring our brands to more communities,” said Khaled Fadly, CEO and Founder of Epik Foods.

“This is the fourth investment from our fund, reflecting our strong commitment to providing highly bespoke growth financing solutions to mid-market companies across the GCC, with a focus on high-growth markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” said Mirza Beg, Founding Partner of Ruya Partners. “Epik Foods has demonstrated a clear and well-executed growth strategy, and GII has been a crucial partner in Epik Food’s journey. We are excited to support Epik Foods as they scale their operations and capture the immense potential in the region.”

“This investment highlights the value of partnering with established financial sponsors like GII, who bring significant resources and strategic support to the table,” said Rashid Siddiqi, Founding Partner of Ruya Partners. “Having invested in private capital across the region for over 15 years, we are particularly enthusiastic about supporting financial sponsor-led transactions like this, where we and our partners share a common vision for the company’s growth.”

Omar Al Yawer, Partner at Ruya Partners, added, “Our fund’s portfolio now spans diverse sectors such as media, energy, fitness and food. We have an active investment pipeline and anticipate closing additional investments in the very near future.”

The post Ruya Partners invests $15.5 million in Epik Foods appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

The report serves as an essential reference for individuals, institutions, and professionals seeking to enter this vital sector or who are currently employed within it in addition to demonstrating the emerging trends in the fintech sector, highlighting the evolving nature of job roles and career opportunities. It also identifies the core skills needed to align the workforce’s capabilities with market needs through a comprehensive overview of educational pathways and training programs available for those interested in joining or advancing within the fintech field.

Amer Marhoon, Managing Director of the Skills Bahrain initiative, said, “This report represents an essential step in strengthening Bahraini talent within the fintech sector by providing an in-depth analysis of future trends and required skills. This report will also assist us at Tamkeen in developing specialized programs and initiatives that align with the sector’s market needs and skills required, hence enabling Bahrainis to become more future ready.”

Bader Sater, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain FinTech Bay, added, “Our collaboration with Skills Bahrain initiative on this report emphasizes our commitment to driving innovation and skill development within the fintech sector. We look forward to seeing this report serve as a beneficial tool for guiding individuals and institutions towards a future focused on innovation and sustainability.”

This report showcases Bahrain’s readiness to adapt to the changes in global trends when it comes to the Fintech sector. It provides insights and data to identify challenges associated with these shifts in the sector, offering comprehensive perspectives on future skills and job roles. It also aims to enhance the ability of individuals and institutions to adapt to and leverage these changes to strengthen their competitiveness both locally and globally.

Skills Bahrain is an initiative that operates under the umbrella of the Labour Fund “Tamkeen” and aims to fill the skills gap of local talent resulting from the constant changes and development in the global labor market. Skills Bahrain works closely with employers, education & training providers, and the government, to bridge the skills gap by providing stakeholders with the necessary intelligence, sector-specific data, and necessary tools.  Skills Bahrain contributes to the transition from education to employment, and provides a clear path towards career development, therefore developing skilled and globally competitive Bahraini talent.

The post Tamkeen and Bahrain Fintech Bay launches Fintech Sector Skills Report appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

Facilitated by the DIFC Innovation Hub, the third cohort will run between six to eight weeks and be hosted at DIFC’s Innovation One building. The upcoming cohort will consist of a select group of FinTech startups led by UAE National founders and members. Participants will have the opportunity to acquire valuable insights from venture-building and innovation experts, as well as gain hands-on experience from accomplished entrepreneurs, in addition to exclusive access to a network of resources and ecosystems. The aim is to nurture visionary ideas and contribute to the UAE’s goals of economic diversification and digital transformation.

The UAE’s FinTech market is expected to continue its upward growth trajectory, driven by technological innovation, changing customer preferences and a positive regulatory environment. By 2028, UnaFinancial estimates the UAE will rise as a premier FinTech hub, with 1.8 times more companies thriving in a transparent regulatory environment. Capitalising on this potential, the NDTI program supports UAE’s position as a gateway for FinTech innovation.

Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking, Emirates NBD, said: “We are pleased to launch the third cohort of the National Digital Talent Incubator with the DIFC Innovation Hub. The NDTI program delivers remarkable outcomes by driving UAE’s economic growth and fostering innovation within the financial services sector.  We keenly look forward to welcoming the new cohort who will deliver yet another wave of innovative solutions and entrepreneurial excellence.”

Participants in the third cohort will feature a dynamic lineup of pioneering startups that reflect the diversity and innovation driving the UAE’s FinTech ecosystem. These Emirati-founded ventures span from a super cash back platform to a mobile money service, digital savings circles and an artificial intelligence-powered legal research platform, each addressing unique market needs while pushing the boundaries of financial technology.

Maryam Al Mansoori, Founder and General Manager, Rebound Platform, a cohort two founder, shared her experience, saying, “The NDTI program has been transformative, equipping me with the tools and network to accelerate my startup’s growth. Learning directly from seasoned entrepreneurs and corporate leaders has shown me how to turn bold ideas into impactful solutions for the UAE market. The program partners brought in an added layer of valuable experience from a technology and infrastructure perspective.”

Mohammed AlBlooshi, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Innovation Hub, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the third cohort of the National Digital Talent Incubator program. By collaborating with Emirates NBD, this initiative not only empowers the next generation of digital talent but also demonstrating DIFC’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the financial sector. By nurturing local talent, we are paving the way for a brighter, more technologically advanced future for the UAE.”

This year’s program promises an exciting mix of hands-on learning, mentorship, and regional exposure, including a cross-border trip to Egypt to connect with Emirates NBD’s Egypt division, plus key players in the broader ecosystem. Follow along for updates as these founders gain critical insights, expand their networks, and build solutions that will shape the future of digital finance in the UAE and across the region.

The post Emirates NBD announces third cohort of National Digital Talent Incubator appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

The four start-ups, operating across multiple African countries are:

• Oze, based in Ghana. They provide digital record-keeping tools and embedded finance products to SMEs, helping them manage transactions, access affordable capital, and grow their businesses. Additionally, the startup offers a Loan Management System (LMS) for financial institutions, featuring machine learning-based credit scoring to enhance lending decisions and expand access to credit for MSMEs.
• Workpay, a HR tech firm headquartered in Kenya. They offer a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR platform that manages the entire employee lifecycle, enabling payroll processing, time tracking, employee benefits administration, performance management and Employer of Record services in more than 35 countries across Africa.
• OkHi based in Nigeria is a smart addressing system that provides digital address verification, enabling businesses to collect, verify, and navigate to accurate addresses, thereby improving delivery efficiency and access to financial services.
• ORDA, a cloud-based restaurant software company digitizing over 1,500 restaurants across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa with tools for order processing, inventory management, and financial services to optimize operations and fuel growth.

Graduates of the second cohort of the program will have the opportunity to present their innovative capabilities during a Demo Day set to take place on December 2nd in Cape Town, South Africa, to an audience of venture capitalists, angel investors, ecosystem enablers and business partners.

The Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program – is a three-month intensive program that supports Seed to Series A start-ups by offering 1:1 mentorship, training, and exclusive opportunities for funding and partnership. Launched in 2023, it aligns with Visa’s pledge to invest $1 billion in the continent by 2027, helping to uplift and bolster its digital transformation.

Godfrey Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Products, Partnerships and Digital Solutions for Visa CEMEA, said “These investments mark a substantial step for Visa – we are once again standing behind our commitment to innovation in Africa, helping to shape the future of digital payments alongside some of the brightest fintech minds that the continent has to offer. Visa sees each investment as a unique opportunity to drive financial access and inclusion, and we are proud to support these start-ups as they realize their vision for a more connected Africa.”

Meghan McCormick, Chief Executive Officer at Oze commented: “This investment marks the latest pivotal moment in our journey, enabling us to scale our innovations to continue supporting MSMEs across Africa – something that both we and our shareholders are truly passionate about.”

Timbo Drayson, Co-Founder and CEO of Okhi commented:  “We are thrilled to welcome Visa onboard as we continue to disrupt the industry and redefine what’s possible through our identity verification solutions. The future is bright, and partnerships like this help us take a step forward toward achieving our vision.”

Guy Futi, Co-Founder of ORDA commented: “We are proud to have an established payments leader such as Visa be part of our growth journey. We see this investment as a mark of trust in our vision. We look forward to driving innovation together, one order at a time.”

Paul Kimani, Co-Founder and CEO of WorkPay commented: “We are happy to have Visa in our corner. As a trusted leader in digital payments, Visa’s support pushes us toward our goal of delivering innovative solutions and streamlining backend processes for all.”

Additional investments and commercial partnerships with the program’s graduates are being finalized and will be announced soon.

The Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator program is supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS), which offers free cloud services to cohort participants. Companies interested in Africa are invited to join and contribute to developing the next generation of fintech innovators, experiencing the transformative power of these partnerships.

The post Visa invests in four leading African fintechs appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.

“We are thrilled to have the continued support of Kendall Capital Partners, along with Lifespan Vision Ventures, EMV Capital plc, and other strategic investors, who share our vision of transforming skeletal repair through groundbreaking science,” said Dr. Nina Tandon CEO and Co-Founder of EpiBone, Inc. “This funding not only affirms the progress we’ve made but also empowers us to bring our innovative regenerative therapies to more patients in need as we explore Thailand and the UAE, both emerging global centers of medical tourism.”

David Zhu, Founding Partner of Kendall Capital Partners, added, “We are proud to lead a syndicate of institutional and strategic investors and family offices in this funding round to support EpiBone’s mission to revolutionize skeletal repair. Thinking globally from the outset is essential for cutting-edge technologies like EpiBone’s, as it accelerates commercialization and amplifies the scale of impact. EpiBone’s innovative approach is poised to transform the landscape of regenerative medicine, and we are thrilled to be part of their journey.”

Dr. Ilian Iliev, CEO of EMV Capital plc commented, “Epibone is revolutionizing healthcare with their cutting-edge approach to personalized medicine, offering a solution that not only has the potential to improve patients’ lives but also redefine how we treat complex diseases. They are developing technology that will shape the future of healthcare. We are proud to continue supporting this visionary team as they enter the exciting next chapter of growth and innovation.”

Based in Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, EpiBone’s technologies represent advanced treatment modalities that leverage autologous and allogeneic stem cells, 3D bioprinting, and bioreactor technology to provide personalized, effective bone and osteochondral reconstruction solutions. EpiBone stands on the frontier of regenerative medicine and seeks to disrupt the standard in musculoskeletal treatments.

The post EpiBone secures funding round led by Kendall Capital appeared first on My Startup World - Everything About the World of Startups!.