UAE FinTech Gainz Secures Seven-Figure Pre-Seed Funding to Tackle SME Financing Gap
Gainz, a UAE-based FinTech company established in December 2024, has announced the successful completion of a seven-figure Pre-Seed investment round. The funding, a mix of equity and debt financing, will accelerate the company's mission to address a significant funding gap for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Gulf region.
Addressing a Critical SME Funding Need
Founded by Shehab Mokhtar and Sherif Abdel-Aati, Gainz aims to tackle an estimated funding gap exceeding $200 billion for SMEs across the Gulf. The company is developing a digital platform that offers Sharia-compliant alternative financing solutions, providing much-needed capital to businesses that may struggle to secure traditional financing.
AI-Powered Platform for Rapid Financing
A key innovation of Gainz's platform is its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assess credit risks efficiently. This technology enables companies to launch working capital financing campaigns swiftly, a stark contrast to conventional financing processes that can often take two to four months. This speed and accessibility are crucial for SMEs needing timely financial support.
Prominent Investors Back Visionary Founders
The Pre-Seed round was led by a consortium of notable investment firms: Antler MENAP, Lithium Holdings, and Eleventh Invest Inc. The round also saw participation from several high-net-worth individuals from the region, indicating strong investor confidence in Gainz's business model and the vision of its founders.
About Gainz
Gainz is a nascent financial technology company headquartered in the UAE. Launched in December 2024, it is focused on providing innovative, Sharia-compliant financing solutions to SMEs in the Gulf region. By leveraging AI and a digital-first approach, Gainz aims to democratize access to working capital and support the growth of the region's vital SME sector.
Significance for the UAE and Gulf FinTech Ecosystem
The successful Pre-Seed funding of a young company like Gainz highlights the dynamic nature of the UAE's FinTech ecosystem and the growing investor interest in solutions that address tangible market needs. Gainz's focus on Sharia-compliant financing and AI-driven risk assessment positions it uniquely to serve a significant segment of the market.
Looking Ahead
With this substantial Pre-Seed investment, Gainz is poised to rapidly develop its platform, expand its team, and begin onboarding SMEs seeking alternative financing. The company's innovative approach has the potential to make a significant impact on how SMEs in the Gulf region access capital, fostering greater economic growth and resilience.
Source: Jawlah