UAE - Mubasher: Dubai-based fintech Gainz has closed a 7-figure pre-seed round in USD, structured as a mix of equity and debt, according to a press release.
The round was led by Antler MENAP, Lithium Holdings, and Eleventh Invest Inc., with participation from a diverse network of regional high-net-worth investors.
The fundraising transaction will support the platform's regional expansion plans amid growing investor confidence in the $200 billion financing gap facing SMEs in the region.
Founded in December 2024 by Shehab Mokhtar and Sherif Abdelaty, Gainz aims to democratize working capital financing by enabling individuals to invest in SMEs through an AI-powered, Shariah-compliant crowdfunding platform.
The founders commented: “While testing our MVP, 7 deals were closed in Q2-25, with disbursed loans of nearly $400,000. We are witnessing a surge in demand from SMEs across the Middle East. This not only validates our initial market analysis but also gives us a stronger will to move towards the greater opportunity of serving the huge gap across our region.”
Abdelaty, Co-Founder and COO of Gainz, mentioned: “While small and medium enterprises (SMEs) serve as the driving force behind economic growth across the MENA region, they continue to face significant challenges in accessing the financial resources necessary to scale.”
“Through our streamlined digital platform, businesses can secure the funding they need within days, eliminating the inefficiencies of conventional fundraising and loan application procedures. This innovation empowers SMEs to focus on what matters most—growing and scaling their operations,” Abdelaty mentioned.
