Related secures $8 million investment from Equivator
Founded in 2014 by Rabih Farhat, Related provides loyalty programmes and a digital rewards infrastructure for clients across telecom, banking, retail, utilities, and entertainment.
The new capital will support the launch of AI- and blockchain-powered solutions, enhance gamification features, and fuel growth across Saudi Arabia and beyond. Related will also launch the 'Related Loyalty & Fintech Authority', a new regional forum to advance industry knowledge and policy.
Press release:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: In a milestone transaction poised to reshape the fintech-loyalty landscape in the Kingdom, Equivator, a premier alternative investment firm, has revealed a strategic investment of SAR 30 million in Related, a UAE-headquartered company and pioneer in loyalty and rewards solutions. The important step contributes to reinforcing Saudi Arabia as a regional and global base for cutting-edge financial technology and customer engagement.
The investment underscores Equivator's commitment to nurturing groundbreaking ventures within high-growth sectors. It is aimed at accelerating Related's expansion in the Kingdom, boosting innovation, and fast-tracking the launch of transformative solutions in AI, blockchain, and customer experience. It also strengthens Related's position as the company of choice for loyalty and rewards in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The alliance aligns with Saudi Arabia's wider economic diversification goals and its rapid digital transformation under Vision 2030.
A Decade of Proven Excellence
With over ten years of operational success, Related is no newcomer to the fintech-rewards ecosystem. The company currently services more than 30 million users across the GCC and Levant, powering loyalty programmes for leading institutions in telecommunications, banking, retail, utilities, and entertainment.
'We are thrilled to welcome Equivator as a strategic partner on our journey to redefine loyalty and engagement in the region,' said Rabih Farhat, CEO of Related. 'This partnership is more than a transaction; it's a transformation, a joint mission to reshape the future of fintech-powered loyalty solutions in line with the Kingdom's innovation agenda.'
Building on the B2B success to launch the Next-Gen B2C
The investment builds upon Equivator's earlier involvement in the loyalty-focused B2C space through its prior investment in Uplines. In a decisive move, Related has acquired Uplines in full, integrating it into its broader strategic framework and setting the stage for a bold relaunch. As part of the development strategy, Related will introduce a range of new products and offerings, from Advanced AI tools to blockchain-enabled rewards platforms, gamification features and payments. These will enhance B2B and B2C experiences while unlocking value for brands and consumers alike.
'This is more than an investment. it's a strategic deal to build a regional champion in loyalty and digital payments,' stated Enes Şehzade, CEO at Equivator. 'Together, we aim to power a new era of data-driven customer engagement and reward invention.'
Equivator will support Related's market entry into Europe and beyond while helping establish initiatives such as the 'Related Loyalty & Fintech Authority', a new regional knowledge and policy forum further solidifying Related's leadership.
A Vision for Regional and Global Leadership
With its vast expertise in assets under management, Equivator's investment principles extend far beyond financial support. The firm brings strategic guidance, access to regional and global investor networks, and a robust understanding of the fintech-loyalty space. Looking ahead, Equivator aims to deploy strategic investments across the Kingdom in the coming years.
Combining Related Group's technological capabilities with Equivator's investment acumen demonstrates how the collaboration stands as an ideal blueprint for how venture capital can catalyse meaningful change in high-impact sectors."
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