logo
Dubai Fintech Startup YAP Raises $41 Million to Expand Regionally

Dubai Fintech Startup YAP Raises $41 Million to Expand Regionally

CairoScene27-03-2025

The digital banking platform will use the funds to grow operations in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Ghana, and Egypt.
Mar 27, 2025
Dubai-based digital banking startup YAP has secured $41 million in funding to support its ongoing expansion across the Middle East and Africa, with new market entries planned for Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Ghana, and Egypt. The funding round was led by Saudi Arabia's AlJazira Capital, with participation from Abu Dawood Group, Astra Group, and Audacia Capital.
Founded in 2021, YAP offers a digital banking platform that provides tools for budgeting, spending analytics, card controls, and real-time transaction notifications. Since launch, the app has attracted over 130,000 users. The start-up operates without a banking licence, instead partnering with traditional financial institutions to deliver its services.
As part of its expansion into Saudi Arabia, YAP is collaborating with Bank AlJazira to roll out consumer and business banking services. The company has also secured regulatory approval in Pakistan and Ghana, and is preparing to enter the Egyptian market. YAP's product offering includes physical debit and prepaid cards, as well as virtual cards, tailored to streamline financial access in its target markets.
The company expects to close its Series A funding round by the end of 2025.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sisi, Macron Reaffirm Joint Coordination on Regional, Global Crises
Sisi, Macron Reaffirm Joint Coordination on Regional, Global Crises

See - Sada Elbalad

time3 hours ago

  • See - Sada Elbalad

Sisi, Macron Reaffirm Joint Coordination on Regional, Global Crises

Taarek Refaat Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call on Friday from French President Emmanuel Macron, during which the two leaders discussed escalating tensions in the Middle East and broader international developments, with a particular focus on the Palestinian issue and efforts to revive the two-state solution. According to a statement from Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy, the conversation emphasized the importance of upholding international law and established international norms amid ongoing regional instability. Both presidents expressed deep concern over the risks of further escalation and stressed the urgent need for de-escalation and strategic dialogue. President Sisi and President Macron also reaffirmed their commitment to continued joint coordination in addressing regional and global crises. They highlighted the importance of maintaining close political consultation, especially in light of the complex and rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. The two leaders further reiterated their mutual interest in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, and economic cooperation, reinforcing the strong ties between Egypt and France. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand

A New Community Platform Launches in the UAE in Support of the Short-Term Rental & Experience Economy - Middle East Business News and Information
A New Community Platform Launches in the UAE in Support of the Short-Term Rental & Experience Economy - Middle East Business News and Information

Mid East Info

time4 hours ago

  • Mid East Info

A New Community Platform Launches in the UAE in Support of the Short-Term Rental & Experience Economy - Middle East Business News and Information

Newly launched UAE community platform, Short Stay Circle , looks to connect short-term rental hosts, experience brands, and service providers to improve the guest experience across the country. A new chapter in UAE hospitality has launched with the arrival of Short Stay Circle , a purpose-driven community platform designed to connect short-term rental hosts, experience-led brands, and service providers across the UAE. Officially debuting with its first pilot event at the iconic Mama Shelter Dubai on June 25th, Short Stay Circle is on a mission to foster real collaboration, commercial growth, and elevated guest experiences through intentional networking and knowledge exchange. Curated by Katherine Read, founder of Dubai-based concierge service, The Holiday Mode , the initiative aims to unite short-term rental hosts, hospitality brands, and service providers, having observed a glaring disconnect across industries all serving the same end user: the guest. 'So many brands are innovating within their lane,' Read explains, 'but there was no collective space for them to connect. That realisation became the catalyst for the Short Stay Circle.' Short Stay Circle was born from a simple observation: while the short-stay space is booming in the UAE, the key players often operate in silos. The platform is designed to bridge that gap, connecting landlords, experience brands, cleaning and furnishing services, tech platforms, and more, with the guest experience at the centre. Short Stay Circle aims to amplify the impact of industry players by encouraging collaboration over competition and helping members unlock new commercial opportunities. To mark its official launch, Short Stay Circle is hosting its first event on June 25th at Mama Shelter Dubai. The panel discussion, titled 'Collaborate to Elevate: Raising the Bar for Sustainable Stays & Experiences' , will bring together four standout voices from across the UAE guest experience landscape, including Farida Ahmed , Co-Founder & General Manager, Frying Pan Adventures , Sandy Muirhead , Director, No More Bottles , Giulia Figliuzzi , Group Director, Hero Experiences and Lauren Hamilton , Founder & GM, Ride Skipper . 'This isn't just another networking event,' continues Read. 'We have curated the room with purpose. It is about conversations that lead somewhere. If you are here, you are likely walking away with a connection that changes something for your business.' Short Stay Circle's long-term vision is to become a region-wide, membership-based platform that elevates professional development while improving the overall guest experience. By facilitating smarter partnerships, shared learning, and better visibility for standout brands, the platform hopes to reshape how short-stay businesses grow and collaborate in the UAE. A second event is confirmed for September, with more activations planned throughout the year. For more information or to be the first to know when ticketing goes live for future events, visit shortstaycircle dot com. Short Stay Circle Launch Evening What: Launch of Short Stay Circle with a dedicated panel, titled ' Collaborate to Elevate: Raising the Bar for Sustainable Stays & Experiences' Where: Mama Shelter Dubai, Business Bay When: Wednesday, 25 June 2025, 7 PM to 10 PM Who Should Attend: Short-stay hosts, hospitality brands, experience providers, service operators, and professionals in the guest experience space. Tickets: AED 300 (includes welcome drink, canapés, panel access, raffle entry)

OPEN// German FM describes Egypt as 'strategic partner,  gateway to Africa'
OPEN// German FM describes Egypt as 'strategic partner,  gateway to Africa'

Middle East

time4 hours ago

  • Middle East

OPEN// German FM describes Egypt as 'strategic partner, gateway to Africa'

CAIRO, June 13 (MENA) - German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Friday lauded Egypt as a strategic partner and Berlin's gateway to Africa, emphasizing strong bilateral cooperation across various sectors. He expressed pride in the bilateral partnership, which he described as solid and multifaceted. Speaking at a joint press conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty, Wadephul noted that Egypt enjoys a strong reputation in Germany, adding that German students are well acquainted with Egyptian history, and that around half a million Egyptians are currently learning the German language, reflecting deep cultural ties between the two nations. On security coordination and economic cooperation, Wadephul emphasized the strategic importance of the Suez Canal, calling it one of the world's most vital maritime trade routes. He stressed that it must remain open and secure, particularly in light of regional tensions in the Red Sea, and warned against any terrorist threats that could disrupt maritime navigation. The German minister also emphasized his country's openness to cooperation with Egypt in all fields, especially regarding qualified Egyptian professionals, noting a particular interest in German-speaking talent for opportunities in Germany. He reiterated Germany's commitment to encouraging investment in Egypt, underscoring the importance of a stable investment climate, legal clarity for business permits, and ongoing political and economic stability in Egypt. 'There are plenty of shared opportunities between our two countries,' he concluded, 'and it is our joint responsibility to seize them.' (MORE) M S H/R G E

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store