Latest news with #KhalidNaili
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nayla Finance secures Sharia Certification for Micro-Financing platform
Saudi-based Nayla Finance has announced that its micro-financing solutions platform has received Sharia certification from the Shariyah Review Bureau (SRB), a leading Sharia advisory firm licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain. This marks a key milestone in Nayla's mission to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Kingdom by offering ethical and Sharia-compliant financial services. Saudi Arabia's SME sector plays a pivotal role in economic growth, contributing approximately 30% to GDP and targeted to reach 35% under Vision 2030. Yet, many small businesses still face financing barriers. 'Access to financing continues to be a major challenge for SMEs,' said Khalid Naili, Co-founder and Chief Risk Officer at Nayla Finance. 'Our platform was designed to bridge this gap by offering simple, fast, and Sharia-compliant micro-financing options to help small businesses grow. Receiving SRB's Sharia certification reaffirms our commitment to enabling inclusive and ethical financial solutions.' Speaking on the need for Sharia assurance, Mr. Naili added: 'In a region where Islamic finance is deeply rooted, ensuring our services meet Sharia principles was non-negotiable. We selected Shariyah Review Bureau for their proven track record in guiding firms across financial sectors in aligning their products with Sharia standards. Their team's insights and structured review process have helped us build a strong compliance foundation.' Shariyah Review Bureau is one of the leading providers of Sharia advisory and audit services in the region. With over 20 years of experience and clients spanning 20+ countries, SRB supports financial institutions, investment firms, and fintech platforms in managing Sharia compliance. The firm is regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain and has a global network of 40 scholars across 19 countries. In Saudi Arabia alone, SRB oversees the Sharia compliance of nearly 30% of cooperative insurance firms listed on Tadawul. 'We're pleased to be supporting Nayla Finance as they serve a critical segment of the Saudi economy,' said Yasser S. Dahlawi, Founder and CEO of SRB. 'The rise of fintechs and micro-financing platforms focused on SMEs reflects the region's growing need for Sharia-compliant, accessible finance. At SRB, we are committed to ensuring such platforms adhere to rigorous Sharia principles while scaling ethical financing in the market.' For more information on Nayla Finance, you can address khalid@ For all Shari'a Advisory related queries, you can contact hashim@
Arab News
29-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
MENA startup sector ends Q1 with momentum
RIYADH: The Middle East and North Africa's startup ecosystem is ending the first quarter of 2025 with significant momentum, marked by high-value deals, strategic acquisitions, and international expansion plans across multiple industries. From fintech innovation to food and beverage consolidation and media sector growth, these developments underscore the region's evolving startup landscape and its increasing global influence. Nayla Finance secures $4 million to transform SME lending in Saudi Arabia Riyadh-based fintech startup Nayla Finance has raised $4 million in a seed funding round led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber. The investment will support the company's mission to address Saudi Arabia's substantial small and medium-sized enterprises financing gap, estimated at $30 billion. The funding includes $2.7 million allocated for micro-business debt financing. Nayla Finance is deploying artificial intelligence and alternative data sources to develop credit scoring for small businesses, with particular emphasis on the food and beverage, e-commerce, and retail sectors. The firm's co-founder and CEO, Shaqran Alyahya, emphasized the company's distinctive approach, saying: 'We are building what others hesitate to — empowering important drivers of the Saudi economy with financial solutions designed for their reality.' The startup's digital-first platform eliminates traditional banking hurdles by offering streamlined applications, real-time risk assessment, and sector-specific financial products. Nayla's co-founder and chief risk officer, Khalid Naili, added: 'By leveraging technology, alternative data, and advanced risk models, we are redefining creditworthiness and unlocking financing for businesses that drive the economy.' The firm leverages data-driven credit evaluation and a fully digital platform to streamline financing access for small businesses, eliminating the bureaucratic hurdles associated with conventional banking systems. Epik Foods acquires Sauce Capital in $15 million deal UAE-based Epik Foods has made a strategic move to strengthen its position in the Gulf Cooperation Council's food and beverage sector by acquiring Abu Dhabi's Sauce Capital. The transaction was supported by $15 million in fresh funding from Ruya Private Capital. The acquisition creates one of MENA's largest F&B operators, combining 75 brands under a single umbrella. It significantly enhances Epik's presence in Saudi Arabia through Sauce Capital's established operations in the Kingdom. The expanded group now operates across 50 locations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, encompassing quick-service restaurants, digital food brands, meal kits, and catering services. NKN Media secures $9.5 million for global growth Dubai-based NKN Media has announced a significant funding milestone, having secured 35 million Emirati dirhams ($9.5 million) with plans to raise an additional 50 million dirhams. This capital injection will fuel the company's ambitious international expansion strategy, reflecting the growing influence of MENA-based media enterprises. NKN Media is extending its successful Dubai Property Expo to leading global markets, including London, Turkiye, New York, and Moscow. It is also launching several new intellectual properties, including the Ultimate Realty Awards in May, the third season of Icons of the UAE in September, and the Majlis Premium startup fundraising forum in October. Growing at an excellent pace, our expansion reflects the demand for high-quality media experiences. Abdul Majid Khan, Group CEO of NKN Media Additionally, the company is expanding its presence in the inflight media sector, building on the success of its Spice Route magazine to capture premium travel audiences worldwide. Group CEO of NKN Media, Abdul Majid Khan, said that the company was at a 'defining moment in its journey.' He added: 'Growing at an excellent pace, our expansion reflects the demand for high-quality media experiences. With our recent success, we are not only scaling our flagship events but also venturing into new markets and media verticals.' According to the CEO, the firm's focus remains on 'delivering impactful content and world-class events that drive business growth.' He further noted that the next phase of NKN Media expansion would be about scale, innovation, and global reach. The company benefits from partnerships with major networks, including India Today, Republic TV, and NDTV, along with operations in seven countries across the Middle East, Asia, and North America. EHC Investment acquires Al-Fanar Gas Group In a notable deal for the UAE's energy sector, EHC Investment, through its energy arm Emirates International Gas, has completed the full acquisition of Al-Fanar Gas Group, Abu Dhabi's largest gas distributor and maintenance provider. This strategic move significantly strengthens EHC's position in the UAE's evolving energy landscape. The acquisition combines Al-Fanar Gas Group's 30 years of market experience with EIG's resources and vision, creating a powerhouse in gas distribution and infrastructure services. Ali Al-Gebely, managing director and board member of EHC Investment, said: 'This acquisition will allow us to strengthen that commitment while unlocking new avenues for growth and innovation.' He added: 'Together, we can utilize our combined capabilities to expand our reach and to pioneer next-generation solutions that meet the dynamic demands of our clients and contribute to the nation's energy ambitions.' The deal aligns with the UAE Energy Strategy's goals of infrastructure modernization and operational efficiency enhancement.
Wamda
24-03-2025
- Business
- Wamda
Nayla Finance to boost operations in KSA with $4 million seed investment
Saudi Arabia-based fintech Nayla Finance has secured $4 million in seed funding, led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber. Founded in 2024 by Shaqran Alyahya and Khalid Naili, Nayla offers small businesses microfinance solutions. The funds will be used to fuel product and business expansion, alongside building Nayla's loan book and providing essential capital to micro-businesses across Saudi Arabia. Press release: Nayla Finance, a fintech reshaping access to funding for micro-businesses, has successfully secured $4 million in seed funding, led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber. The funds will be used to fuel product and business expansion, alongside building Nayla's loan book and providing essential capital to micro-businesses across Saudi Arabia. This investment marks a major milestone for Nayla Finance, accelerating its mission to provide fast, accessible, and technology-driven financing solutions for micro businesses. The funds will be used to enhance Nayla's data-driven lending platform, scale operations, and expand partnerships within key sectors such as F&B, e-commerce, and retail. 'Our ambition is bold, and our team is relentless,' said Shaqran Alyahya, Co-founder & CEO of Nayla Finance. 'We are building what others hesitate to—empowering important drivers of the Saudi economy with financial solutions designed for their reality.' Khalid Naili, Co-founder & Chief Risk Officer, added: 'Traditional lenders hesitate to finance microbusinesses due to limited financial history and perceived risk, but at Nayla, we see opportunity where others see uncertainty. By leveraging technology, alternative data, and advanced risk models, we are redefining creditworthiness and unlocking financing for businesses that drive the economy.' Rayan Aebi, CEO of Sanabil Venture Studio and General Partner of the Fund, commented: 'Nayla Finance is tackling a critical funding gap for micro-businesses, a segment forming the backbone of the Kingdom's SME sector. At Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber, we believe that fintech innovation is key to unlocking new economic potential. We are excited to support Nayla's journey in creating a more inclusive and dynamic financial ecosystem.' By simplifying the lending process through data-driven credit assessments and seamless digital journeys, Nayla Finance ensures that small business owners can access financing without the friction of traditional banking requirements. With the newly secured funding, Nayla Finance plans to: This funding milestone aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's push toward financial inclusion and digital transformation in the SME sector.
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nayla empower micro-businesses in Saudi Arabia via $4mln funding
Riyadh – Saudi financial institution Nayla Finance has secured $4 million in a seed funding round, led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber, according to a press release. Nayla will use the funds to expand its products and business, deploy an additional $2.70 million in debt financing to build the loan book and provide essential capital to micro-businesses across Saudi Arabia. The company will enhance its data-powered credit scoring for faster and more accurate lending decisions. This is in addition to scaling its reach through strategic partnerships within key sectors, such as food and beverage (F&B), e-commerce, and retail. Shaqran Alyahya, Co-Founder and CEO of Nayla, commented: 'We are building what others hesitate to—empowering important drivers of the Saudi economy with financial solutions designed for their reality.' Khalid Naili, Co-Founder and Chief Risk Officer of Nayla, mentioned: 'By leveraging technology, alternative data, and advanced risk models, we are redefining creditworthiness and unlocking financing for businesses that drive the economy.' Nayla aims to simplify the lending process through data-driven credit assessments and a seamless digital journey to enable small business owners to access financing without the friction of traditional banking requirements. Source: Mubasher
Zawya
23-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nayla Finance secures $4mln in seed funding led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Nayla Finance, a fintech reshaping access to funding for micro-businesses, has successfully secured $4M in seed funding, led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber. The funds will be used to fuel product and business expansion, alongside building Nayla's loan book and provide essential capital to micro-businesses across Saudi Arabia. This investment marks a major milestone for Nayla Finance, accelerating its mission to provide fast, accessible, and technology-driven financing solutions for micro businesses. The funds will be used to enhance Nayla's data-driven lending platform, scale operations, and expand partnerships within key sectors such as F&B, e-commerce, and retail. 'Our ambition is bold, and our team is relentless,' said Shaqran Alyahya, Co-founder & CEO of Nayla Finance. 'We are building what others hesitate to—empowering important drivers of the Saudi economy with financial solutions designed for their reality.' Khalid Naili, Co-founder & Chief Risk Officer, added: ' Traditional lenders hesitate to finance microbusinesses due to limited financial history and perceived risk, but at Nayla, we see opportunity where others see uncertainty. By leveraging technology, alternative data, and advanced risk models, we are redefining creditworthiness and unlocking financing for businesses that drive the economy.' Rayan Aebi, CEO of Sanabil Venture Studio, and General Partner of the Fund, commented: 'Nayla Finance is tackling a critical funding gap for micro-businesses, a segment forming the backbone of the Kingdom's SME sector. At Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber, we believe that fintech innovation is key to unlocking new economic potential. We are excited to support Nayla's journey in creating a more inclusive and dynamic financial ecosystem.' By simplifying the lending process through data-driven credit assessments and seamless digital journey, Nayla Finance ensures that small business owners can access financing without the friction of traditional banking requirements. Looking Ahead: Scaling Micro-Business Lending in KSA With the newly secured funding, Nayla Finance plans to: Enhance its data-powered credit scoring for faster and more accurate lending decisions. Expand its reach through strategic partnerships with e-commerce platforms, F&B aggregators, and merchant networks. Deploying an additional $2.7m debt financing to build the loan book. This funding milestone aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's push toward financial inclusion and digital transformation in the SME sector. About Nayla Finance Nayla Finance is a technology-driven microfinance company dedicated to empowering microbusinesses in Saudi Arabia. Through its cloud-based lending platform, Nayla provides fast and accessible financing solutions tailored to the needs of small entrepreneurs. Nayla Finance is also in the final stage of obtaining its license from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and expects to officially launch operations in Q2 2025. About Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber: Nayla Finance is the first venture in the fintech sector carved out from Sanabil Venture Studio, a strategic initiative by Sanabil Investments in partnership with Stryber to build scalable technology ventures in Saudi Arabia. The Venture Studio focuses on three key sectors within the PIF Strategic Pillar Program: Fintech, Consumer Goods, and Entertainment, Leisure & Sports, with operations launching in 2023. As of today, the studio has deployed around $20 million in total funding across 7 ventures, driving innovation across its focus sectors in Saudi Arabia. Media Contact: Shaqran Alyahya Co-founder & CEO, Nayla Finance shaqran@ Social Media Nayla Finance LinkedIn Page: X Account:
