Author: Editorial Board

UAE-based proptech startup Rewa has officially launched its digital rent payment and rewards platform across the Emirates, aiming to modernize how tenants pay rent — and reward them for doing so. The launch follows the close of a strategic seed round backed by Qatar Development Bank, Plug and Play, Neocity Invest, Startup Wise Guys, Second Century Ventures (REACH MENA), and senior executives from leading GCC real estate groups. Financial terms were not disclosed. Turning Rent Into a Rewarding Experience In a market where renting remains the norm for most residents, rent payments are still largely processed via post-dated cheques and…

Transforming the office from a physical space into a hub of collaboration and shared production, Kolektif House continues to position itself as a leading address for flexible work and collective success. Marking Baku as the first stop of its global expansion journey, the company is moving forward with a sustainable growth strategy both domestically and internationally. Since its inception, Kolektif House has been designing flexible and inspiring workspaces, and is now turning over a decade of experience into a cross-border ecosystem. Having strengthened its footprint in Türkiye, the brand is now extending its reach abroad with its Baku location, aiming…

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has announced a landmark $110 billion investment round, valuing the artificial intelligence powerhouse at an estimated $730 billion. The round includes $30 billion from SoftBank, $30 billion from Nvidia, and $50 billion from Amazon, marking one of the largest capital infusions in the history of the AI sector. In a statement released on Friday, OpenAI said demand for AI continues to accelerate rapidly across consumers, developers, and enterprises. Meeting this growing demand, the company noted, requires significant computing infrastructure, global distribution capabilities, and long-term capital commitment. As part of the announcement, OpenAI confirmed a new…

MoneyHash, the emerging markets payment orchestration platform, has announced its expansion into Iraq through a strategic partnership with local payments infrastructure provider Wayl. The move marks another step in MoneyHash’s strategy to deepen its footprint across complex, high-growth markets by working with trusted local operators. Through the alliance, global and regional merchants entering Iraq will gain streamlined access to localized payment infrastructure, regulatory alignment, and checkout optimisation tailored to the Iraqi market. Unlocking Iraq’s Payment Ecosystem Iraq represents a high-potential but operationally nuanced market. Businesses entering the country must navigate distinct payment behaviors, regulatory considerations, and infrastructure gaps. By integrating…

Brookfield Asset Management has acquired cloud-computing startup Ori Industries, doubling down on its push into AI-driven infrastructure as global demand for advanced chips and computing capacity surges. The acquisition folds Ori into Radiant, a newly established AI infrastructure platform created by Brookfield to provide on-demand access to high-performance GPUs. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Betting Big on “GPU-as-a-Service” While many infrastructure investors have hesitated to take large positions in GPU-as-a-service models — citing concerns around chip depreciation and rapid technological obsolescence — Brookfield is leaning in. The firm is structuring long-term, lease-style contracts designed to lock in…

Takeem, the UAE-based proptech platform redefining rental risk management, has secured strategic investment from REACH Middle East, the regional accelerator backed by Second Century Ventures — the investment arm of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The investment comes through REACH Middle East, part of Second Century Ventures’ globally recognized REACH scale-up programme, which supports high-growth technology companies building next-generation infrastructure across the real estate ecosystem. Rapid Portfolio Growth Signals Market Confidence In less than a year, Takeem has onboarded more than 55,000 residential units, representing over AED 5 billion in annual rental value. The traction reflects strong institutional adoption…

Dubai is set to take another major step toward its smart mobility ambitions, with autonomous taxis expected to begin operating as early as March, according to the CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC). Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi confirmed that DTC will soon sign a deal with “one of the biggest operators,” marking the company’s first official autonomous taxi trip in its history. While details of the partner have not yet been disclosed, the rollout is expected to begin with 50 to 100 vehicles operating across three to four high-density zones in Dubai. Initial Rollout: Driver-Assisted Before Full Autonomy The first phase…

Validfor, an Estonia-based regtech startup founded by Turkish entrepreneurs, has secured $1.2 million in funding in a round led by DOMiNO Ventures. The round also included participation from Curiosity VC and several undisclosed angel investors. The newly raised capital will be deployed to further enhance Validfor’s AI-powered digital validation platform and accelerate its global expansion across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical sectors. Digitising Compliance in Highly Regulated Industries Founded in 2024 by Ömer Çimen and Uğur Metinol, Validfor operates at the intersection of artificial intelligence and regulatory technology. The company is building digital infrastructure for companies operating in highly regulated…

Saudi Arabia’s IPO market is showing renewed signs of activity, with at least four prominent companies reportedly preparing listings on the Saudi Exchange. The Kingdom has yet to witness a major IPO this year, a slower start compared to the same period last year when at least three sizeable listings had already reached the market. However, new transactions currently in the pipeline could signal a rebound in activity. Energy and Industrial Players Eye the Market Among the potential offerings is AlKhorayef Petroleum, a subsidiary of AlKhorayef Group. The company has reportedly appointed Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and BSF Capital to explore…

Moroccan fintech WafR has secured $4 million in an oversubscribed seed round to accelerate its mission of expanding last-mile financial services across the country. The round was co-led by LoftyInc Capital through its newly launched LoftyInc Alpha Fund, alongside Attijariwafa Ventures and Almada Ventures. Returning investors UM6P Ventures and First Circle Capital also participated in the round. Founded to address gaps in financial access, WafR is digitising Morocco’s vast network of neighborhood corner stores—known locally as hanouts—by transforming them into financial service hubs. The platform currently operates through nearly 20,000 active stores, enabling services such as airtime top-ups and bill…