UAE-based fintech startup Gainz has officially closed a 7-figure USD pre-seed round, combining equity and debt to fuel its mission of transforming SME financing. Backed by notable investors like Antler MENAP, Lithium Holdings, and Eleventh Invest Inc., this funding marks a pivotal step in solving the $200B+ SME financing gap across the Middle East.
A Big Win for SME Financing
Launched in December 2024 by serial entrepreneurs Shehab Mokhtar and Sherif Abdelaty, Gainz is shaking up traditional lending with an AI-powered, Shariah-compliant crowdfunding platform. The platform enables individuals to invest in pre-vetted SMEs, giving small businesses faster access to working capital, while everyday investors earn returns with low entry thresholds.
“We’re proud to build a platform where individuals can support real businesses and grow their own wealth at the same time,” said Shehab, Co-Founder & CEO.
Backed by Industry Leaders
- ✅ Antler MENAP
- ✅ Lithium Holdings
- ✅ Eleventh Invest Inc.
- ✅ A network of high-net-worth investors from the region
These backers see Gainz not just as a promising startup, but as a transformative solution for a region-wide challenge.
💬 “From day one, the Gainz team stood out. Their focus, commitment, and experience showed us they’re building something that can truly impact the region,” said Romain Assuncao, Partner at Antler MENAP.
Proof of Concept: Real Deals, Real Growth
Even before closing this round, Gainz hit the ground running:
- 7 deals closed in Q2 2025
- $400,000+ in loans disbursed
- Growing demand across the Middle East
These early wins validate Gainz’s business model and show just how urgent the need is for fast, flexible, and inclusive financing solutions for SMEs.
How Gainz Works
Using AI-powered underwriting and a user-friendly platform, Gainz simplifies everything:
- ✔️ SMEs launch financing campaigns in minutes
- ✔️ Investors join with as little as $500
- ✔️ Shariah-compliant structure ensures ethical investing
- ✔️ Funds are raised in days, not months
The mission is simple:
Empower SMEs to scale quickly while giving everyday investors access to short-tenor, high-yield investments.
“We built Gainz to democratize private credit. It’s no longer just for the elite,” added Sherif, Co-Founder & COO.
What’s Next?
The fresh funding will help Gainz:
- Scale its platform across the GCC
- Enhance tech-driven credit solutions
- Bring more investors and SMEs onboard
The platform is now live, so whether you’re a business looking for funding or an investor looking for opportunity, Gainz is ready for you.