TechRound is excited to announce the winners of our Dubai32 2024!
TechRound is proud to announce the winners of our very first Dubai32 2024 campaign, celebrating the startups revolutionising sectors across the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Founded in 2016, TechRound is the UK’s best-known and fastest-growing startup and tech news site. This is where decision makers, investors and startups of all sizes and nature come to find out the latest developments and trends within the industry.
Going forward, TechRound is excited to be expanding our interest and coverage into the UAE, and exploring the new and exciting startup ecosystem in Dubai has served as a wonderful starting point and launching pad for future endeavours.
Feedback From a Few Of Our Judges
“It’s been inspiring to witness the incredible innovation and ambition showcased by the startups competing in the Dubai Tech Start-Ups Awards, particularly in the highly competitive Payments and HealthTech sectors, where success truly hinges on strong connections and flawless execution. While the level of talent is undeniable, it’s clear that there’s an opportunity to diversify the focus towards emerging areas like GreenTech, CleanTech, and Sustainability, which are vital for addressing global challenges and shaping a more sustainable future. I look forward to seeing how the ecosystem continues to evolve and expands into these critical areas in the years to come.”
– William Jones, Marketing Director Middle East at Malt
“Dubai is a thriving hub for startups – and these companies have proved it! It’s amazing how these brands were able to identify gaps in the market and find innovative ways to serve their audiences. One that particularly stood out for me was Huspy, a company that assists you step-by-step with buying, selling or renting in the UAE. They thrive on convenience, bringing the whole process online and making it as uncomplicated as possible. Overall, each of these businesses have made their mark in the startup space and it was an incredible opportunity getting to know them while judging.”
–Micayla Caetano, Marketing and Partnerships Manager at TechRound
Introducing TechRound’s Dubai32 2024
We’re excited to announce Techround’s Dubai32 for 2024!
1. Careem
Founders: Mudassir Sheikha and Magnus Olsson
Website: https://www.careem.com/en-AE/
Careem is building ‘the everything app’ for the greater Middle East, making it easier than ever to move around, order food or groceries, and more. Careem is led by a powerful purpose to simplify and improve the lives of people and build an amazing organisation that inspires. Since 2012, Careem has simplified the lives of over 50 million customers and built a platform for the region’s best entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. The app operates in over 70 cities across 10 countries, from Morocco to Pakistan.
2. Beehive
Founder: Craig Moore
Website: https://www.beehive.ae/
Beehive prides itself on being the first peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform in the Middle East and North Africa region since 2014. By using innovative technology to connect businesses seeking fast, directly accessible finance with investors who can help fund their growth they aim to revolutionise the P2P landscape in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Their platform allows global investors to earn returns by directly investing in strong, creditworthy businesses through peer-to-peer lending.
3. Zenda
Founders: Raman Thiagarajan and Haseeb Ahmed
Website: https://www.zenda.com/
Zenda is a platform that simplifies school fee payments for parents. Through its app, families can manage and pay for school-related expenses, from tuition to uniforms, in one place. Zenda offers flexible payment options, allowing parents to pay in instalments and access exclusive rewards. The platform also features a marketplace for school supplies, reducing the need to visit physical locations. Zenda’s collaboration with Mastercard and Microsoft ensures secure transactions, making it a convenient solution for families in Dubai.
4. Vezeeta
Founder: Amir Barsoum and Ahmed Badr
Website: https://www.vezeeta.com/en
Vezeeta, a prominent Dubai-based healthtech company, is revolutionising patient care across the MENA region. The platform simplifies healthcare by enabling users to book doctor appointments, schedule teleconsultations, and manage prescriptions with ease. Vezeeta stands out for its extensive provider network and its role in promoting accessible, tech-driven healthcare in Dubai and beyond. By empowering patients with transparency and choice, Vezeeta continues to lead the charge in transforming healthcare delivery in the digital age.
5. Almentor
Founders: Ihab Fikry, Abdelrhman Fahmy, Hesham Heikal and Ibrahim Mostafa Kamel
Website: https://www.almentor.net/
Almentor is a leading online learning platform based in Dubai, offering video-based courses focused on professional development and personal growth. The platform collaborates with top industry experts and instructors to provide courses in various fields, including leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology. With a focus on empowering individuals and enhancing skills, Almentor is helping to shape the future of e-learning in the Middle East and North Africa, making it a prominent player in the region’s educational ecosystem.
6. Kitopi
Founder:s: Mohamad Ballout, Saman Darkan, Bader Ataya and Andy Arenas
Website: https://www.kitopi.com/
Kitopi is a creator of magical food experiences. They discover, create and curate homegrown brands from the region, for the region. Kitopi operates over 200 outlets, including both restaurants and delivery-only locations, across five markets. These markets include the UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, with a team of more than 6,000. Kitopi has built its own in-house Smart Kitchen Operating System or SKOS. It’s an operating system which has a collection of applications that help optimise all aspects of cloud kitchens in real time, maximising efficiency.
7. Tabby
Founder: Hosam Arab
Website: https://tabby.ai/en-AE
Founded in 2019, Tabby is the operator of a financial services platform that alows users to split purchases into four monthly payments to relieve pressure and stress. Best of all, the process doesn’t involve paying interest or fees.
You can also get exclusive deals and codes in the app and save your favourites to receive a notification when the price drops.
8. Huspy
Founder: Jad Antoun
Website: https://huspy.com/
Huspy is the leading mortgage provider in the UAE. Launched with the aim of disrupting one of the largest industries in the world, the idea was to make the entire home buying process digital. Later, this endeavour became a quest to develop a product that would digitise and simplify the process of home buying for everyone.
From finding a home to financing it, Huspy is the one-stop solution to making your dream a reality. By using this service, you don’t need to wait two months to get a mortgage. Skip the line with a Huspy mortgage fast pass for selected leading banks.
9. Bayzat
Founders: Talal Bayaa, Brian Habibi and Tarek Bayaa
Website: https://www.bayzat.com/
Bayzat is a leading platform transforming human resources operations, payroll and employee benefits for businesses across the UAE. They simplify health insurance, streamline HR operations and offer perks through their innovative app, enhancing workplace efficiency and employee satisfaction.
Recognised for empowering companies in the UAE to attract and retain top talent, Bayzat’s solutions save time while promoting wellness. Their impact on Dubai’s dynamic business landscape has solidified their reputation as a key player in the HR tech sector.
10. Qashio
Founders: Armin Moradi and Jonathan Lau
Website: https://www.qashio.com/
Qashio is a spend management platform designed to simplify financial operations for businesses. It enables companies to track, control, and optimise employee expenses in real-time, reducing manual processes and enhancing financial oversight.
By offering an innovative solution for digital payments and expense reporting, Qashio is helping businesses in the UAE streamline their budgeting and procurement functions. The company is part of Dubai’s growing fintech ecosystem, contributing to the region’s shift toward digital financial solutions.
11. Rizek
Founder: Abdallah Abu-Sheikh
Website: https://rizek.com/
Rizek is a Dubai-based on-demand service platform connecting customers with trusted professionals across various sectors, such as cleaning, maintenance, beauty, and healthcare. Their easy-to-use app facilitates booking services with vetted experts, offering convenience and reliability to residents and businesses alike. Rizek aims to enhance service efficiency in the UAE, contributing to Dubai’s smart city initiative and growing digital economy. Their expansion is a testament to the region’s embrace of tech-driven solutions for everyday needs.
12. Foodics
Founder: Ahmad AlZaini
Website: https://www.foodics.com/
Foodics is a Dubai-based startup that provides cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) systems for the food and beverage industry. The platform helps restaurants, cafes, and other food establishments streamline their operations, manage inventory, track sales, and optimise customer service.
Foodics has grown rapidly, serving thousands of clients across the MENA region, thanks to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features that support businesses in improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. Its innovative approach has garnered significant attention in the F&B tech space.
13. Okadoc
Founder: Fodhil Benturquia
Website: https://www.okadoc.com/en-ae
Okadoc is a healthtech startup that offers an online platform for booking doctor appointments across the UAE. Through its user-friendly app and website, Okadoc allows patients to find, book, and consult healthcare professionals with ease. The platform also provides real-time availability and health information, enabling patients to make informed decisions. Okadoc’s innovative approach has made it a key player in Dubai’s digital health transformation, improving accessibility and efficiency within the healthcare sector.
14. CoinCorner
Founder: Danny Scott
Website: https://www.coincorner.com/
CoinCorner, founded in 2014, is a global leader in Bitcoin and Lightning services, aimed at making Bitcoin accessible to everyone. With 400,000 users across 45 countries, the company serves retail consumers and businesses, including brands like Costa Coffee and Hotel Chocolat. CoinCorner has partnered with Seed Group, part of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, to facilitate Bitcoin transactions in the UAE.
In 2022, it launched the world’s first contactless Bitcoin debit card, The Bolt Card, accepted by merchants worldwide. This positions CoinCorner as an innovative player in the global Bitcoin market.
15. Tarabut Gateway
Founder: Abdullah AlMoayed
Website: https://www.tarabut.com/
Tarabut is a leading open banking platform based in Dubai, revolutionising financial services across the MENA region. It connects banks and financial institutions through secure APIs, enabling seamless data exchange and better access to financial products for customers.
By offering enhanced financial services and solutions, Tarabut empowers businesses and individuals to access, manage, and optimise their financial experiences. The platform plays a key role in the growing fintech ecosystem in Dubai, contributing to the region’s digital transformation in banking.
16. Property Finder
Founder: Michael Lahyani
Website: https://www.propertyfinder.ae/
Property Finder is a leading online real estate marketplace based in Dubai, providing a platform for buying, selling, and renting properties across the UAE. Since its launch in 2007, Property Finder has revolutionised the region’s property market, offering advanced search options, property analytics, and real-time market insights.
The company also offers digital marketing solutions for real estate agents and developers, empowering them to reach potential clients more effectively. Property Finder continues to be a key player in Dubai’s thriving property sector.
17. Fenix Games
Founders: Rudy Koch, Matthew Nutt and Chris Ko
Website: https://www.fenixgames.com/
Fenix Games, based in Dubai, is a pioneering Web 3.0 game publishing company led by veterans from the gaming and Wall Street industries. They aim to reshape how players engage with games by integrating blockchain technology to create decentralised, player-centric economies. Their focus includes leveraging interoperability, DAOs, and liquidity across blockchain platforms. By publishing, acquiring, and investing in games spanning Web 2.0 to Web 3.0, Fenix Games is at the forefront of the blockchain gaming revolution, cementing Dubai’s role in the innovative gaming landscape
18. Dtec Ventures
Website: https://dtec.ae/ventures/
Dtec Ventures is a Dubai-based innovation hub supporting startups in the region. As part of the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus, it fosters growth by providing funding, mentorship, and access to a dynamic ecosystem of investors, partners, and resources. Dtec Ventures focuses on helping tech startups scale and succeed across industries like fintech, healthtech, and AI. With its strong presence in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the company plays a pivotal role in strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a global startup hub.
19. NOW Money
Founder: Ian Dillon and Katharine Budd
Website: https://nowmoney.me/
NOW Money is a fintech company based in Dubai, providing digital banking solutions tailored to underserved workers in the Middle East.
The platform allows users to manage their wages, savings, and payments via a mobile app, offering a convenient and accessible financial system without the need for a traditional bank account. NOW Money is helping to bridge the financial inclusion gap by empowering low-income workers with tools for financial management, making it a key player in Dubai’s growing fintech ecosystem.
20. Souq Online Store
Founder: Ronaldo Mouchawar
Website: https://souqonlinestore.com/
Souq Online Store, often referred to as the “Amazon of the Middle East,” is an e-commerce giant with a strong presence in Dubai. The platform offers a wide range of products, from electronics to fashion, beauty, and home goods. Acquired by Amazon in 2017, Souq has continued to expand its offerings, making it a go-to shopping destination for millions across the MENA region. Its focus on customer experience, fast delivery, and competitive pricing has helped solidify its market leadership.
21. Eyewa
Founders: Anass Boumediene and Mehdi Oudghiri
Website: https://eyewa.com/ae-en
Eyewa is an online retailer based in Dubai that specialises in eyewear, offering a wide selection of glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. The platform caters to customers across the MENA region, providing high-quality eyewear from popular international brands at competitive prices.
Eyewa stands out for its commitment to customer satisfaction, offering free home delivery, easy returns, and virtual try-on features. The company has rapidly grown its customer base, becoming a leading player in the regional eyewear e-commerce market.
22. Namshi
Founders: Faraz Khalid, Hosam Arab and Muhammed Mekki
Website: https://www.namshi.com/
Namshi is a popular online fashion retailer that offers a wide range of clothing, accessories, and beauty products for men, women, and children. Known for its trendy and stylish selections, Namshi has become a go-to platform for fashion-conscious shoppers in the MENA region.
With a strong focus on customer service, easy returns, and fast delivery, Namshi continues to expand its reach, making it a major player in Dubai’s e-commerce market and the broader regional fashion scene.
23. Nümi
Founder: Victor Tumasov
Website: https://numi.net/
Nümi offers intelligent, data-driven solutions to enhance customer experience and business efficiency. They specialise in providing AI-powered software that helps businesses optimise their operations, from marketing to customer service. With a focus on automation, Numi is committed to transforming industries by using cutting-edge technology to simplify processes and improve customer satisfaction.
Their services are particularly valuable in Dubai’s fast-growing tech-driven market, helping companies stay competitive in an evolving digital landscape.
24. FinFix
Founder: Amr Yussif
Website: https://www.finflx.com/
FinFlx is a Dubai-based fintech startup revolutionising workplace savings and employee financial wellness in the UAE. The company offers innovative digital tools to help employers manage end-of-service benefits efficiently while empowering employees with financial planning solutions.
Uniquely positioned to address regional financial challenges, FinFix is leveraging technology to create transparent and impactful savings ecosystems. As a leader in Dubai’s vibrant fintech scene, FinFlx stands out for its commitment to enhancing financial security and literacy across workplaces.
25. Verofax
Founder: Wassim Merheby
Website: https://verofax.com/
VeroFax is a tech company specialising in advanced security and anti-counterfeit solutions. Their platform uses blockchain technology to authenticate and track products through the supply chain, helping businesses combat fraud and ensure product integrity.
With a strong presence in the Middle East, VeroFax supports industries like luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, and food, providing them with a cutting-edge tool for transparency and trust. This aligns with Dubai’s growing focus on digital innovation and secure transactions.
26. Foloosi
Founder: Omar Bin Brek
Website: https://www.foloosi.com/
Foloosi is a Dubai-based fintech company providing a range of payment solutions for businesses and consumers. With its easy-to-use mobile app, Foloosi enables businesses to accept digital payments, while consumers can use it for fast and secure transactions.
Foloosi’s platform supports various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers, making it a versatile tool for businesses of all sizes. Foloosi is helping drive the cashless economy in Dubai and the MENA region, particularly in the fast-growing e-commerce space.
27. Opontia
Founder: Philip Johnston and Manfred Meyer
Website: https://opontia.com/
Opontia is an e-commerce platform focused on acquiring and scaling online brands across the MENA region. Founded in 2021, Opontia partners with entrepreneurs to provide operational support, funding, and expertise to help grow their brands.
The company has quickly established itself as a market leader, raising $20 million in seed funding to expand its operations. By streamlining e-commerce processes, Opontia empowers businesses to scale rapidly and offers a strategic pathway to successful exits for entrepreneurs in the region.
28. Flare Network
Founder: Hugo Philion
Website: https://flare.network.com
Flare Network is a blockchain platform focused on enhancing connectivity across decentralised ecosystems. It offers developers tools to build decentralised applications (dApps) with cross-chain interoperability and scalable smart contracts.
Flare’s innovative use of data from multiple chains makes it a standout in the blockchain space. As a Dubai-based entity, it leverages the city’s thriving tech environment to drive global blockchain advancements, solidifying its role as a pioneer in decentralised finance and Web3 technologies.
29. Tactical
Founder: Mike Khouri
Website: https://www.wearetactical.com/
Tactical is a Dubai-based creative and innovation agency founded in 2013, specialising in connecting brands with audiences using culture and technology. Led by Mike Khouri, it partners with global brands like Amazon, Spotify, and Snap to create culturally relevant experiences.
Notable for having the region’s first all-female innovation team, Tactical uses extended reality (XR) technology for groundbreaking projects, such as the first Social AR studio and branded Vision Pro experience.
The agency has seen growth, adding clients like Netflix and Coca-Cola Arena, and winning awards like an Anthem Award and MENA SMARTIES. It also supports youth initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
30. Mamo Pay
Founder: Mohammad El Saadi, Asim Janjua and Imad Gharazeddine
Website: https://www.mamopay.com/
Mamo Pay is a fintech startup providing seamless, instant digital payments for individuals and businesses. Through its mobile app, Mamo Pay enables users to send money, make purchases, and transfer funds securely and quickly.
The platform focuses on providing a user-friendly experience and is designed to cater to the region’s growing demand for cashless, mobile-first financial solutions. Mamo Pay has quickly gained popularity, making financial transactions simpler and more accessible for people across Dubai and beyond.
31. The Perfume Movement
Founder: Paul Houlsby
Website: https://www.theperfumemovement.com
The Perfume Movement (TPM) is a luxury retail technology brand founded in Dubai in 2021 by Paul Houlsby, a veteran with over 30 years of experience in the fragrance industry. TPM merges art, science, AI, and robotics to create personalised fragrance experiences while prioritising sustainability and ethical practices.
The brand challenges the traditional luxury perfume industry’s reliance on unsustainable practices and one-size-fits-all offerings. TPM secured significant investment from Swiss luxury house Firmenich in 2023, solidifying its mission to redefine the fragrance market. Its AI-driven approach aligns with Dubai’s innovation agenda, positioning the company as a leader in sustainable, bespoke perfumery.
32. PISIQ
Founder: Arman J Salah, Mudar Muhissen, Nihal Mohammad Shaikh and Saniya Shaikha
Website: https://pisiq.com/
Pisiq is a tech startup offering AI-powered solutions that focus on automating business processes in the logistics and supply chain sector. The company leverages artificial intelligence to help businesses optimise their operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
Pisiq’s tools also provide real-time tracking, data analytics, and predictive insights, making it easier for businesses to stay competitive in the fast-moving regional markets. With the growing demand for logistics optimisation in MENA, Pisiq plays a pivotal role in driving digital transformation across industries.
Thank You to Our Judges!
Zeeshan Mallick, CEO at YouYaa
Zeeshan Mallick is the CEO of YouYaa, a Dubai-based agency specializing in finance-sector marketing, with extensive expertise in scaling Web3, blockchain, and fintech businesses. Known for his data-driven strategies and digital transformation acumen, Zeeshan has driven exponential growth, engagement, and ROI optimization for clients like Obiex, KoraPay, and Kafu Games.
His background in business development, brand revitalization, and team leadership enables him to build high-impact marketing functions that position brands for long-term success in dynamic, fast-evolving markets.
Erika Doyle, Founder of Drink Dry
Erika Doyle is the Founder of Drink Dry, the UAE’s first premium non-alcoholic drinks marketplace. With a passion for the zero-alcohol movement, Erika has grown Drink Dry from an online store to a key player in the retail and hospitality sectors, collaborating with the best venues and brands across the GCC. Recognised as one of the region’s inspiring female leaders by Arabian Business, Erika‘s innovative leadership has expanded Drink Dry’s presence into major regional markets, showcasing premium quality non-alcoholic drinks and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Micayla Caetano, Marketing and Partnerships Manager at TechRound
Micayla is TechRound’s marketing manager and writer, with a passion for all things digital and social media. She has worked alongside both international brands and startups, using her creativity to build their digital presences along the way.
She has worked with a few startup brands that launched in Dubai, and having lived there for a short period of time, Micayla maintains great interest in the country’s growth.
William Jones, Marketing Director Middle East at Malt
Will is Managing Director Middle East at Malt, the leading freelance talent marketplace shaping the future of work. With a background in engineering, management consulting, and startup leadership,
William brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic vision to empower businesses and freelancers in the region. He holds an MBA from INSEAD.
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