Gainz and Beban Crowdfunding enter into a strategic partnership for GCC expansion
UAE fintech startup Gainz and Beban Crowdfunding have entered into a strategic partnership to introduce a complete crowdfunding experience that combines equity and debt financing for startups and SMEs across the GCC.
By aligning their respective expertise — Gainz with the automated debt underwriting and Shariaa-Compliant SME lending and Beban Crowdfunding, licensed by CBB to operate crowdfunding platforms. The partnership aims to provide SMEs in the region with flexible, stage-appropriate funding solutions under one regional framework.
“This partnership is built on a shared vision: to offer founders across the GCC a more complete and accessible capital journey,” said Shehab Mohamed, CEO of Gainz. “Together, we’re empowering companies to fundraise on their own terms — whether through equity, debt, or even a combination of both.”
Karim Saleh, CEO of Beban Crowdfunding, added, “This collaboration reflects the evolving needs of modern businesses and the growing maturity of the MENA region’s alternative finance landscape. We are very proud and optimistic towards this partnership, as we are setting a new benchmark for how crowdfunding platforms can work with other players in the ecosystem to drive economic growth and support multiple business sectors within the region.”
Core Objectives of the Partnership:
- Hybrid Fundraising Model: Companies will have the ability to raise capital through both equity and debt in parallel — tailored to their growth stage, risk profile, and strategic objectives.
- Shared Investor Access: The agreement enables mutual exposure to diversified investor pools, offering both passive-income returns, and high-growth equity and debt participation.
- Regional Capital Enablement: With Gainz operating out of the UAE and Beban based in Bahrain, the partnership provides integrated funding access across key GCC markets including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and beyond.
- Collaborative Ecosystem Initiatives: Future plans include joint investor events, co-branded pitch days, and educational programs for founders seeking hybrid capital structures.
The partnership comes as regulators and ecosystem players across the GCC increasingly support non-bank SME financing through structured crowdfunding channels. Gainz and Beban aim to lead this shift with a collaborative, tech-first approach designed to unlock new growth opportunities for the region’s underserved businesses.
