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guarantees to lenders who extend credit to small businesses
• A surge in Digital Transformation efforts, particularly in payments and e-commerce
Between 2016 and 2021, SMEs’ GDP contribution grew by 45 %, thanks to these reforms and the growing availability of FinTech-driven solutions. HALA is well positioned to both benefit from and accelerate this trajectory, making it a natural partner in achieving the national agenda.
Investor confidence and strategic backing
The Series B round is notable not only for its size but also for the diversity of its investor base. By attracting both global heavyweights like TPG’ s Rise Fund and local champions like Sanabil, HALA gains not just capital but also strategic expertise.
• TPG’ s Rise Fund, with its impact-driven thesis, sees HALA as a catalyst for financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Partner, Yemi Lalude, emphasised:“ HALA is uniquely positioned to empower micro and small businesses, a key pillar in the region’ s economy, by delivering business owners and their customers a broad and growing set of payment solutions. Our investment underscores our belief in the growth potential of this market, the rising demand for robust digital banking solutions and the critical role entrepreneurs play in shaping the next generation economy.”
• Sanabil Investments, with its long-term horizon, frames the deal as a way to support visionary companies aligned with the Kingdom’ s strategic priorities. In their words:“ This investment underscores our belief in HALA’ s potential to reshape the future of financial services for SMEs and aligns with Sanabil’ s mission to support
26 Intelligent SME. tech