US$220M Deployed—Can Zelo Keep Scaling?

It's a familiar story for many SMEs here in the UAE: you have a great business, a solid plan, and a growing client list, but when it's time to get financing, you hit a wall. Traditional bank loans can be a long, drawn-out process, and those lengthy approval procedures can really slow down your growth.

Well, it looks like there's a serious effort underway to change that narrative.

The Emirates Entrepreneurship Association has just announced a strategic partnership with Zelo (the private financing platform you might remember as eFunder). The move comes in a year dedicated to community and supports the UAE’s push to be the region’s "Capital of Entrepreneurship." The goal is pretty straightforward: make fast, accessible financing a reality for more entrepreneurs.

Tapping into New Funding Streams

What does this mean for Association members? They’ll now get exclusive, quick access to a package of vital financial solutions designed to keep cash flow healthy. We're talking about services like invoice financing, bank guarantee financing, and check discounting. These are the kinds of tools that help you bridge the gap between delivering a service and getting paid, ensuring your business stays on solid ground and can take on new opportunities.

This collaboration is a clear acknowledgment of the funding hurdles many SMEs face. By offering these alternative financing options, the partnership aims to help businesses stay sustainable and strengthen the private sector’s role in the country.

A Call for Community Support

Mr. Jassim Al Shikar, Secretary-General of the Emirates Entrepreneurship Association, framed the partnership as a practical way to back the country’s vision. He pointed out that this move aligns with both the "Capital of Entrepreneurship" declaration and the theme of the "Year of Community."

“This partnership with Zelo represents a practical model for supporting entrepreneurs and overcoming their financing challenges,” Mr. Al Shikar said, before extending a direct invitation: "We extend an open invitation to all companies and national institutions to support and join this initiative, as empowering entrepreneurship is a societal responsibility that contributes to building a diversified and sustainable national economy."

Mr. Danush Arjun, CEO of Zelo, shared his company's commitment, stating they were pleased to be a strategic partner and to expand their support for startups and growing businesses. He noted their aim is to help create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and economic growth, further cementing the UAE's global position.

Experience That Counts

This isn't Zelo's first time at the rodeo. The company has a proven track record, having already deployed over US$220 million across more than 9,500 financing transactions for UAE businesses. Their experience spans key areas like healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and e-commerce—sectors that are essential to the national economy.

Ultimately, this partnership is a tangible step towards building a more supportive, financially inclusive environment for SMEs. It’s an invitation not just for entrepreneurs to access resources, but also for other national institutions to join the effort and contribute to a vibrant, united entrepreneurial community.

Are you an SME owner who has faced a financing challenge? Do you think platforms like Zelo are the future of funding in the region?