- Nayla Finance secures $4 million in seed funding, led by Sanabil Venture Studio, to expand its operations in Saudi Arabia.
- The company leverages technology and alternative data to provide accessible financing solutions for micro-businesses.
- The funding aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, supporting financial inclusion and digital transformation in the SME sector.
Saudi-based fintech startup Nayla Finance has secured $4 million in seed funding, led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber. The investment will drive Nayla’s expansion and strengthen its loan offerings for micro-businesses.
Fueling Growth for Micro-Businesses
Founded in 2024 by Shaqran Alyahya and Khalid Naili, Nayla Finance aims to simplify access to funding for small businesses. The newly acquired funds will be used to enhance Nayla’s data-driven lending platform, expand its business operations, and strengthen partnerships in key sectors like e-commerce, retail, and food & beverage.
“Our ambition is bold, and our team is relentless,” said Shaqran Alyahya, Co-founder & CEO of Nayla Finance. “We are building what others hesitate to—empowering important drivers of the Saudi economy with financial solutions designed for their reality.”
Leveraging Technology for Financial Inclusion
Nayla Finance utilizes alternative data and advanced risk assessment models to evaluate creditworthiness, addressing the funding gap faced by small businesses. Traditional lenders often hesitate to finance micro-businesses due to limited financial history and perceived risks. Nayla’s approach is different—leveraging technology to redefine credit assessment.
Khalid Naili, Co-founder & Chief Risk Officer, highlighted the company’s mission: “By using technology, we see opportunities where others see risks. We are committed to unlocking financing for businesses that drive the economy.”
Strategic Expansion Plans
With the seed funding, Nayla Finance plans to:
- Strengthen its data-powered credit scoring system for faster and more accurate lending decisions.
- Expand its network through strategic partnerships with e-commerce platforms, merchant aggregators, and food & beverage businesses.
- Deploy $2.7 million in debt financing to scale its loan book and support more micro-businesses.
Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030
This funding aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes financial inclusion and digital transformation in the SME sector. Nayla Finance’s commitment to bridging the funding gap will support the nation’s efforts to develop a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
Rayan Aebi, CEO of Sanabil Venture Studio, commented: “Nayla Finance is addressing a critical funding need for micro-businesses, which are essential to the Kingdom’s SME sector. We believe fintech innovation plays a key role in unlocking economic potential.”
By providing fast, accessible, and technology-driven financial solutions, Nayla Finance is set to transform micro-business financing in Saudi Arabia, paving the way for stronger economic growth.
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Last Updated on March 24, 2025 by Safiya K
