The fintech ecosystem in the Middle East has taken a giant leap forward with HALA, the Saudi-based financial technology company, raising a remarkable $157 million in Series B funding. This round, led by a powerhouse group of global and regional investors, marks a pivotal milestone in HALA’s journey to transform digital payments and financial access across the region.

Founded by Maher Loubieh, HALA has positioned itself as a leader in empowering small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with tools that streamline financial transactions, improve access to capital, and accelerate growth in an increasingly digital economy.

A Record-Breaking Funding Round

The Series B raise attracted a world-class lineup of investors, including The Rise Fund, Sanabil Investments, QED, RAED Ventures, Impact46, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), Isometry Capital, Arzan VC, BNVT Capital, Kaltaire Investments, Endeavor Catalyst, Nour Nouf Ventures, Khwarizmi Ventures, and Wamda Capital.

Such a diverse pool of backers underscores both the strength of HALA’s business model and the increasing confidence in the Middle Eastern fintech sector. This round is among the largest ever seen in the region’s financial technology space, setting a new benchmark for what is possible when vision meets execution.

Driving Financial Inclusion Through Technology

HALA’s mission is centered on creating more accessible and efficient financial solutions for underserved businesses. By providing digital payment systems, cash management solutions, and innovative financing options, HALA is tackling the barriers that traditionally limit SMB growth.

In economies like Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, where small and medium enterprises are the backbone of employment and innovation, HALA’s platform is not only solving financial pain points but also accelerating economic diversification goals.

Unlike many fintech startups that limit themselves to payment processing, HALA has built a multi-layered platform that connects payments, financing, and financial management. This strategy enables businesses to operate with speed and transparency while giving investors confidence in the scalability of HALA’s offering. And what’s striking here is that HALA’s success didn’t come from chasing vanity metrics or rapid user growth alone - it came from embedding itself so deeply into its customers’ operations that businesses now depend on its infrastructure to survive.

That’s where the real lesson for founders lies. Capital doesn’t chase the flashiest app or the noisiest marketing - it flows to companies solving mission-critical problems that industries cannot afford to ignore. If you’re building something today, ask yourself: “Would my absence cripple part of the system I’m trying to serve?” HALA designed its product so that SMBs can’t function as efficiently without it, which transformed the company from a helpful service into an indispensable pillar. That difference is exactly why it was able to attract $157 million at a time when global capital has grown more selective.

A Powerful Investor Mix

The presence of both global giants like The Rise Fund and regional heavyweights like Sanabil Investments and Wamda Capital creates a strategic balance of capital and influence. It gives HALA not only the financial resources but also the partnerships to accelerate regulatory alignment and market entry across borders.

This mix of investors also highlights the growing recognition that the Middle East is no longer an emerging player in fintech but a rising hub of innovation with global relevance.

Market Timing and Regional Impact

HALA’s funding comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing its Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes digital transformation, financial inclusion, and private sector growth. By aligning with these national priorities, HALA is positioned as a key enabler of the Kingdom’s economic goals while driving innovation across the broader Middle Eastern fintech ecosystem.

As adoption of digital payments accelerates, HALA’s solutions ensure SMBs can keep pace with the transformation, securing their role in shaping the future economy.

Looking Ahead

With $157 million in fresh capital, HALA is set to:

• Accelerate product innovation in digital payments and financing.
  
• Expand its footprint across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
  
• Deepen its partnerships with regulators and financial institutions.
  
• Strengthen its infrastructure to handle rapid growth at scale.
  

The company’s long-term vision is to become the go-to fintech platform for SMBs in the Middle East and beyond, ensuring that every business - regardless of size - has access to the tools and financial services needed to thrive in a digital-first economy.

Conclusion

HALA’s $157 million Series B is more than just a milestone; it is a turning point for Middle Eastern fintech. The company has shown how solving foundational problems for small businesses can unlock massive growth opportunities while attracting global investors. For entrepreneurs, HALA’s journey offers a masterclass in building indispensable solutions that outlast trends.