42 percent of UAE Fintech deals went to crypto and blockchain entities

 

According to a recent report by Fintech Global, while the UAE Fintech deal activity dropped 54 percent year on year, with deal activities reaching 24 deals in the first hald of 2023, 42% of those deals were in blockchain and crypto companies, totalling 10 deals.

The report noted that  UAE FinTech companies raised a combined $101m in investment during H1 2023, a 72% reduction from H1 2022.

In the first half of 2023, the number of FinTech deals in the UAE declined 54% compared to the previous year, totalling 24 deals. During the first half of 2023, FinTech companies in the UAE raised a combined investment of $101m, reflecting a substantial decrease of 72% compared to the same period in 2022.

As per Fintech Global, Tabby, a buy now pay later provider, had the largest FinTech deal in the UAE during H1 2023, raising $58m in their latest Series C funding round, led by Peak XV Partners and STV. The company intends to use the funds to expand its product line into next-gen consumer financial services and support its growing operations.

Moreover, blockchain & crypto was the most active FinTech subsector in the UAE during H1 2023 with 10 deals, 42% share of total deals.

In addition Bain & Company noted in a recent article,  noted that Web3 remains highly relevant for private equity in the Middle East.

The emerging web3 ecosystem now boasts thousands of companies funded by approximately $94 billion in start-up capital from venture funds, hedge funds, private equity, and other investors. The foundational building blocks are blockchains, smart contracts, and tokens.