Dubai’s investment ecosystem continues to boom as some of its companies in multiple sectors attract deep pocket funding. In this regard, some rich investments were made this past week for firms like NorthLadder, Brands.io, and Aditum Investment Management. These companies apply the funds raised to strengthen their presence regionally and globally and improve their service offerings and expand operations. Here are some recent key funding highlights shaping the future of these innovative companies.
PC: IdeaBuddy
NorthLadder Raises $10 Million in Series B led by tali Ventures
The Saudi-based device trade-in platform NorthLadder has closed a $10 million Series B led by tali Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Saudi Arabia’s stc Group. Other participating investors are Dutch Founders Fund and Crescent Ventures. With operations now in over 10 countries, NorthLadder will use the current funding to further develop advanced trade-in capabilities and explore new geographies.
Over the last 18 months, NorthLadder has worked with key telecom providers, e-commerce platforms, and retailers, which further solidified its reputation in the second-hand electronics market. The company recently opened new operations in Amsterdam during its recent European expansion. NorthLadder Co-founder and CEO, Sandeep Shetty said the investment was key for making a circular commitment, while Co-founder and COO Mihin Shah emphasised it was driving the internationalisation process.
Brand Names Provider Brands.io Raises Seed Funding, One Month from Launched Operations in Dubai
Brands.io, a new company based in Dubai, has secured seed funding a mere month after its roll-out in October 2024. Led by investor Chetan Gera, the seed funding will back the firm as it delivers distinctive online identities for AI-driven technology companies via luxury and bespoke domain names.
Brands.io focuses on offering top domain names to Nasdaq 100 companies, unicorn startups, and early-stage companies. These funds will be used in developing the technological advancement of the platform, expansion of the venture to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and an improvement of the experience for the end-users. In short, by providing a niche unique to the AI domain name market, Brands.io will experience exponential growth through the emerging demand for powerful digital identities.
Aditum Investment Management Launches two new DIFC domiciled Funds
Aditum Investment Management Limited has added two new DIFC-domiciled funds to its product portfolio, bringing to eight the number of DIFC funds offered by Aditum; the Fundsmith Global Equity Fund IC Open Ended Plc, launched on 31st October and the Aditum Islamic Income and we Growth Fund Open Ended IC Plc, launched on 4th November 2024. Each fund is designed to meet the risk tolerance and specific investment needs of investors.
Currently, the company manages more than $7.2 billion in assets. Aditum is pressing forward within the UAE’s financial sector by developing more funds. Part of its strategy to become a core investment firm in the landscape of Dubai is to expand on its platform further.
These funding and expansion activities represent the strength and potential for growth in the financial and technology ecosystem within Dubai. Strategically investing in companies, they are ready to take advantage of opportunities available within local or international markets, further entrenching Dubai as a hub for innovation and investments. Continued investor interest is reassuring for the regional economic landscape, fueling further momentum in future ventures.
