EFunder takes ownership by IHC, resulting in the rebranding of IHC to Zelo, aiming to heighten small and medium enterprise financing within the MENA region.
Zelo, formerly known as eFunder, is a UAE-based fintech platform that has been revolutionizing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing since its founding in August 2020. The platform specializes in invoice financing, providing fast, digital-first access to liquidity by converting approved invoices into working capital within 24 to 48 hours [1][3][5].
Following its acquisition by IHC in July 2025, Zelo has transitioned under new ownership with a focus on scaling its impact and expanding access to capital for the region's dynamic businesses [2][3]. As a global investment company, IHC aims to build dynamic value networks and accelerate economic growth through innovative financial solutions.
The acquisition of eFunder by IHC and its rebranding as Zelo is expected to have several positive impacts on SME financing in the UAE:
- **Enhanced Capital Access**: Zelo's ability to provide quick funding by converting invoices into working capital can significantly improve SMEs' financial stability and operational efficiency [3][5]. - **Growth Opportunities**: With IHC's backing, Zelo is positioned to expand its offerings and reach more SMEs, contributing to the growth of the UAE's small business sector [2][3]. - **Innovation in Financing**: Zelo's model represents an innovative approach to addressing cash flow challenges faced by SMEs, offering a faster and more accessible financing option compared to traditional methods [3][5].
Zelo's platform offers a fully digital onboarding experience, eliminating cash flow delays that many SMEs face, with delays of 60 to 120 days in receiving payment for approved invoices restricting growth and operational agility. The platform scales financing limits in line with business performance, delivering near-instant access to capital to address the region's SME working capital gap [1][3][4].
To date, Zelo has deployed more than USD 200 million in funding, facilitating over 9,000 transactions, and addressing a nearly USD 250 billion SME credit gap across the Middle East and North Africa [1]. The platform provides automated funding decisions, bridging the gap between SMEs and the capital they need to grow and thrive [1][3].
The CEO of Zelo is Dhanush Arjun, and the COO is Deepak Sekar. Syed Basar Shueb is the CEO of IHC [2]. Zelo is fully licensed and regulated by ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) [1].
The rebranding of eFunder as Zelo under IHC's ownership underscores a strategic effort to strengthen the financial ecosystem for SMEs in the UAE, leveraging technology and innovative financing models to support economic development.
- With the rebranding of eFunder as Zelo under IHC's ownership, the fintech platform has the potential to escalate its influence in the UAE's financial industry by utilizing technology to enhance infrastructure, fostering economic growth through innovative financing solutions.
- Zelo's transition under new ownership by IHC has opened opportunities for the platform to expand its business, investing in the development of its offerings and reaching out to more SMEs, thereby contributing to the growth of the entire industry.
- The fintech industry can benefit significantly from Zelo's model, as it offers a unique financing approach that addresses cash flow challenges faced by SMEs, promoting faster and more accessible funding opportunities compared to traditional methods.
- Healthcare and other SMEs in the UAE stand to gain from Zelo's enhanced capital access, as the fintech platform's swift, digital-first approach to invoice financing can improve SMEs' financial stability and operational efficiency, enabling them to invest in growth opportunities.
- As Zelo continues to deploy funding to address the SME working capital gap across the Middle East and North Africa, the platform's innovative fintech solutions, coupled with IHC's global investment capabilities, can potentially impact the overall infrastructure and finance landscape in the region.
