Dubai: Arcapita and Dgpays Consortium Acquires Majority Stake in NEOPAY from Mashreq

Dubai, UAE – The Consortium of Arcapita Group Holdings Limited, a global alternative investment firm, and Dgpays, a leading financial infrastructure technology provider in the EMEA region, has reached an agreement with Mashreq, one of the UAE’s prominent financial institutions, to acquire a majority stake in NEOPAY, the UAE’s fast-growing payment solutions provider. Mashreq will maintain a significant minority interest in the company. This acquisition values NEOPAY at approximately $385 million, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

The acquisition is a pivotal step for NEOPAY as it aims to enhance its presence in the rapidly expanding digital payments sector in the Middle East. The Consortium’s strategic support positions NEOPAY to accelerate growth and introduce new services, utilizing Dgpays’ advanced technology.

NEOPAY has established itself as the UAE’s fastest-growing payment solutions provider, serving a diverse clientele in sectors such as retail, hospitality, government, and e-commerce. With the UAE’s card transaction value expected to grow at double-digit rates over the next five years, NEOPAY has ample opportunities to capture additional market share.

Founded as a division within Mashreq, NEOPAY has witnessed significant growth, driven by the UAE’s dynamic economic landscape characterized by a young, digitally savvy population, strong GDP growth, and government initiatives promoting a cashless economy.

Atif A. Abdulmalik, CEO of Arcapita, emphasized that NEOPAY aligns with their investment strategy, which focuses on acquiring market leaders with strong growth potential. He expressed confidence that NEOPAY is well-positioned to benefit from the UAE’s shift toward digital payments.

Serkan Omerbeyoglu, CEO of Dgpays, expressed excitement about partnering with NEOPAY, highlighting the potential for expansion across the broader Middle East region through innovative technology and strategic collaborations.

Ahmed Abdelaal, Group CEO of Mashreq, stated that this transaction marks a significant milestone in NEOPAY’s journey, allowing it to continue its growth as a regional leader in digital payments. He expressed confidence in the expertise and vision of Arcapita and Dgpays to support NEOPAY’s ambitious expansion plans.

Vibhor Mundhada, CEO of NEOPAY, shared enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that it will enable NEOPAY to accelerate its growth in the UAE and expand its footprint across the Middle East.

This acquisition highlights a strategic collaboration among Arcapita, Dgpays, and Mashreq, showcasing a shared commitment to driving innovation and growth in the digital payments industry throughout the Middle East.

Goldman Sachs International, DIFC Branch acted as financial advisor to the seller, while deNovo Partners advised the Consortium. Clifford Chance served as legal counsel for Mashreq, and Freshfields was legal counsel for the Consortium. Mashreq’s Investment Banking arm facilitated the closure of the transaction.

Dubai’s DET and Amazon Launch Accelerator for SMEs

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered with Amazon UAE to introduce the ‘DET x Amazon Accelerator,’ aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Dubai. This initiative will enhance local businesses’ competitiveness on the global stage by providing advanced digital tools, resources, and mentorship.

As part of the broader Dubai Traders initiative—one of ten key components of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33—the accelerator aims to establish Dubai as a leading hub for entrepreneurship and SME growth through collaboration with major private sector companies. The agreement was signed by Helal Saeed Almarri, director-general of DET, and Ronaldo Mouchawar, vice president of Amazon Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye, alongside Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), and Jasmin Frick, director of Seller Success at Amazon MENA.

The DET x Amazon Accelerator will support SMEs through several key initiatives:

  • Access to Amazon’s Network: SMEs will gain access to Amazon’s extensive network, facilitating their expansion beyond the UAE.
  • Tailored Workshops: Amazon UAE will provide customized workshops to help SMEs utilize its tools and strategies effectively.
  • Personalized Guidance: SMEs will receive guidance from Amazon’s trusted service providers to optimize growth opportunities, including account registration and advertising.
  • Shop Local Storefront: A dedicated “Shop Local” storefront will increase visibility for local sellers during significant sales events.
  • Amazon Ads Credits: SMEs will be offered credits for launching marketing campaigns to reach wider audiences.

Hadi Badri emphasized that this collaboration is a significant step towards achieving the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goals, aiming to accelerate the growth of Dubai-based businesses globally. Mouchawar underlined the program’s role in supporting small businesses, stating it will expedite their growth and digital transformation.

With plans to feature products from 100,000 businesses on Amazon by 2026, the accelerator is set to drive substantial growth in Dubai’s SME sector.

Keyper Launches Innovative Rent Now Pay Later Marketplace in Dubai

Dubai-based startup Keyper has launched its Rent Now Pay Later (RNPL) marketplace, aiming to revolutionize the rental experience for tenants in the city. This platform allows tenants to pay their rent in 12 monthly installments, tackling the common challenge of upfront annual payments that many renters face in the UAE.

The RNPL Marketplace features a curated selection of high-quality properties from leading real estate agencies, giving tenants a variety of options to suit their needs. Unlike traditional real estate platforms, all listings in the RNPL Marketplace are pre-priced for monthly payments, creating a streamlined, digital-first rental experience. This model reduces the burden of large lump-sum payments, enabling tenants to manage their finances more effectively.

For landlords, the RNPL Marketplace offers an attractive deal, allowing them to receive their annual rent as a single upfront payment while giving tenants the flexibility of monthly installments through credit or debit cards. This innovative approach bridges the gap between traditional rental practices and modern financial management, helping real estate agents close deals efficiently without compromising on terms.

Keyper collaborates with top real estate agencies like Dacha Real Estate, McCone Properties, D&B Properties, and Alba Homes to ensure high-quality property listings. Alessia Sheglova, CEO of Dacha Real Estate, praised the collaboration, highlighting its benefit for both tenants and landlords.

Supported by advanced tenant screening technology from Uqudo and Lean Technologies, the RNPL Marketplace simplifies the verification process for prospective tenants through digital Know Your Customer (KYC) methods and open banking integrations.

Omar Abu Innab, Co-Founder and CEO of Keyper, noted that the RNPL Marketplace addresses a major challenge for tenants: the burden of large upfront rental payments. He emphasized that by facilitating monthly payments, Keyper enhances tenants’ financial management and modernizes the rental experience.

Looking ahead, Keyper plans to expand the RNPL service to other cities in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, while continuously growing its rental inventory through partnerships with additional real estate agencies to meet the changing needs of tenants in the region.

Vanessa Sierra: Entrepreneur and Cryptocurrency Advocate

Vanessa Sierra: Entrepreneur and Cryptocurrency Advocate

Vanessa Sierra is an accomplished entrepreneur, social media influencer, and cryptocurrency advocate whose career reflects a blend of creativity, strategic insight, and resilience. Best known for her appearance on Love Island Australia in 2019, Vanessa has successfully leveraged her platform to establish a multifaceted career spanning digital marketing and the cryptocurrency sector.

Educational Background

Vanessa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics, providing her with a solid foundation in financial systems and economic principles. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science, enhancing her technical skills to navigate the evolving landscape of digital finance and technology. This unique combination positions her to effectively influence the intersection of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Following her reality TV debut, Vanessa embraced entrepreneurship by exploring various business opportunities aligned with her interests. She has become active in digital marketing and brand consultancy, using her ability to engage audiences and create impactful content. Her collaborations with diverse brands emphasize her commitment to promoting businesses that align with her values, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.

Cryptocurrency Involvement

Vanessa’s journey in cryptocurrency began in 2012 with her first Bitcoin purchase at $70. Her early entry into the crypto market has equipped her with invaluable experience, allowing her to observe the evolution of digital currencies. Over time, she has become a respected voice in the crypto community, actively sharing insights and strategies with her followers on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram.

Her engagement with the cryptocurrency market has not been without challenges. Vanessa has openly discussed experiences such as significant losses from leverage trading and scams, which have fueled her passion for educating others about cryptocurrency investing. She emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research, understanding market dynamics, and practicing risk management, urging her audience to approach investments with caution and informed strategies.

 

Commitment to Fitness and Wellness

Vanessa is dedicated to health and wellness, following a vegan diet that supports her active lifestyle. She believes that physical fitness is essential for mental clarity and overall well-being, incorporating rigorous training into her weekly routine, which includes strength training, cardio, and mindfulness practices.

Her commitment to fitness resonates with her audience, inspiring many to adopt healthier lifestyles. By sharing her fitness journey and wellness tips, she fosters a community focused on self-improvement and holistic health.

Advocacy for Women in Business

As an advocate for women in entrepreneurship, Vanessa uses her platform to empower others to pursue their ambitions and break into traditionally male-dominated fields like cryptocurrency and finance. She shares motivational content aimed at encouraging young women to embrace their goals and seek opportunities in business. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and speaking engagements, Vanessa actively contributes to the dialogue surrounding female empowerment in the entrepreneurial space.

Conclusion

Vanessa Sierra exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking in her career, transitioning from a reality television star to a recognized figure in entrepreneurship and cryptocurrency. Her ability to leverage her platform for business opportunities, promote sustainability, and educate others on investment strategies distinguishes her in the competitive landscape of digital economies.

Follow Vanessa

Stay updated on Vanessa Sierra’s latest ventures and insights by following her on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. Her dynamic presence continues to make a significant impact in both the business and cryptocurrency arenas, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of the digital economy.