e& enterprise has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Beehive, enhancing its ability to provide innovative financing solutions to SMEs in the MENA region.

Information on the Target

Beehive, established in 2014, is the leading peer-to-peer digital crowdfunding platform in the MENA region, prominently active in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The platform specializes in connecting creditworthy small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with both private and institutional investors, providing financing options that include traditional as well as Sharia-compliant loans. Beehive has successfully facilitated over AED 1.5 billion in loans, demonstrating its pivotal role in addressing SME financing needs.

Industry Overview in the UAE

The UAE's SME sector plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, accounting for over 90% of the total number of companies in the country and contributing significantly to job creation. Nonetheless, there exists a considerable credit gap for SMEs, estimated at $250 billion across the GCC region. This gap presents lucrative opportunities for innovative financing solutions.

In recent years, the financial landscape in the UAE has evolved rapidly, with traditional lending sources often marked by lengthy, cumbersome application processes requiring extensive documentation and collateral. The rise of financial