Saudi Fintech NAYLA Raises $4 Million in Seed Funding Round

Saudi-based fintech startup NAYLA Finance, specializing in micro-enterprise financing, has announced the closure of a $4 million seed funding round led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber.

Founded in 2024 by Shaqran Alyahya and Khalid Naili, NAYLA offers innovative and fast digital financing solutions targeting micro-enterprises in Saudi Arabia, defined as businesses with annual revenues not exceeding 3 million SAR and employing between 1 to 5 individuals.

The funding will be used to enhance NAYLA’s data-driven lending platform, scale its operations, and build strategic partnerships in key sectors such as food and beverage, e-commerce, and retail.

The company is currently in the final stages of obtaining the necessary licenses from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and is expected to officially launch its operations in the second quarter of 2025.

On this occasion, Khalid Naili, Co-Founder and Chief Risk Officer of NAYLA, stated: “Traditional lenders often hesitate to finance micro-enterprises due to limited financial history and perceived risks, but at NAYLA, we see opportunities where others see uncertainty. By leveraging technology, alternative data, and advanced risk models, we are redefining creditworthiness and enabling financing for businesses that drive the economy.”

Rayan Aebi, CEO of Sanabil Venture Studio and General Partner of the fund, commented: “NAYLA addresses the financing gap for micro-enterprises, which form the backbone of the SME sector in the Kingdom. We believe fintech innovations are key to unlocking new economic potential. We are delighted to support NAYLA’s journey in creating a more inclusive and dynamic financial ecosystem.”