Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Shorooq has announced that six of its portfolio companies have been selected for the prestigious Endeavor Outliers Class of 2026. The recognition highlights the exceptional performance of Abhi, Breadfast, Nawy, qlub, Tamara, and TruKKer, placing them among the top 10% of high-impact companies within Endeavor’s global network.
Recognition For High-Growth MENA Innovators
The Endeavor Outliers program identifies the highest-performing companies led by Endeavor Entrepreneurs, specifically those that have demonstrated consistent, rapid scaling and resilience in complex markets. This year’s recognition of six Shorooq-backed firms underscores the firm’s strategy of investing in “category-defining” startups across the MENA region.
The recognized companies represent a diverse range of tech-enabled sectors:
- Tamara: A leading buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) platform in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC.
- TruKKer: A digital freight network transforming logistics across the Middle East and North Africa.
- Breadfast: An Egyptian-born quick-commerce and grocery delivery leader.
- Nawy: A proptech platform streamlining real estate transactions in Egypt.
- Abhi: A fintech pioneer providing earned wage access and financial wellness tools.
- qlub: A payment solution designed to enhance the dining experience through ultra-fast checkout.
Navigating Volatility Through Peer Collaboration
The 2026 Outliers Class is composed of 238 companies globally, with over 80% operating beyond their home markets. Endeavor’s selection criteria focus on companies that have maintained significant growth momentum, with many in the cohort exceeding $100 million in annual revenue despite global economic uncertainty.
For these founders, the Outliers program offers more than just recognition; it provides a platform for peer-to-peer exchange and strategic mentorship. Through initiatives like the Outliers Retreat in Portugal and specialized programs for AI integration and liquidity paths, founders are encouraged to step back from daily execution to focus on leadership evolution and long-term trajectory. This collaborative environment is particularly vital for MENA founders who are often the first to scale specific business models in their respective markets.
Strengthening The Regional Investment Landscape
Shorooq’s strong representation in the 2026 class reinforces its position as a primary builder of the Middle East’s technology landscape. As the first firm licensed as a full fund manager in ADGM, Shorooq has utilized its multi-strategy approach—spanning venture capital, venture debt, and private equity—to support over 80 startups since its inception in 2017.
The firm continues to actively deploy capital into regional innovators, focusing on founders who demonstrate the ability to lead through volatility. This latest milestone for its portfolio companies further validates the firm’s mission to propel the regional innovation scene onto the global stage.
About Shorooq
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Shorooq is a leading multi-dimensional investment firm in the MENA region. Operating under the principle of being “Founders’ Partners and Company Builders,” the firm manages a diverse portfolio of over 80 startups across fintech, software, and platform sectors. With offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, Cairo, and Korea, Shorooq is dedicated to accelerating technology innovation through a combination of professional investment experience and deep operational support.
Source: Shorooq
