The Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), a federal initiative by the UAE Ministry of Finance, has announced a new partnership with Numou, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, ADGM. The collaboration is designed to create more accessible financing pathways for startups and innovative companies supported by MBRIF, further solidifying the UAE’s support infrastructure for high-growth businesses.
Quick Facts
- MBRIF partners with ADGM’s Numou.
- Expands financing options for UAE startups.
- Creates a two-way referral pathway for support.
A Digital Bridge to Capital
Under the new agreement, businesses within MBRIF’s portfolio will gain direct access to financing opportunities through Numou’s digital marketplace. The partnership also includes practical support through workshops and community sessions focused on improving financial literacy among founders, helping them navigate the funding landscape more effectively.
A key component of the deal is the creation of a two-way referral system. Eligible startups referred through Numou can now be considered for MBRIF’s key programs, including its Guarantee Scheme and Innovation Accelerator. In turn, MBRIF-backed companies can leverage Numou’s platform to connect with a wider network of financing providers.
Strengthening the UAE’s SME Ecosystem
This collaboration aims to address a critical need for streamlined access to capital for innovation-led companies, enabling them to scale their operations and contribute to the national economy.
Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry’s representative at MBRIF, stated, “Strengthening access to financing is a critical part of enabling innovative businesses to expand operations and contribute more meaningfully to the UAE’s economic future. Our partnership with Numou reflects MBRIF’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality financing solutions and strategic resources that open up new market opportunities for innovators.”
The partnership also aligns with Numou’s focus on building a more transparent, data-driven financing environment. By linking funding more directly to verified business activity, the platform aims to improve capital allocation for the entire SME ecosystem.
“By working closely with MBRIF, we are reinforcing Numou’s commitment to enabling SMEs, particularly innovation-led businesses, to access the right capital at the right time, empowering them to grow, scale, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s resilient and diversified economic agenda,” said Mohamed Al Binali, General Manager of Numou.
About MBRIF
The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) is a federal initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance and operated by Emirates Development Bank. Since its launch in 2016, MBRIF has supported innovators through its Guarantee Scheme, offering members access to affordable funding through a government-backed guarantee, and its Accelerator program, which provides world-class services and coaching to help innovative businesses scale.
About Numou
Numou is a subsidiary of ADGM established to improve access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UAE. Through its digital marketplace model, Numou connects businesses with a range of financing providers, including banks, licensed lenders, and government-backed programs, through one streamlined application journey.
Source: Zawya
