Seraya, a Dubai-based hospitality startup creating a new standard in premium serviced accommodation, has raised $1.8 million in a seed funding round, bringing its total capital raised to $2.15 million. The round was led by a prominent KSA-based family office and DLL, a German family office, with participation from strategic angel investors.
By the Numbers
The company has demonstrated impressive performance since its launch in late 2024:
- $1.8 Million: The value of the seed funding round, a mix of equity and debt.
- $2.15 Million: The total capital raised by the company to date.
- 92%+ Occupancy: The average occupancy rate Seraya operates with.
- 50 Units: The company’s growth target for its portfolio by the end of 2025.
A Vertically Integrated Model for Premium Hospitality
Founded in October 2024, Seraya has been profitable from day one. Unlike traditional operators, the company secures long-term leases (5+ years) from owners, fully renovates and furnishes the space, and manages the entire guest experience. This vertically integrated model gives Seraya complete control over design and quality, enabling the brand to deliver a consistently high-end product. The company is in hyper-scaling mode, adding one new apartment to its portfolio every week.
“We’re building something intentional,” said Pepijn Haima, Co-Founder of Seraya. “Seraya is designed for the modern traveller, people seeking calm, comfort, and care while on the move. Our model gives us total control, from the materials we use to the experience we deliver”.
A Focus on Wellness and Restorative Travel
Wellness is deeply embedded in Seraya’s brand DNA. From in-apartment saunas to water filtration systems, every detail is chosen to support restorative travel, a fast-growing segment within the $9 trillion global wellness industry. “Guests should leave feeling better than when they came,” added Haima. “That’s the standard we build to”.
Poised to Lead the Premium Segment
The MENA region’s short-term rental market is expanding rapidly, with Dubai alone growing from 20,000 units in 2024 to over 30,000 in 2025. As tourism and wellness-led travel reshape the industry, Seraya is positioning itself to lead the premium segment. “Dubai has been the perfect proving ground,” said Ibrahim Shami, Co-Founder at Seraya. “It’s one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world, and we’ve shown we can build a brand that stands out. With the systems, design, and operating model we’ve developed, we see strong potential for regional expansion in the near future”.
Source: Wamda
