In a strategic move set to reshape the region’s food and beverage industry, UAE-based Sharia-compliant crowdfunding platform Gainz has partnered with the all-in-one F&B platform Watermelon Ecosystem. The collaboration aims to provide unprecedented access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the F&B sector across the GCC.
Bridging a Critical Financing Gap
The partnership directly confronts a major hurdle for F&B entrepreneurs: the lack of timely and flexible financing. By merging Gainz’s AI-powered fintech solutions with Watermelon’s extensive network of over 1,000 F&B outlets, the collaboration creates a powerful new channel for restaurants, cafes, and food service businesses to secure growth capital.
“This partnership represents a game-changing moment for F&B entrepreneurs in the GCC,” said Shehab Mohamed, CEO of Gainz. “By integrating our Sharia-compliant financing solutions with Watermelon’s comprehensive ecosystem, we’re creating a seamless pathway for F&B businesses to access the capital they need to grow and thrive.” Omar AlShamsi, CEO of Watermelon Ecosystem, added, “This collaboration takes our commitment to empowering F&B entrepreneurs to the next level.”
A Synergistic Tech-Driven Approach
The collaboration is underpinned by a sophisticated technical integration featuring real-time data synchronization and automated credit assessments, creating a seamless user experience for businesses. For F&B entrepreneurs, this means faster access to capital, with funding campaigns launched in minutes and secured within days. For investors, the platform offers curated and vetted investment opportunities in the GCC’s growing F&B sector, complete with detailed business insights and performance metrics.
Regional Expansion and Future Products
Both companies have outlined ambitious plans for the future. The partnership is set to expand across other high-growth GCC markets, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia. The roadmap also includes the development of new, specialized financial products tailored for the industry, such as equipment financing, supply chain financing, and bespoke working capital solutions.
About Gainz
Gainz is a UAE-based fintech platform founded in December 2024 that democratizes SME financing through Sharia-compliant crowdfunding. Leveraging AI-powered underwriting, it connects investors with businesses seeking debt financing. The company recently closed a seven-figure pre-seed funding round led by Antler MENAP and Lithium Holdings.
About Watermelon Ecosystem
Watermelon Ecosystem is the UAE’s comprehensive all-in-one platform for the F&B industry. It provides a suite of solutions including marketplace services, point-of-sale (POS) systems, financial services, and marketing support to a network of over 1,000 F&B outlets across the region.
Source: Zawya
