Dubai-based B2B fintech startup UPFRONT has announced a $10 million pre-seed funding round, comprising a mix of equity and debt. The round was led by Palm Ventures and SABAH.fund, with additional participation from a network of angel investors. The company is on a mission to address critical cash flow inefficiencies for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the MENA region.
Addressing a $250 Billion Problem
UPFRONT is tackling what it identifies as a $250 billion funding gap for SMBs throughout the MENA region. This gap is largely driven by inefficient financial operations and significant delays in receivables, which particularly affect businesses in the F&B, FMCG, retail, and manufacturing sectors. By optimizing financial workflows, the startup aims to provide businesses with the stability needed for sustainable growth.
Strategic Expansion and Growth
The newly acquired capital will be deployed to accelerate product development and expand the company’s operational footprint. UPFRONT plans to grow its engineering and go-to-market teams and is preparing for an imminent expansion into Saudi Arabia. This strategic move aims to build a robust financial infrastructure that empowers SMBs across the region, freeing them from the constraints of outdated financial processes.
About UPFRONT
Launched in May 2025 by co-founders Anas Qudah, Abdullah Alghadouni, and Mahmoud Abdel-Fattah Moursy, UPFRONT is a fintech platform designed to optimize cash flow for SMBs. The platform integrates with existing accounting software to automate receivables, orchestrate payments, and provide real-time financial analytics, effectively unlocking working capital. “Cash flow inefficiencies are one of the biggest growth bottlenecks for SMBs in MENA,” said Anas Qudah, co-founder and CEO. “We’re building financial infrastructure that gives these businesses real-time visibility, faster access to credit, and tools that enable them to operate with more confidence and less manual overhead.”
Source: Waya
