Who Is Flow48 & How Are They Innovating in Fintech?

Founded in 2022, Flow48 was one of the first unicorns in the GCC. The company enables SME lending across emerging markets, providing revenue-based financing solutions. 

The company leverages advanced data analytics and AI-driven risk assessment tools to offer fast and flexible access to capital without requiring equity dilution or traditional collateral.

Its platform integrates with multiple payment systems and financial data sources to offer tailored finance options based on real-time business performance, helping it meet its mission to bridge the financial gap for SMEs. 

Investing in the Middle East and Africa

With this latest funding round of US$69mn Flow48 will expand its presence into two primary markets as well as introduce its solutions to Saudi Arabia – the largest economy in the MENA region. 

The company also aims to enhance its platform by integrating new features utilise alternative data sources and implementing advanced risk assessment tools to provide more tailored financial solutions. 

“We’ve seen tremendous progress in the SME lending landscape, and this additional funding allows us to enhance our services even further,” says Idriss Al Rifai, CEO & Co-Founder of Flow48.

“SMEs are the backbone of every economy. They create 90% of jobs and contribute to 50% of GDP, yet they remain under-supported. We’re deeply committed to bridging this gap and fostering sustainable growth.”

Ben Marrel, CEO & Founding Partner at Breega, adds: "It’s an honour to lead Flow48’s Series A. The team’s ability to consistently deliver on their ambitious roadmap is remarkable, demonstrating both vision and execution.

"Their innovative approach to SME financing is reshaping the lending landscape in the GCC, unlocking capital for businesses that are the backbone of the region’s economy. We are proud to support Flow48 in scaling their impact and driving financial inclusion across the market."

What does this mean for fintechs in the region?

Flow48’s latest funding marks a significant milestone for SME financing and alternative lending across emerging markets. The funding highlights several key trends reshaping the industry including:

• The rise of revenue-based financing in emerging markets. Flow48’s model aligns with a growing trend towards alternative lending. Investor confidence in Flow48 indicates its potential as a sustainable financing solution.
• Saudi Arabia becoming a key fintech growth hub. Government initiatives like Vision 2030 are driving investment in financial innovation, and Flow48’s expansion into the country reflects increasing fintech entrants in the MENA region. With a largely underbanked SME sector, Saudi Arabia presents significant opportunities to bridge gaps.
• The increasing use of AI and alternative data in lending. Flow48’s plan to integrate AI-driven risk assessments and real-time business performance data illustrates the industry’s move away from traditional credit scores. Open banking APIs and transaction-level insights are becoming more influential in lending decisions, allowing fintechs to offer flexible financing solutions.

Overall, Flow48’s expansion signals the growing importance of fintech in bridging SME financing gaps, particularly in high-growth but underserved markets.

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