Zest Equity has raised $4.3 million in pre-Series A funding. Prosus Ventures led the round. Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures also joined.
The UAE-based startup builds digital infrastructure for private market transactions. It simplifies deal making and execution in emerging markets.
Zest Equity targets deals under $100 million. These are often ignored by large investment banks. The company wants to fill that gap.
So far, the startup has processed over $155 million in transaction value. It has completed more than 115 pre-agreed deals.
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Company Plans Growth in GCC
The startup will use the new funds to grow its presence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It will also hire talent.
It plans to build new products and improve its tech systems. This will help support more transactions and different deal types.
“This funding milestone allows us to continue in our mission to remove friction from private market transaction processes,” said Zuhair Shamma, Co-founder and CEO of Zest Equity.
“Prosus Ventures’ deep understanding of emerging markets makes them the ideal partner to accelerate our expansion,” said Rawan Baddour, Co-founder.
“MSISV’s expertise will be key to scaling sustainably and compliantly,” Baddour added.
Prosus Ventures believes Zest Equity fits their vision. “Zest Equity is building the fabric that brings together private markets in emerging economies,” said Robin Voogd.
“Their vision aligns perfectly with our focus on supporting innovative financial infrastructure in high-growth regions,” Voogd added.
Founded in 2021 by Zuhair Shamma and Rawan Baddour, Zest Equity is based in the UAE. It provides tools for smooth deal execution.
Their first product allows clients to group stakeholders into one legal unit. This makes the transaction process faster and more efficient.
The startup aims to become the go-to platform for private market transactions in emerging markets.