We’re excited to announce the launch of AI for GCC, a weekly newsletter that makes sense of how artificial intelligence is transforming business, innovation, policy, and everyday life across the Gulf region.

Alaan, a Dubai-based fintech company that automates workplace expense management, has secured $48 million in fresh funding to accelerate its regional expansion. The investment round was led by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India & SEA) and 885 Capital, alongside early backers from top MENA startups like Tabby and Careem.

Founded in 2022, Alaan offers businesses an AI-powered platform that helps eliminate tedious manual processes around employee reimbursements, lost receipts, and policy violations. The tool combines smart software with physical and virtual business cards, giving finance teams a real-time overview of company spending.

💰 Alaan by the Numbers:

  • $10 million annual revenue

  • $5 million in annual costs

  • Over 1,500 UAE-based businesses already using Alaan (including G42, Lulu Group, Careem, and Tabby)

  • Expanded to Saudi Arabia in early 2025

  • Previously raised $4.5M in 2023

According to Alaan, the platform not only cuts hours of manual work for finance teams but also helps reduce fraud, errors, and non-compliant spending — all with a regional-first approach and AI features tailored to MENA markets.

🌍 Why It Matters:

While similar solutions exist globally, Alaan stands out by designing specifically for GCC companies and local workflows. With rising demand for “autonomous finance,” this milestone shows how Gulf-born tech is solving Gulf-specific challenges — and scaling fast.

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