Thndr, a digital investment platform revolutionizing the MENA region, has raised $15.7 million in a fresh funding round, bringing its total capital to $37.76 million. This round, led by Prosus Ventures—marking their second investment in the startup—highlights growing global confidence in Thndr’s vision to simplify retail investing across the Middle East and North Africa.
Prominent regional and global investors, including BECO Capital, JIMCO Capital, Endeavor Catalyst, and Y Combinator, also joined the round. Notably, a major U.S. university endowment contributed, signaling increased international interest in the region’s fintech innovation.
Fueling Expansion into UAE and Saudi Arabia
The new capital comes at a pivotal moment for MENA’s financial sector. Despite a funding dip in 2024, Q1 2025 has seen a rebound with $372 million in fintech investments, already surpassing half of the previous year’s total. Thndr is poised to ride this wave of renewed momentum, especially as it gears up to expand into the UAE and Saudi Arabia, two of the most promising markets in the region.
In Saudi Arabia, the Tadawul stock exchange boasts 6.49 million retail investors, accounting for 67% of trade volumes. Yet, financial literacy remains low at 31%, and only 2% of individuals in MENA invest in financial markets. Thndr’s educational-first approach could play a crucial role in addressing this gap as the country pushes toward its Vision 2030 goals of boosting digital finance adoption.
CEO Ahmad Hammouda noted, “Our mission is to offer local, regional, and international investment opportunities through one seamless platform. With just 2% of the population investing, now is the time to build the region’s leading investment-first money app.”
Founded to Democratize Investing
Founded in 2020 by Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr, Thndr emerged from a vision to provide a modern, accessible investment solution in Egypt. It soon distinguished itself by becoming the first company in over a decade to secure a brokerage license in Egypt, underscoring its regulatory credibility.
Combining their entrepreneurial and financial expertise, the founders aimed to make investing inclusive, especially for first-time and underserved users. Their approach blends technology with financial education, empowering users to build sustainable wealth with confidence.
Today, Thndr serves more than 4 million users across MENA, offering access to diverse investment options including Egyptian and U.S. equities, mutual funds, gold, and savings products. The app simplifies investing with a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced investors.
In 2024, Thndr became Egypt’s top retail brokerage on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX), facilitating $3.5 billion in trades and capturing 11% of the retail market share. It also drew 82% of newly registered EGX investors, adding nearly 190,000 accounts. Female participation rose from 3% to 12%, and the platform extended its reach to underserved areas beyond Egypt’s major cities.
Positioned for Long-Term Impact
With licenses from the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) in Egypt and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) FSRA in the UAE, Thndr is well-positioned to expand its operations. Its entry into the UAE and Saudi markets marks the next step in its mission to enhance financial inclusion through digital innovation.
Sandeep Bakshi, Head of Investments, Europe at Prosus, stated, “The Thndr team has executed exceptionally well. Their platform is empowering a new generation of investors and making financial participation accessible to millions. We’re excited to back them again as they expand into Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
With this funding and strong backing, Thndr aims to lead the next phase of digital finance in MENA—one that empowers individuals to control their financial future with confidence and ease.
