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§ Private Profile · 16-104 & 16-114, 16th Floor, WeWok Hub71, Al Khatem Tower, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Sarwa is a technology company.
Sarwa builds an all-in-one financial platform that offers automated investment management, real-time trading capabilities for US stocks and ETFs, and high-yield savings accounts. The company's technology-driven approach simplifies personal finance by providing users with tools for hands-off auto-investing and direct access to various asset classes, including cryptocurrency, all within a single application. Its core offering streamlines financial growth strategies through intuitive digital interfaces.
The company was founded in 2016 by Mark Chahwan, Nadine Mezher, and Jad Sayegh. The founders identified a gap in accessible, affordable investment solutions, particularly for a younger demographic, and sought to leverage smart technology to democratize personal wealth management. Their collective vision centered on making sophisticated financial tools available to a broader audience who might otherwise face high barriers to entry in traditional investment markets.
Sarwa serves individuals seeking to manage their wealth, invest in diverse assets, and grow their savings through a modern, user-friendly platform. The company's long-term vision is to empower a new generation of investors by demystifying finance and providing the necessary infrastructure to put their money to work efficiently. It aims to foster financial independence and growth for its users, anticipating evolving investment needs.
Sarwa has raised $24.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Sarwa has raised $24.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Sarwa is a UAE-based technology company founded in 2017 that operates as a robo-advisory wealth management platform. It builds a personal finance app that enables users—primarily young professionals and next-generation investors—to save, invest, and trade in one place with low fees and low account minimums. Sarwa’s product offers personalized, diversified portfolios of low-cost index funds and ETFs, using automated rebalancing and a hybrid model combining algorithmic investing with human expertise to maximize returns at a risk level comfortable to each user. The platform also recently introduced crypto exposure and a high-yield cash account, aiming to become a comprehensive financial app for managing money from paycheck to investment[1][2][4].
Sarwa was co-founded by Mark Chahwan (CEO), Nadine Mezher (CMO), and Jad Sayegh (CTO), who leveraged their backgrounds in finance, marketing, and proprietary trading algorithms to address the lack of innovation in the UAE’s financial services sector. The idea emerged from extensive market research revealing a strong demand for accessible, personalized investment solutions that are simple and affordable. Early traction included joining the DIFC Fintech Hive accelerator and securing regulatory licenses from top-tier bodies like the DFSA, FSRA, and Saudi CMA. Sarwa has since grown rapidly, raising significant venture capital funding and attracting over 40,000 users in the MENA region[1][5][4].
Sarwa rides the global trend of democratizing investing through fintech innovation, particularly in emerging markets like the Middle East where traditional financial services have been less accessible or costly. The timing is favorable due to rising digital adoption, increasing financial literacy, and demand for low-cost, transparent investment solutions. Sarwa’s technology-driven approach reduces barriers to entry, empowering a new generation of investors and contributing to the growth of the regional startup ecosystem by setting a benchmark for digital wealth management. Its partnerships and regulatory approvals further solidify its role as a trusted pioneer in MENA’s fintech space[1][4][5].
Sarwa is positioned to expand its product suite and user base, aiming to become the go-to financial app in the region. Future trends shaping its journey include growing interest in crypto assets, increasing demand for integrated financial services, and continued digital transformation in banking and wealth management. As Sarwa scales, it may deepen its influence by fostering greater financial inclusion and innovation in MENA’s fintech ecosystem, potentially expanding beyond regional borders. Its commitment to low fees, expert-backed portfolios, and user-friendly technology will likely sustain its competitive edge and growth momentum[1][4].
Sarwa has raised $24.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Sarwa's investors include 500 Startups, DIFC, Hala Ventures, KIPCO, Middle East Venture Partners, Oryx Fund, Shorooq Partners, Vision Ventures, 500 Falcons, Accel, Breakpoint Capital, Insight Partners.
Sarwa has raised $24.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $15.0M Series B in August 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 9, 2021 | $15M Series B | — | 500 Startups, Difc, Hala Ventures, Kipco, Middle East Venture Partners, Oryx Fund, Shorooq Partners, Vision Ventures | Announced |
| Nov 1, 2019 | $8M Series A | — | 500 Falcons, 500 Startups, Accel, Breakpoint Capital, Insight Partners, AMR Awadallah, Georges Harik | Announced |
| Sep 1, 2018 | $1M Seed | — | 500 Falcons, 500 Startups, Accel, Breakpoint Capital, Insight Partners, AMR Awadallah, Georges Harik, Sharif EL Badawi, Hala Ventures, Wajdi Ghoussoub, Saned Partners, Shane (you Keun) Shin, Women's Angel Investor Network | Announced |