Thndr, a cutting-edge retail investment platform at the heart of the disruptive change in the financial landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, recently closed a significant $15.7 million funding round, bringing its total capital raised to an impressive $37.76 million.

This latest investment round, led by Prosus Ventures, their second backing of Thndr, highlights the growing confidence in the company’s mission to democratise investing across MENA.

A Stellar Funding Round with Global Backing

Thndr’s latest funding round is a testament to its potential, attracting a mix of regional and international heavyweights.

Alongside Prosus Ventures, the round saw participation from esteemed venture capital firms like BECO Capital and JIMCO Capital, as well as globally recognised investors such as Endeavor Catalyst and Y Combinator.

The inclusion of a major U.S. university endowment further signals the international appeal of MENA’s fintech innovation, signalling a robust vote of confidence in Thndr’s growth trajectory.

This financial boost arrives at a key moment for MENA’s fintech sector. Ranked #8 on Forbes Middle East’s Fintech 50 2025 list, Thndr is among the elite players driving digital financial transformation in the region.

With fintech net revenues projected to grow by 35% annually through 2028,far surpassing the global average, the sector is on an upward swing.

Despite a dip in funding in 2024, Q1 2025 has already seen a remarkable resurgence, with $372 million invested, more than half of last year’s total. Thndr is well-positioned to capitalise on this renewed momentum.

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The Birth of a Vision

Founded in 2020 by Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr, Thndr emerged from a clear recognition of the need for a modern, accessible investment platform in Egypt and beyond.

The duo’s entrepreneurial insight led to a groundbreaking achievement: securing Egypt’s first brokerage license since 2008.

This milestone reflects Thndr’s commitment to regulatory compliance and market integrity, setting a strong foundation for its operations.

Hammouda and Amr combined their expertise to create a seamless platform designed to attract retail investors who were previously sidelined by traditional investment avenues.

Their vision is simple yet powerful: empower everyday individuals with the tools and education needed to build wealth sustainably. This focus on financial inclusion has resonated deeply, propelling Thndr to the forefront of MENA’s investment landscape.

Strategic Expansion into Key Markets

Thndr plans to deploy its newly raised funds strategically, with a primary focus on regional expansion. The company is intensifying its efforts in the UAE while preparing to enter the Saudi market, two of MENA’s most promising financial hubs.

By replicating its success in Egypt, Thndr aims to build locally relevant, trusted digital investment platforms tailored to the unique needs of each market.

The Saudi market presents a particularly lucrative opportunity. As of Q3 2024, the Tadawul stock exchange boasts 6.49 million retail investors, with retail trades accounting for 67% of volumes.

Bridging the Gap in Financial Inclusion and Literacy

Investing in MENA has long been hindered by inaccessible platforms, regulatory complexities, and a lack of public knowledge.

Thndr addresses these challenges head-on, breaking down barriers with a fully digital, user-friendly platform.

The company offers diverse asset classes, local and U.S. stocks, gold, mutual funds, and savings products,bringing investment opportunities within reach of millions.

In 2024, Thndr solidified its dominance as Egypt’s leading retail brokerage on the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX), facilitating $3.5 billion in trades and capturing 11% of the retail market’s traded value.

Impressively, the platform attracted 82% of all newly registered investors on the EGX, adding nearly 190,000 new investors.

Thndr has also made strides in gender equality, increasing female investor participation from 3% to 12% and extending its reach to underserved populations beyond major cities.

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Simplifying Investing for the Masses

As one of MENA’s first fully digital investment platforms, Thndr currently serves over 4 million users. Its intuitive interface provides straightforward access to a wide range of investment options, catering to both novice and seasoned investors.

This accessibility has fuelled Thndr’s rapid growth, positioning it as a leader in the region’s fintech revolution.

A Bold Vision for the Future

With regulatory licenses from the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) in Egypt and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the UAE, Thndr is well-equipped for ambitious expansion.

The company aims to lead the digital investment movement in MENA by innovating and tailoring its services to local markets.

Its entry into the UAE and Saudi Arabia will open doors for millions more to access previously out-of-reach investment products.

Thndr’s commitment to financial literacy and inclusion is at the core of its mission. By empowering people across MENA to participate in wealth creation, the company is transforming the investment landscape.

Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.