News

Abu Dhabi Merger Will Create A $4.1B Space Company

Bayanat, a geospatial data provider, and Al Yah Satellite Communications will become Space42, the MENA region’s first AI-powered space-tech company.

Published

7 months ago

December 21, 2023

Nour Nasir

abu dhabi merger will create a $4.1 billion space company

Yahsat

Two Abu Dhabi companies have agreed to merge in a landmark deal that will create “Space42,” one of the world’s most valuable listed space-tech companies.

Bayanat, a geospatial data provider, and Al Yah Satellite Communications — known as Yahsat — will have a market capitalization of $4.08 billion.

“This merger will unite two leading home-grown companies to create the Mena region’s first AI-powered space technology company,” explained Tareq Al Hosani, chairman of Bayanat.

“Together, we will leverage our key synergies to reinforce our position as a key engine of growth and strategic solutions provider to the UAE government and its agencies while expanding our reach to global customers,” he added.

The proposed merger will be realized through a share swap, with Bayanat remaining a legal entity. The shareholders of Bayanat and Yahsat will own 54% and 46%, respectively, of the newly created company.

“The merger is a compelling opportunity to amplify value creation for shareholders, utilizing synergies and strategic consolidation to create a technologically advanced champion […] The enlarged entity will benefit from accelerated growth potential as a player of scale with enhanced competitive advantage,” said Musabbeh Al Kaabi, chairman of Yahsat.

Also Read: Aramex And Regent To Develop Electric Seagliders

The space sector is currently enjoying a massive surge of interest as competition hots up with more companies entering the arena. According to figures from the Space Foundation, the space economy grew by 8% to nearly $550 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand by at least another 40% over the next five years.

The UAE, currently the Arab world’s second-largest economy, has the region’s largest space sector in terms of investment size. Last year, the Emirates launched an $820 million fund to support its latest space program and a new initiative to develop high-tech radar satellites.

Related Topics:Abu Dhabi Bayanat Space Yahsat

Up Next

Kanye West Plans 100,000-Acre City In The Middle East

Don't Miss

Aramex And Regent To Develop Electric Seagliders

Click to comment

News

Mamo Completes $3.4M Funding Round To Enhance Fintech Services

The startup will use the influx of cash to expand into Saudi Arabia and across the wider GCC while improving its product offering.

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Nour Nasir

Mamo

UAE-based fintech Mamo has announced the completion of a $3.4 million funding round that will help the startup extend its market presence and improve its product offering. Investors included 4DX Ventures, the Dubai Future District Fund and Cyfr Capital.

Mamo’s platform offers “payment collection, corporate cards and expense management” to help small and medium-sized businesses consolidate and streamline their operations. With the latest influx of capital, Mamo will further develop its comprehensive suite of services and begin testing its product lines in Saudi Arabia, further extending its footprint across the GCC.

Imad Gharazeddine, co-founder and CEO of Mamo, stated: “We’ve been in the market for a while now and are incredibly proud of what our team has achieved. The holistic and expansive nature of our product offering has helped us continue to grow sustainably. This additional funding will allow us to reach our medium-term goals even faster. The support from new and existing investors is a testament to our strong expertise and the ability to deliver on our customer promise”.

Daniel Marlo, General Partner of lead investor 4DX Ventures, added: “We have immense trust in Imad’s vision, leadership and Mamo’s innovative approach to provide a user-friendly and comprehensive financial solution for SMEs that makes financial management more accessible and efficient. We are proud to partner with them and support their mission”.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

Amer Fatayer, Managing Director of Dubai Future District Fund’s investment team, also commented: “Mamo’s localized product lines serve as an infrastructure for SME payments and spend management in UAE, a segment that is underserved by the country’s current banking infrastructure. The team has taken a product-first approach to consolidating SMEs’ financial journeys and building a fintech solution deeply embedded in a business’s core operations”.

To date, Mamo has raised around $13 million in investment funding and now boasts a team of 30 people. The company’s intuitive financial services platform has allowed over 1,000 businesses to consolidate their financial operations and significantly reduce payment fees.