Bridging Growth — Beehive and Themar Forge a New Chapter in Saudi SME Finance

Strategic Rationale and Regional Context

First, the strategic rationale behind this move is clear. Beehive’s decision to sign a non-binding offer letter with Themar reflects a deliberate effort to combine digital lending expertise with local regulatory credentials, thereby addressing persistent financing gaps for small and medium enterprises in Saudi Arabia. Consequently, stakeholders should anticipate improved access to timely, scalable funding solutions that complement Vision 2030’s economic diversification objectives.

Moreover, this partnership comes at a pivotal moment for private credit across the Middle East. As capital needs of SMEs expand, innovative fintech-enabled platforms can accelerate credit delivery while preserving compliance and risk discipline. Therefore, integrating Beehive’s technology with Themar’s Kingdom-based licensing will likely generate efficiencies and expand market reach.

Transaction Implications and Stakeholder Perspectives

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, - Beehive, the Middle East's pioneering digital SME lending platform, has signed a non-binding offer letter with Themar, a licensed crowdfunding platform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic move looks to officially establish Beehive as a regulated fintech lender in the Kingdom, significantly strengthening its presence in one of the region's most dynamic SME markets.

The proposed partial M&A, subject to regulatory approval, represents a transformative step for private credit in Saudi Arabia. By combining Beehive's proven digital lending technology and regional track record with Themar's regulatory foundation and local expertise, the new entity will be uniquely positioned to enhance access to SME financing in the Kingdom.

In addition, this collaboration aligns with long-term national priorities. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 seeks to expand SME lending and reinforce private sector growth; accordingly, the combined platform promises fast, digital, and accessible funding as a scalable alternative to traditional banking channels. Thus, entrepreneurs and investors alike may benefit from expanded choice and enhanced capital flow.

Leadership Commentary and Forward Outlook

Pete Tavener, Co-Founder & Group CFO & COO, Beehive said: "This M&A will be a milestone not only for Beehive but also for the broader SME ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. By combining our capabilities with Themar's local presence and regulatory standing, we will be creating a powerful platform that will transform SME financing in the Kingdom and support Vision 2030."

Yousef H. Al Dabbagh, Co-Founder & COO, Themar, commented: "The partnership between Themar and Beehive is more than just a merger; it's a catalyst for advancing SME growth across Saudi Arabia. Together, we will deliver innovative, Shariah-compliant, and accessible financing solutions that enable businesses to grow and contribute to the Kingdom's economic transformation."

Finally, looking ahead, the combined entity should prioritize regulatory engagement, robust governance, and scalable risk-management frameworks. Consequently, by balancing innovation with prudence, the venture can drive meaningful impact for SMEs while supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader economic ambitions.

Subotiz: Revolutionizing Subscription-Based Payments at MONEY20/20 Middle East 2025

A Groundbreaking Introduction in Riyadh

In a significant development for the fintech landscape, Subotiz, an AI-powered growth and payments platform, made its regional debut at the highly anticipated MONEY20/20 Middle East 2025. This event, held from September 15 to 17 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, stands as the most influential fintech gathering in the region, attracting over 450 brands, 350 speakers, and 600 investors. Subotiz introduced its comprehensive infrastructure aimed at simplifying and optimizing recurring payment systems for subscription-based digital businesses, thus addressing a critical need in the market.

The platform's presentation underscored its innovative Merchant of Record solution, which features multi-gateway support and AI-driven automation. These advancements enable businesses to navigate the complexities of fragmented payment systems and stringent compliance requirements. Subotiz’s offering stands out as a unified hub that integrates cutting-edge technology, revenue optimization, and operational agility, enabling digital enterprises to scale confidently on a global scale.

Key Innovations Highlighted

During the event, Subotiz unveiled several key innovations that capture the essence of its mission. Firstly, the platform's AI-driven automation predicts customer churn, triggers renewals, and enhances overall retention rates. This feature is pivotal for businesses striving to minimize customer attrition and maximize lifetime value. Secondly, Subotiz introduced next-generation payment solutions, which encompass over 200 payment methods available in 28 languages. The incorporation of AI-powered routing ensures higher success rates for transactions, thereby streamlining the user experience.

Moreover, Subotiz's Smart Checkout offers fully brandable, conversion-optimized flows that work seamlessly across devices, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction. The emphasis on compliance-driven growth further solidifies Subotiz's reputation in the market, as it addresses GDPR requirements and cross-border regulations effectively. With a presence in over 200 markets and a remarkable track record of processing more than 60 million cross-border payment orders, Subotiz is poised to redefine the landscape of subscription-based payment solutions.

Subotiz’s debut at MONEY20/20 Middle East signifies a pivotal moment for the fintech industry. As Jeff Li, the CEO of Subotiz, aptly stated, "We are proud to present a full-stack solution that empowers digital pioneers in SaaS, AI tools, Web3, and entertainment applications to grow faster and more securely." With its innovative offerings, Subotiz is not merely entering the fintech space; it is set to lead the charge toward a more efficient, AI-driven future for digital businesses.

Elevating Gender Equality: KONE's Commitment to Women in the Workplace

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate responsibility, KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, has garnered significant recognition for its unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). For the second consecutive year, KONE has been named one of the Top 10 Best Companies for Women in the Gulf, an esteemed accolade awarded by Avtar and Seramount. This recognition highlights KONE's dedication to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees, particularly women, are empowered to thrive, lead, and succeed in their careers.

KONE’s approach to diversity is not merely a corporate strategy; it is a fundamental aspect of its operational philosophy. The company’s RISE strategy 2025–2030 places people and culture at the forefront of its mission. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, KONE positions itself as one of the most desirable companies to work for in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Maria Manzoor, People & Communications Director for KONE Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, emphasizes that diversity and inclusion are integral to their daily operations and innovation efforts. Consequently, this recognition serves to reinforce KONE’s ongoing initiatives and inspires further growth in gender inclusivity within the organization.

A Vision for Gender Equity in the GCC

KONE's ambitious vision extends beyond recognition; it encompasses tangible goals aimed at achieving gender equity within its ranks. The company has set a global target of ensuring that 35% of director-level positions are held by women by the year 2030. This commitment demonstrates KONE's proactive stance in addressing gender disparities in leadership roles. In the GCC, the organization is implementing various initiatives, including mentorship programs, emerging leader tracks, and equitable recruitment practices. These programs are designed to empower women, providing them with the necessary tools and support to ascend to senior positions.

Loay Dajani, Managing Director for KONE Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, articulates that this recognition as one of the Top 10 Best Companies for Women in the Gulf reflects KONE's dedication to its RISE strategy. By manifesting a workplace culture that prioritizes support and empowerment, KONE aims to create the best People Flow® experiences not only for customers but also for its employees. As KONE continues to invest in its workforce and cultivate an environment rich in equal opportunities, it plays a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and innovative future across the GCC and beyond.

KONE's recognition as a leading advocate for women in the workplace resonates deeply within its corporate ethos and strategy. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, KONE not only enhances its organizational culture but also contributes to the broader goal of gender equity in the corporate landscape. As KONE pursues its ambitious objectives, it sets a valuable precedent for other companies in the region, proving that commitment to gender inclusion is not just a moral imperative but a catalyst for innovative growth and success.