Dubai, UAE, 11 September 2025: Gainz, a leading Sharia-compliant crowdfunding platform, and Watermelon Ecosystem, the UAE’s All-in-One F&B platform, today announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage industry across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Bridging the F&B Financing Gap
The partnership addresses a critical challenge facing F&B SMEs: limited access to timely and flexible financing. By combining Gainz’s innovative AI-powered crowdfunding technology with Watermelon’s deep industry expertise and network of over 1,000 F&B outlets, the collaboration creates unprecedented financing opportunities for restaurants, cafes, and food service businesses. “This partnership represents a game-changing moment for F&B entrepreneurs in the GCC,” said the CEO of Gainz, Shehab Mohamed. “By integrating our Sharia-compliant financing solutions with Watermelon’s comprehensive ecosystem, we’re creating a seamless pathway for F&B businesses to access the capital they need to grow and thrive.”
Comprehensive Benefits for Multiple Audiences
For F&B Entrepreneurs:
· Access to both traditional financing and innovative crowdfunding solutions
· Faster capital access with funding campaigns launched in minutes and capital secured within days.
· Industry-specific expertise combining fintech innovation with F&B operational knowledge
· Sharia-compliant financing options aligned with cultural and religious values.
· Comprehensive business support including marketplace access, POS systems, and marketing services.
For Investors:
· Curated F&B investment opportunities with dual-layer due diligence
· Transparent investment process with detailed business insights and performance metrics Portfolio diversification in the growing GCC F&B sector
· Flexible investment options accommodating various commitment levels
· Access to sector-specific market intelligence and trends
Market Impact and Strategic Significance
The partnership directly addresses the $200 billion financing gap for SMEs in the GCC region, with particular focus on the vital F&B sector. This collaboration supports the region’s economic diversification goals by enabling more food and beverage businesses to access growth capital and contribute to job creation and GDP growth. “We’re excited to partner with Gainz to unlock new opportunities for our network,” said The CEO of Watermelon Ecosystem, Mr. Omar AlShamsi. “This collaboration takes our commitment to empowering F&B entrepreneurs to the next level, providing them with innovative financing solutions that complement our existing marketplace and technology offerings.”
Technology Integration and Future Growth
The partnership features sophisticated technical integration, including real-time data synchronization, automated credit assessments, and streamlined application processes. The collaboration leverages APIs and data sharing protocols to create a seamless user experience through existing platform dashboards. Both companies plan to expand the partnership across additional GCC markets, with particular focus on Saudi Arabia and other high-growth regions. Future development includes new financial products such as equipment financing, supply chain financing, and specialized working capital solutions for F&B businesses.
Ends
About Gainz Financial Technologies
Gainz Financial Technologies is a UAE-based fintech platform founded in December 2024 that democratizes SME financing through Sharia-compliant crowdfunding solutions. The company recently completed a seven-figure pre-seed funding round led by Antler MENAP and Lithium Holdings, and uses AI-powered underwriting to connect investors with businesses seeking debt financing.
About Watermelon Ecosystem
Watermelon Ecosystem is the UAE’s All-in-One F&B platform, providing comprehensive solutions including marketplace services, POS systems, financial services, and marketing support. The company has established strategic partnerships with government agencies and maintains a network of over 1,000 F&B outlets across the region.
Industry Recognition and Regulatory Compliance
Both companies maintain strong commitments to regulatory compliance and risk management. Gainz’s Sharia-compliant platform meets religious and cultural requirements, while Watermelon’s established relationships with UAE government agencies. The partnership represents a significant innovation in fintech solutions, demonstrating how industry-specific expertise can be combined with cutting-edge technology to create more effective financial products. This approach is expected to inspire similar collaborations across other sectors and regions.
