In a bold step to redefine how Egyptians access financial tools, Cairo-based fintech startup has announced the close of a new , fueling its mission to digitize traditional savings circles and extend financial inclusion to underserved communities.

Led by , the round also saw participation from , , , , and a cohort of local and international angel investors. The investment underscores rising interest in financial platforms that address grassroots challenges using culturally familiar models.

Founded in 2020 by , ElGameya offers a mobile-first platform that digitizes the long-standing practice of — a peer-to-peer savings mechanism widely used across Egypt and other emerging economies. The model is familiar to millions but historically informal, often relying on handwritten ledgers, word-of-mouth coordination, and fragile trust.

ElGameya’s digital platform replaces these informal processes with . Users can choose savings amounts, payout cycles, and join circles tailored to goals such as education, weddings, healthcare, or small business financing.

“We built ElGameya to bring structure, safety, and convenience to a model that has always been at the heart of community finance,” said , ElGameya’s founder and CEO. “This funding validates our impact so far and accelerates our ability to serve more people across Egypt who are left out of the formal financial system.”

ElGameya has grown rapidly in just under four years. The platform now boasts nearly and has established , including corporates and educational institutions.

Its user base reflects a wide cross-section of society, from young professionals to low-income earners and informal sector workers. Many users rely on the app to fund life milestones or smooth cash flow in the absence of traditional credit access.

The startup has reported over the past year, showing strong demand for accessible financial alternatives.

“We’re not just digitizing a model—we’re unlocking opportunities for people who have long been excluded,” Abdeen added. “From a school teacher saving for tuition to a small business owner building inventory, ElGameya is designed to fit real lives.”

The lead investor, , highlighted ElGameya’s alignment with its broader mission to enable inclusive growth. “Our investment reflects our belief that fintech must deliver practical solutions for real societal needs,” said , AYADY’s Chairman and former Minister of Investment in Egypt. “ElGameya is doing just that—empowering everyday Egyptians with tools to save, plan, and build resilience.”

, the company’s founding chairman, echoed this sentiment. “Digital ROSCAs offer more than convenience—they have the potential to build trust, promote financial literacy, and shift informal behavior into structured, scalable models,” he noted.

Hazem Kamel, Managing Director of Private Equity at NI Capital (AYADY’s investment manager), pointed out the market opportunity. “Fintech in the MENA region is booming, but the most exciting ventures are those that deeply understand local behavior. ElGameya has proven it can execute with cultural relevance and impact.”

With fresh capital in hand, ElGameya plans to expand its engineering team, enhance its user interface, and launch new savings products tailored to small businesses and women-led households. It also aims to strengthen regulatory partnerships and explore market entry into other North African and Sub-Saharan African countries.

As traditional banking continues to struggle with inclusivity, platforms like ElGameya are proving that tech-enabled community finance is not just possible—it’s essential.

“We’re not just building a fintech company,” said Abdeen. “We’re building a movement that puts trust, transparency, and empowerment in the hands of everyday