Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has forged a strategic partnership with Partners for Growth (PFG) to support the expansion of high-growth technology companies across Dubai and the GCC.
The alliance merges DIFC’s commitment to shaping the future of finance with PFG’s expertise in asset-backed lending, which has seen the firm deploy over $2.1bn across more than 250 companies globally.
Under this partnership, structured growth debt will be offered to companies aligned with DIFC’s Strategy 2030 and Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, focusing on sectors such as FinTech, HealthTech, InsurTech, PropTech, SME Digital Finance, and SpaceTech.
PFG brings a five-year track record in the GCC, having supported some of the region’s leading technology ventures, including Tabby, TruKKer, Bayzat, Syarah, Huspy, and Silkhaus.
The partnership underscores DIFC’s pivotal role in enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness and innovation ecosystem. While the primary focus will remain on firms headquartered in Dubai and the GCC, a portion of capital may be allocated internationally to companies that offer strategic value through technology, talent, or sector leadership.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said: “Our mandate is to build the world’s most advanced financial centre in Dubai, stimulate the local venture ecosystem, and support the next generation of high-growth technology and innovation companies. This partnership with PFG reflects our shared belief that growth debt is essential for scaling high-potential firms in the region and beyond. Together, we are broadening funding options for founders and investors, accelerating the ambitions of the D33 Agenda.”
Andrew Kahn, CEO and Co-Founder of Partners for Growth, commented: “We pioneered growth debt in Silicon Valley to help founders expand without sacrificing control. Over the past five years in the GCC, we have witnessed the remarkable drive and execution of regional entrepreneurs. Partnering with DIFC allows us to build on this momentum and support the companies defining the future. This collaboration provides a robust platform to continue offering flexible, minimally dilutive capital to businesses scaling globally from Dubai.”
PFG will manage investment decisions within the partnership, maintaining agility and strategic alignment with the needs of regional founders. The firm will lead origination, underwriting, and portfolio management to ensure efficient and impactful deployment of capital.
Armineh Baghoomian, Managing Director and Head of EMEA at PFG, said: “We are proud to be working with the Dubai International Financial Centre. They have played a vital role in shaping the region’s innovation economy, and their support reflects confidence in the role growth debt is playing across the GCC. This partnership allows us to scale our impact and provide founders with the flexible capital needed to grow their businesses and reach new markets.”
