ClearGrid Emerges From Stealth With 10 Million in Funding to Modernize Debt Collection in MENA

Debt collection in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is ripe for disruption. The industry remains mired in outdated, manual processes and aggressive tactics that fail both lenders and borrowers. With the region’s consumer lending market ballooning to $500 billion and regulatory scrutiny tightening, traditional methods are no longer sustainable.

Enter ClearGrid, an AI−powered debt collection platform that's stepping out of stealth with 10 million in funding to overhaul the sector.

The startup, founded by Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud, Mohammad Al Zaben, and Mohammad Al Khalili, aims to replace antiquated practices with a data-driven, borrower-friendly approach. ClearGrid’s platform automates the entire collections process—from outreach to negotiations—doubling resolution speeds and increasing borrower engagement by 60%.

Why it matters: Debt collection is a critical but broken link in the financial ecosystem. ClearGrid’s solution not only improves recovery rates for lenders but also fosters better outcomes for borrowers, creating a more balanced and sustainable credit market. The $500 billion consumer lending market in MENA is growing, and traditional collection methods are outdated and costly. ClearGrid offers a digital solution that improves outcomes for lenders and borrowers alike.

ClearGrid offers an AI-powered collections platform that automates every step of the recovery process - from borrower engagement to negotiations - helping lenders scale while providing a better borrower experience. By combining AI, self-service tools, and omnichannel outreach, ClearGrid claims to cut collection costs by 50% and double recovery rates

Since its launch in 2024, ClearGrid has managed hundreds of millions in debt portfolios and secured partnerships with the largest fintech players in the Middle East and leading MENA banks. The company has signed over 10 major enterprise clients and built a robust pipeline for 2025, which includes expanding revenue in the UAE and entering the KSA market. Perhaps most impressive, ClearGrid has achieved profitability for its UAE operation within just a year of launch, though the company remains focused on scaling rather than profitability at this stage.

The funding:

• The $10 million round spans pre-seed and seed stages.
• Pre-seed co-led by Raed Ventures and Beco Capital.
• Seed co-led by Nuwa Capital and Raed Ventures.
• Other backers include Aramco’s Waed Ventures, KBW Ventures, Sharaka, 9yards Capital, Protagonist, BYLD, Eirad Holdings, Endeavor Catalyst, and Wamda Capital.
• Marquee angel investors including Anu Hariharan (Avra), Jason Gardner (Marqeta), Bjorn Wagner (Parity Technologies), Amjad Masad (Replit), Vinay Menda (Blank Street), Justin Kan (Twitch), Mohammed Ballout (Kitopi), Sultan Olayan, Ahmed Alenazi (Barq), Ahmed Hamdan (Unifonic), and additional founders from the US and MENA also participated. 

The impact:

• ClearGrid has already managed hundreds of millions in debt portfolios since its 2024 launch.
• Partnered with top MENA fintechs and banks, securing over 10 enterprise clients.
• Achieved profitability in its UAE operations within a year.

By the numbers:

• A major UAE bank saw a 30% improvement in recovery rates and doubled borrower engagement using ClearGrid.
• A leading BNPL provider automated 95% of early-stage debt resolutions, doubling performance and earning a 4.8/5 customer satisfaction score.

What they’re saying:

• Mohammad Al Zaben, ClearGrid CEO: “Collections should be an extension of good lending—not an afterthought. We’re reimagining debt resolution from the ground up, creating better outcomes for both lenders and borrowers.”
• Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud, ClearGrid Chairman: “Debt resolution should be a bridge to stability, not a roadblock. We’re redefining collections with a data-driven, technology-first approach.”
• Omar Majdouie, Raed Ventures: “ClearGrid is tackling a critical pain point with an innovative approach that balances operational efficiency and borrower relationships.”
• Khaled Talhouni, Nuwa Capital: “The founders are turning a fragmented, outdated process into a unique commercial opportunity, setting a new standard for the industry.”

What’s next: ClearGrid plans to expand its AI-powered platform, entering the Saudi market and scaling its UAE operations. The company also aims to build systems for early risk detection, credit orchestration, and alternative revenue streams like AI-driven debt counseling and consolidation.

The big picture: As digital lending accelerates across MENA, ClearGrid is positioning itself as the backbone of a more transparent, efficient financial system—transforming debt collection from a liability into a competitive advantage.

Cover photo: ClearGrid founders Mohammad Khalili and Mohammad Al Zaben