DIFC And PFG Collaborate To Provide Growth Debt For Dubai’s Emerging Tech Companies

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Partners for Growth (PFG), a global credit manager, have formed a strategic alliance to boost high-growth companies in Dubai and the GCC. This partnership combines DIFC's financial vision with PFG's expertise in private credit investment. PFG has deployed over USD 2.1 billion across more than 250 companies worldwide, offering flexible capital to innovation-driven businesses.

The collaboration aligns with DIFC’s role in the D33 Economic Agenda, aiming to enhance Dubai's status as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. PFG has already supported key technology firms in the GCC, including Tabby, TruKKer, Bayzat, Syarah, Huspy, and Silkhaus. The partnership will provide growth debt to companies aligned with DIFC’s Strategy 2030 and the D33 agenda.

Under this new mandate, sectors such as FinTech, HealthTech, InsurTech, PropTech, SME Digital Finance, and SpaceTech are targeted. While primarily focusing on Dubai and GCC-based companies, some capital may support international businesses that add strategic value to the region through technology or leadership.

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority stated: "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 and our shared belief that growth debt plays a vital role in scaling high-potential companies in the region and beyond."

PFG brings its full investment decision-making capabilities to this partnership. As one of the few private credit providers with scale in the GCC, PFG will lead origination, underwriting, and portfolio management. This ensures capital is deployed effectively to meet ambitious founders' needs.

Andrew Kahn, CEO of PFG commented: "We pioneered growth debt in Silicon Valley as part of our global mission to help founders grow without giving up control. Over the past five years in the GCC, we’ve seen first-hand the extraordinary ambition and execution of regional entrepreneurs."

Strategic Alignment with DIFC

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for PFG as it strengthens its commitment to supporting regional entrepreneurs shaping future industries. The partnership provides a platform for delivering flexible capital to businesses ready for global expansion from Dubai.

Armineh Baghoomian from PFG added: "We are proud to be working with the Dubai International Finance Centre. They have been instrumental in shaping the region’s innovation economy and their support is a strong vote of confidence in the role growth debt is already playing across the GCC."

This partnership between DIFC and PFG aims to expand funding options for founders while accelerating ambitions outlined in Dubai's D33 Agenda. By leveraging their combined strengths, they aim to foster an environment conducive to scaling high-potential companies within Dubai and beyond.

With inputs from WAM