Homegrown proptech startup Darent secured an undisclosed amount in a seed funding round led by Al Tawuniya Ins. with participation from Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab — marking one of their first investments in the MENA region — and BIM Ventures, according to a press release.

Use of proceeds: Darent earmarked the funds to advance its tech capabilities and marketing drive, including investing in AI to improve the platform’s ability to analyze markets and personalize recommendations for clients.

About Darent: Founded in 2021 by Hanin Alsubaie (LinkedIn), the MIT Accelerator graduate focuses on vacation home rentals, and managed to raise USD 1 mn a year on from its inception in a pre-seed round led by Watheeq Proptech Venture. SInce taking off two years ago, the platform has successfully increased property occupancy rates which now exceed 90% during peak seasons.

IN OTHER STARTUP NEWS-

Saudi businesswoman Amal bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan invested USD 250k in Egyptian edtech startup Farid in a pre-seed funding round, according to a press release. Founded in 2024, Farid focuses on character development education and mental health awareness for children aged 3 to 18.

The funds will fuel Farid’s expansion into the Kingdom and the UAE, while also helping it develop new content, hire new talents, and secure partnerships with schools and universities.

Saudi Mawarid invests in US-based Sceye: Homegrown private investment firm Mawarid Holding has invested an undisclosed amount in US aerospace company Sceye in a series C funding round, according to a press release. Sceye, which specializes in high-altitude platform systems, was valued at USD 535 mn.

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