Technology
Paymob, Founded by Three College Friends, Earns Another $22 Million, Is Profitable in Egypt

Few ecosystems outside of Silicon Valley can boast successful tech startups founded by founders who were still in school or who recently dropped out of faculty, so when these events occur in regions just like the Middle East or Africa, it’s value listening to these firms.
A decade ago, Islam Shawky, Alaina El HajjAND Mostafa Menessythree students from the American University in Cairo, launched an e-commerce platform in Egypt. At the time, e-commerce was a booming industry, with only 2% of households in the country participating in it. One of the major reasons was the shortage of online payment methods.
“There was a gap between what banks were offering and the requirements of new business models from financial technology. No one was doing digital payments for e-commerce and digital startups,” Shawky said in Interview 2022.
Integrating the local banks’ payment gateway with the e-commerce platform was a pain, so Shawky and his friends launched Cry as a payment infrastructure for digital wallets in 2015 while still in college. What began as a small enterprise quickly grew into an omni-channel gateway offering over 50 payment methods, including wallets, cards, buy now, pay later (BNPL), and QR code payments, enabling over 350,000 merchants in five countries in the Middle East and North Africa to just accept online and offline payments.
To date, Paymob, which describes itself as a financial services enabler, has raised greater than $90 million to scale thus far, including a recently closed $22 million Series B round led by EBRD Venture Capital. This brings its total Series B funding to $72 million.
Cross-selling services for a growing seller base
When we last covered Paymob in 2022, the fintech was serving just over 100,000 local and international merchants, a number that had greater than tripled in two years after expanding from Egypt and Pakistan to Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Paymob’s initial $50 million Series B round in 2022, co-led by PayPal Ventures, which participated in the expansion round, spurred that expansion. During that point, the fintech also beefed up its product suite, CEO Shawky told TechCrunch. It launched an app for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and introduced payment methods like embedded checkout experiences and products like loans and advanced settlements.
“We help merchants accept, pay, manage and grow, those are the four divisions we have. Acceptance is the engine and the core business, and we sell everything around that,” Shawky explains. “Once merchants are onboarded, we help them accept digital transactions, and then step by step we help with payments, provide working capital and give them the tools to better manage their finances and their business.”
Paymob became profitable for the primary time in Egypt in the second quarter of this 12 months, where its revenue has increased six-fold since mid-2022. It stays unprofitable elsewhere.
Increasing the variety of merchants and increasing average revenue per merchant by cross-selling additional services has been a giant a part of the startup’s success. For example, if a Paymob customer only has a POS terminal that accepts cards, that only accounts for 10-15% of their business. By offering a collection of products through partnerships with Shopify and Tabby, Paymob’s margins have improved significantly. Doing this at scale, digitally, and without the necessity for an enormous sales force has likely fueled the startup’s effective growth (Paymob has just over 1,000 employees).
“What’s most gratifying for us is that we’ve been able to grow profitably, because over the last two years, a lot of people have said we have to stop growing to be profitable or to preserve our runway,” Shawky noted. “But we’ve shown that if you build a fundamentally sound business and you really address customer needs, you can scale quickly and still be profitable.”
Rapid adoption of online payments in the UAE
Indeed, in Egypt and the Gulf countries there’s a dynamic growth in the recognition of digital payments.
In Egypt, 88% of consumers have used not less than one recent payment method in the past 12 months, and 85% of SMEs recognize that accepting multi-channel digital payments is vital to their growth, in response to Mastercard. Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates, demand for digital payment methods is more pronounced, with around 77% adoption nationwide.
Based on conversations with founders, it’s clear that despite such strong demand, the market stays underserved. As such, fintech firms which have expanded into the UAE, reminiscent of Paymob and native players like Ziina, which we wrote about last week, are racing to fill the gap by offering tailored solutions to half 1,000,000 merchants, capitalizing on the country’s growing appetite for digital payments.
As an illustration of this explosion in demand, Paymob only offers a web based payment acceptance product in the UAE, yet in just 14 months, its transaction volume in the UAE has grown to the dimensions of Egypt’s entire business, which took five years to construct. Reasons for this rapid growth in the Middle Eastern country include higher purchasing power, currency strength, and a greater share of digital wallets versus money.
Nevertheless, Egypt stays its largest market. Shawky is confident that a collection of fintech products geared toward promoting a cashless society, combined with efforts by the federal government and the central bank, will help Egypt achieve the identical level of digital payments adoption seen in the UAE.
“Issuance and acceptance need to go hand in hand for Egypt’s economy to reach this turning point. The central bank is putting a lot of effort and investment into the country’s digital infrastructure,” the CEO noted. “We are seeing the results. Our business has grown six-fold in two years and four months; yes, we have increased our merchant base, but it is also because these merchants are processing more digital volumes.”
Paymob reported $5 billion in total payments in 2020 and facilitated greater than 120 million transactions that 12 months. However, the present numbers for each metrics remain unclear because the fintech has not disclosed updated numbers.
In addition to PayPal Ventures, the fintech’s Series B funding round included Endeavor Catalyst, in addition to existing investors: British International Investment (BII), FMO, A15, Nclude, and Helios Digital Ventures (HDV).
Technology
The AI X Dream Machine library project is intended to help in underestimated innovators

Through the project of the AI X library, the CNN commentator, activist and entrepreneurs Van Jones and co -chairman of the projects Inayah Bashir and Steven Pargett be sure that the Black and Brown communities have free, practical opportunities to learn the force of artificial intelligence.
Libraries have long been secure for knowledge, access and community. Now they grow to be starts in innovation. Through the CNN commentator, the activist and entrepreneur Van Jones and co -chairing Project Inayah Bashir and Steven Pargett be sure that black and brown communities have free, practical possibilities of learning the strength of artificial intelligence.
Launched by the trio Dream Machine Innovation Lab in cooperation with Google, AI X Library Project already has an impact on cities corresponding to Brooklyn and Atlanta, with plans to extend on Miami, Detroit and Los Angeles.
“We don’t just want to consume technology – we want to create, shape and run it,” said Jones during an interview with Black company. „Myślę, że AI jest potencjalnie najbliższe odszkodowania, jakie kiedykolwiek dostaniemy, ponieważ po raz pierwszy od 400 lat mamy dosłownie równy dostęp i równe szanse na coś transformacyjnego. To, o czym polega nasz projekt, jest wrażliwa na możliwość i upewniając się, że jesteśmy w rozmowie o równym dostępie do dobrej rzeczy. Jeśli chodzi o edukację, jeśli chodzi o edukację, jeśli chodzi o edukację, jeśli chodzi o edukację, jeśli chodzi o edukację, jeśli It is about education when it comes to education when it comes to education when it comes to education.
Instead of focusing only on threats of artificial intelligence, corresponding to algorithmic prejudice, Jones, Pargett and Bashir, they challenge themselves to concentrate on the chances. “Often black people are very sensitive to threat and we quickly go into conversations about equal protection against bad things,” said Jones. “This is important. But our project is to be sensitive to possibilities-insulting that we are also in a conversation about equal access to good things.”
Libraries are a perfect entry point for such a democratized technological education. “The library has always been a technology center or anything else,” Bashir noted. “In the case of insufficient or underestimated people, the library is a place where they touch new technology for the first time. When the computers came out, when the internet began, people went to libraries to learn.”
During each AI X library workshop, participants can pick from topics corresponding to marketing with artificial intelligence, writing with AI-Holności, intelligent monitors and the long run of labor. Importantly, local librarians help select which topics might be taught on the idea of the needs of their patrons.
“We were looking for a way to transfer this conversation to real communities,” said Jones. “A lot of online and fancy conferences are happening, but not much at the neighborhood level. Most districts still have a library. This is a trusted place. We decided to go there.”
The project attracted participants on the age of seven and old as 70, creating an intergenerational learning environment. “We develop at least three new business ideas in every workshop,” said Bashir. “In Atlanta we had a mother who runs a collective at home. She said that they already use artificial intelligence to plan the curriculum – and even used artificial intelligence to find our event.”
Other participants are a waste management employee in Miami, bringing their two sons to study next to him, and grandparents examined AI tools for the primary time. “It is amazing that families learn together,” said Bashir. “Excience exists – creativity is there.”
Changing considering, not only skill sets
In contrast to the digital division in the 90s, where access to software and hardware created entry barriers, Jones believes that the most important obstacle with which our communities with which they stand today is the way in which of considering. “We have no problem with the equipment because everyone has a smartphone,” said Jones. “We have no problem with the software because it is so much free now. We have a problem with” wet software “. Our brains do not process artificial intelligence as something that is for black people. It must change. “
Instead of perceiving artificial intelligence as a perfect, almighty tool, Jones encourages people to give it some thought as “a bit stupid, but free, very fast interns”. He explained: “Nothing is perfect – you need to check human work and you need to check the work AI. But do you prefer to improve something that you will get in two weeks or improve something that you will get in two minutes?”
Marlon Avery repeated this sentiment, reminding the participants that everybody is involved with AI for the primary time at their very own pace. “It’s okay to hurry,” Avery said. “AI is like a treadmill – you can walk, jogging or sprint depending on what you are ready for. It is important to get on it.”
Building liberatorial innovations
Ultimately, the project of the AI X library concerns something greater than just learning latest tools – it is concerning the idea of a greater future.
“Liberatorial innovation is not only creating new technologies and new systems – it is about creating new freedoms,” explained Bashir. “Our brains, our communities, even our definitions of what it means to be human.
Jones emphasized the urgency of quite a lot of participation in technology. “When one small group tries to design a civilization for everyone, it doesn’t work well,” he said. “We now have a chance to build something more human, more simply – but only when everyone takes place at the table.”
When Dream Machine tries to scale the project of the AI X library outside its pilot cities, one thing is clear: the long run of innovation is not only happening in the Silicon Valley – it is built in neighborly libraries, one workshop without delay.
Technology
Fastino Trains AI models for cheap graphics games and just collected USD 17.5 million led by Khosl

Technological giants prefer to boast of trillion parameter AI models that require massive and expensive GPU clusters. But Fastino adopts a special approach.
The startup based on Palo Alto claims that he has invented a brand new kind of architecture of the AI model, which is deliberately small and specific to the duty. Fastino says that the models are so small that they’re trained in low GPU class with a worth lower than $ 100,000.
The method attracts attention. Fastino secured $ 17.5 million of seed funds run by Khosl Ventures, famous for the primary Venture, Fastino, Fastino investor, only TechCrunch tells.
This causes complete financing of the startup to almost $ 25 million. He collected $ 7 million in November last yr within the Przedseed round led by VC ARM M12 Microsoft and Insight Partners.
“Our models are faster, more accurate and cost a fraction for training, while exceeding the flagship models in specific tasks,” says Ash Lewis, general director of Fastino and co -founder.
Fastino has built a package of small models that he sells to corporate clients. Each model focuses on a particular task that an organization might have, equivalent to the editors of confidential data or a summary of corporate documents.
Fastino doesn’t reveal early indicators or users yet, but claims that its performance impresses early users. For example, because they’re so small, his models can provide your entire answer in a single token, Lewis told Techcrunch, showing technology, giving an in depth answer immediately in milliseconds.
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It’s still a bit too early to search out out if the fastino approach will gather. The AI Enterprise space is crowded, and firms equivalent to Cohere and Databicks also advertise artificial intelligence that leads in some tasks. And manufacturers of SATA models focused on the enterprise, including Antropic and Mistral, also offer small models. It can also be no secret that the long run of generative artificial intelligence for an enterprise might be in smaller, more targeted language models.
Time can say, but Khosli’s early vote of confidence definitely doesn’t hurt. For now, Fastino says that he’s specializing in constructing the most up-to-date AI team. He is directed to scientists from one of the best AI laboratories who usually are not obsessive about the development of the biggest model or beating comparative tests.
“Our employment strategy is very focused on researchers who may have a contradictory thought process in the construction of language models,” says Lewis.
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Technology
New York Auto Show contained WOW factors in the Genesis concept car

Experience through Kimatni D. Rawlins
During the media preview 2025 New York International Auto Show (NYAIS), Genesis of a luxury brand emphasized its steadfast commitment to performance, adventure and the newest innovation with a set of vehicles that would dictate the company’s near future.
VIP guests, automotive media and lifestyle and essential directors, akin to José Muñoz, Randy Parker, Luc Donckerwolke and Olabisi Boyle gathered in Genesis House New York To witness the strategic evolution of the X Gran Equator (XGEC) and technologically advanced GMR-001hercar, which can manage the company’s racing efforts in 2026 on the other side of the spectrum, luxurious, off-road XGEC. The ability to grow deeply in the mother of nature with freedom of wilderness is inspiring. That’s right, in only one staff decade, the progressive Korean car manufacturer has made progress in motor and land sports.
“The concept of X Gran Equator is an exercise with harmonizing contrasts – in terms of elegance with the inequality and spirit of exploration with sophisticated comfort,” said Creative Director Genesis Luc Donckerwolke. “He represents the orchestration of true field competences and uncompromising luxury, designed to allow the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.”

For three consecutive years, Genesis will present developed and magm performance concepts at NYIAIS, including the exclusive GV80 Coupe concept, a panoramic concept of Neolun and the concept of dynamic GV60 magma. These vehicles add a portfolio dimension with energetic lines, enthusiastic attributes and engineering desirous about the future. The goal is to further expand your list to satisfy the various needs and evolving appetites of every species of consumer and motor sports enthusiasts.
Symbolizing the brand’s desire to calm the owners of the highest hospitality, we gathered in Genesis House in the Meatpacking district, where Genesis presented the concept of X Gran Equator, which will likely be issued by the end of July. With the name borrowed from a strong Arabian horse, the revolutionary SUV and its possibilities of collecting resembling the dune contain an prolonged hood, characteristic two-lubble headlights that cut the faceless checkered, divided tailgate, 24-inch roms wrapped in swivel roof cabinets. Internal digital features with physical switches and handles, a 4 -circular display cluster inspired by vintage discs, rotating front seats and parts of memory and compartments.

Then it was flashy and vigorous introduction of Genesis Magma Racing and its full-fledged Hypercar GMR-001. The LMDH Endurance prototype built for a few 12 months will start in 2026 with the highest challenge of entering 24 hours Le Mans. However, his current goal will likely be FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA Sportscar Championship. Drivers, racing overalls and orange color Magma, representing a grit with a strong presence, were also introduced. The graphics pay tribute to the Korean Heritage Genesis when interlacing motor innovations. The final details haven’t been released, but the newly developed V8 engine with a double turbo is a source of the hybrid drive system and chassis developed from Orec Motorsport. The Magma program adds a brand new dimension of Genesis, marking its expansion in high -performance production. Genesis goals to create a magma model for every production vehicle in an existing composition.
“Today it is a significant milestone for Genesis Magma Racing, when we reveal Hypercar GMR-001, as well as our striking colorful and racing suits,” said Cyril Abiteboul, team director. “We are preparing for our IMSA campaigns in 2026 and 2027 IMSA, we not only gather a racing team; we forge heritage. Every day brings us back to the implementation of the full potential of the genesis in the world of motor sports.”
After vehicle presentations, I adapted to the unique and authentic offers at Genesis House, where you possibly can have a delicious Korean culinary experience, read the Korean story, enjoy tea time or watch a lot of Genesis products at the exhibition. Other places and classes to enjoy in New York include insulation in Majestic Equinox Hotel, admiring Dish and its structure of a honeycomb, exploration of stores in Hudson Yards, including Genesis Studio, walking along the elevated high -line park built on the historic railway line, and taking lunch at Mercado little Spain or dinner in a clearly Korean restaurant Moon At East Village, Manhattan.
Understanding the assumptions of brands that you just admire – whether it’s automotive, technology or travel – is perfectly paying tribute to their heritage, strategy and values by immersing themselves in the DNA of their successful formulas. I used to be grateful for representing as a son-unit (honorary guest) while consuming enriching habits, social labels and approach to philosophical design during experience in Genesis in Nyias 2025.
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