Lean Adds the "Catalyst"
I believe Hisham's idea of Lean was not just about building a business—it was about fuelling financial innovation in a region full of potential. For me, the mission was clear: to create a platform that could redefine the infrastructure of finance in the Middle East, turning innovation into impact. But this wasn’t something I ever thought we could achieve alone.
My ‘zero day’ theory has always been that true impact requires three things: a platform that pushes boundaries, clients willing to innovate with us, and investors who believe in the future we’re building.
In the last five years, we’ve been fortunate. We’re on the right path, building momentum as our purpose and persistence meet progress. We’ve welcomed clients who are as forward-thinking as they come, our platform has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of, and our investor support has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Today, we’re celebrating another significant milestone—adding General Catalyst to our cap table. For us, they’re more than investors; they’re the next “catalyst” driving Lean’s impact.
Our Journey: Built on Innovation and Real-World Success
Five years of Lean: It’s almost hard to believe how far we’ve come. Today, we’re honoured to serve a growing list of incredible clients who have helped us turn our purpose into progress. Together, we’ve processed over $1.8 billion, added thousands of bank accounts, and continued to scale without looking back. Every transaction, every account we serve is a reminder of why we started, and our team has been relentless in its dedication to building something that matters.
Our clients have been the backbone of this journey. They’ve not only adopted our platform but have also challenged us to keep pushing the boundaries. And for me, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing we’re building a product that truly serves the needs of the people and businesses in this region.
Adding General Catalyst: A Partnership with Purpose
Today’s announcement isn’t just about funding. Bringing General Catalyst on board feels like a validation of our vision. They share our belief that real impact requires more than incremental change—it demands transformation. General Catalyst has a track record of backing game-changers, and their involvement says something powerful about the direction we’re headed.
With General Catalyst’s support, Lean gains more than capital. We’re gaining partners who bring depth, insight, and a shared passion for building the future of finance. Their investment amplifies what we can accomplish, allowing us to grow faster, scale further, and, ultimately, make a more profound impact. It’s a big day for us, one that makes me feel proud and even more determined to bring our vision to life.
As we reach this new chapter, I want to pause and recognise the incredible people who make Lean what it is today. Our investors have always believed in us, giving us the freedom to chase big goals, and our clients have been partners in every sense of the word. But most of all, it’s our team that has driven us forward. Their dedication, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence inspire me every single day. They are the reason we’re here today, celebrating this milestone.
To our Lean team, thank you for your commitment and passion. Every accomplishment we celebrate is a direct result of your talent and effort. I am grateful for each of you, and I am proud to be building this vision together.
What’s Next: Scaling Our Vision, Amplifying Our Impact
Thanks to our early access to Open Finance in the UAE and Open Banking in KSA, Lean has become a foundational enabler for Account-to-Account (A2A) payments and a range of innovations that streamline and enrich financial experiences. This funding and access gives us a unique edge, allowing us to drive advancements in seamless transactions and financial connectivity further than ever before.
So here’s to what’s next—for Lean, for our clients, and for everyone who believes in the power of technology to make a real difference. We’re only getting started, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Thank you for being part of it.