Sarwa ثروة Company Profile

Background

Sarwa ثروة is a UAE-based financial technology company founded in 2017 by Mark Chahwan, Jad Sayegh, and Nadine Mezher. The company aims to democratize investing by providing accessible, transparent, and affordable financial services. Sarwa offers a comprehensive platform that includes hands-off auto-investing, real-time trading of U.S. stocks and ETFs, high-yield savings accounts, and cryptocurrency trading.

Key Strategic Focus

Sarwa's strategic focus centers on simplifying investment processes and making financial growth opportunities available to a broader audience. The company specializes in:

Auto-Investing: Through Sarwa Invest, users can engage in passive, globally diversified portfolios tailored to their risk profiles.

Self-Directed Trading: Sarwa Trade enables commission-free trading of U.S. stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.

High-Yield Savings: Sarwa Save offers cash accounts with competitive interest rates, providing users with a secure place to park their funds while earning returns.

By leveraging technology to reduce costs and enhance user experience, Sarwa targets both novice and experienced investors seeking efficient and cost-effective investment solutions.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, Sarwa has successfully raised approximately $25 million through multiple funding rounds:

Seed Round (2017): Raised $200,000 led by Shorooq Partners.

Series A (January 2020): Secured $8.4 million, led by Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO), with participation from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Vision Ventures, and Hambro Perks.

Series B (August 2021): Obtained $15 million, led by Mubadala Investment Company, alongside existing investors such as 500 Startups, KIPCO, and Shorooq Partners.

The capital raised has been utilized to expand Sarwa's market presence, enhance technological infrastructure, and introduce new financial products.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Sarwa distinguishes itself through a robust technological platform that integrates:

Proprietary Algorithms: Utilizing advanced algorithms to create and manage diversified investment portfolios aligned with users' risk appetites.

User-Centric Design: An intuitive interface that simplifies the investment process, making it accessible to users with varying levels of financial literacy.

Security Measures: Implementation of SSL encryption and adherence to regulatory standards to ensure data protection and compliance.

Leadership Team

Mark Chahwan, Co-Founder & CEO: Holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce with a major in Finance from McGill University. Prior experience includes roles at Accenture and BLOMINVEST Bank.

Nadine Mezher, Co-Founder & CMO: Earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut. Formerly founded a high-end fashion house and served as a Senior Manager at Dubai Tourism.

Jad Sayegh, Co-Founder & CTO: Graduated with a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from McGill University. Previous roles include Software Developer at Ericsson.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The robo-advisory and digital investment platform market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for accessible and cost-effective investment solutions. The global robo-advisory market is projected to reach $41.07 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 31.8% from 2019.

Competitor Analysis

StashAway: A Singapore-based digital wealth management platform offering personalized investment portfolios. Founded in 2016, it has raised $73.6 million and employs between 100 to 250 staff.

eToro: A global social trading and multi-asset brokerage company established in 2006. Headquartered in London, it has raised $438.2 million and boasts a revenue of $605 million with 2,357 employees.

Robinhood: A U.S.-based financial services company offering commission-free trades of stocks and ETFs via a mobile app. Founded in 2013, it has raised $6 billion, with a revenue of $3 billion and 2,400 employees.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Sarwa has established significant partnerships to bolster its market position:

KIPCO: Led the Series A funding round, providing strategic support for regional expansion.

Mubadala Investment Company: Led the Series B funding round, enhancing Sarwa's credibility and facilitating further growth.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO): Supported Sarwa's expansion into Abu Dhabi, contributing to the development of the local fintech ecosystem.

Operational Insights

Sarwa's strategic positioning focuses on:

Cost Efficiency: Offering lower fees compared to traditional financial advisors, making investing more accessible.

Technological Integration: Utilizing advanced technology to streamline investment processes and enhance user experience.

Regulatory Compliance: Operating under the regulation of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), ensuring adherence to financial standards.