International Holding Company (IHC) has completed its acquisition of eFunder, the UAE-based SME financing platform, and rebranded it as Zilo, marking a new phase of growth focused on improving capital access for high-potential businesses across the region.
Fully licensed and regulated by Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (ADGM), Zilo has operated since August 2020. It offers fast, digital financing solutions by converting approved invoices into working capital within 24 to 48 hours.
Following the acquisition, Zilo will align with IHC’s broader vision to power future-focused economies through responsible investment and fintech innovation. The platform aims to help close the region’s $250 billion SME credit gap, a critical barrier to growth for small businesses in MENA.
Despite accounting for over 95% of registered companies and more than half of the UAE’s GDP, many SMEs face payment delays of 60 to 120 days, affecting their liquidity and growth. Zilo addresses this challenge by offering flexible invoice financing across key sectors like construction, logistics, healthcare, industry, and oil and gas.
Sayed Basar Shuaib, CEO of IHC, stated: “SMEs are the backbone of a resilient, diversified economy. Zilo’s relaunch reflects our long-term commitment to scalable smart solutions that create real, sustainable economic value.”
Zilo CEO Danush Arjun added: “Our new brand identity signals a deeper commitment to empowering SMEs through fast, efficient digital funding. With IHC’s strategic support, we’re accelerating this mission to build a better future.”
Zilo offers a fully digital onboarding process, automated funding decisions, and nearly instant capital access. It also dynamically increases funding limits based on business performance, providing a seamless and scalable user experience.
To date, Zilo has facilitated over 9,000 funding transactions, delivering more than $200 million in financing, highlighting its growing impact and expansion potential in the SME ecosystem.