The UAE's neighbourhood app, Hayi, has successfully raised $325K in its latest funding round. The seed round was led by Sarya Holdings and Falak Startups, with the participation of key angel investors.
Founded in 2020 by Chris Darnell and Rene Morgan, Hayi is a hyperlocal social network that digitizes UAE neighbourhoods by connecting all neighbours, local businesses, and community managers to create stronger and more connected communities.
The community-based startup is aiming to create a safe and exclusive platform that can help bring communities together both online and offline.
Chris Darnell, CEO of Hayi commented: “Residents are looking to connect with each other now more than ever. A stronger and more connected neighbourhood can introduce a wealth of benefits to an individual’s day-to-day life, as well as tackling an array of issues which have become inflated these past two years with the pandemic.”
The startup also plans on using its recent investment to accelerate its growth across the country before looking to make strategic entrances into various new markets with the goal of becoming the largest hyperlocal social network in the MENA region.
Rene Morgan, COO, added that: “The fundraising round will really help us develop the product further for all end-users and create an exclusive space for them to connect, without irrelevant noise from outside their community.”
As part of its freemium model, Hayi looks to partner with all Community Management and Property Development firms across the region and has seen a sharp increase in interest from these firms in using the free app to better connect with their residents as well as create a stronger and more connected community.
