India’s Stride Ventures Backs Maalexi in $1 Million GCC Investment

India-based venture debt firm Stride Ventures has reached a significant milestone in its international strategy, announcing a $1 million investment in UAE-based Maalexi. This marks the firm's first venture debt investment in the GCC region, part of a larger commitment to fostering growth in emerging markets. The investment aims to accelerate Maalexi's growth and boost its operational capabilities to enhance food and agri-produce procurement and distribution across the region.

Founded in 2021 by Dr. Azam Pasha and Rohit Majhi, Maalexi provides a dynamic risk management platform that enables small food and agri-businesses to access cross-border trade directly. The company leverages cutting-edge technologies, including digital contracts, AI-enabled inspections, and blockchain-authenticated documentation. These tools help SME agri-buyers procure food supplies more efficiently from globally located SME agri-producers and exporters, revolutionizing the $3 trillion global cross-border food and agri-produce trading market.

Apoorva Sharma, Managing Partner at Stride Ventures, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, stating, "Maalexi's deployment of cutting-edge technologies places it at the forefront of enhancing regional food security and connecting rural markets with the global economy. This investment embodies Stride Ventures' commitment to global expansion by supporting companies that use technology to improve traditional industries. Our strategy is not only forward-thinking but also designed to foster innovation and cultivate synergies across borders."

Dr. Azam Pasha, co-founder and CEO of Maalexi, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of the investment, saying, "This debt capital raise from Stride Ventures will significantly enhance our ability to acquire new users and scale our operations, further solidifying our position as a leading digital risk management platform for small and medium enterprises engaged in cross-border trade. We will use these funds to deploy cutting-edge technology solutions that streamline the movement of goods through our local and international warehouses and carriers, effectively mitigating key risks in international trade. Furthermore, this capital infusion will serve as a strategic lever, helping us acquire additional debt capital to expand our operations and bolster food security across the UAE and the broader GCC region."

This strategic investment not only strengthens Stride Ventures’ commitment to Hub71, Mubadala’s tech ecosystem, but also underscores the firm's role as a global investor focused on supporting high-growth companies in emerging markets.