Private credit assets under management (AUM) continued to be on the rise in 2023 – with strong deployments in the APAC and ROW regions driving a 4% increase in overall market share. This follows the tailwinds in the sector provided by elevated base rates seen throughout the period. Due to the slow downward transmission in rates from the banking sector to SMEs, this trend is likely to continue through 2024.  Fundraising by private debt funds closed by primary geographic focus Source: Preqin Pro According to Preqin Pro, fundraising by private debt funds closed by primary geogr ..read more

Bluedot is the new brand name for Universal Medical Transfer Services, that has established itself as a leading provider of Air Medical Transfers in the Middle East, known for setting higher-than-industry standards with the quality of its services and the commitment of its highly experienced and trained aero-medical team Source: https://www.biz2credit.com/small-business-lending-index Small Business Loan Approvals Dropped at Big Banks, Rose at Small Banks, and Alternative Lenders in October 2023: Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index Source: https://moneymall.ae/business-loa ..read more

As the SME financing landscape evolves, private credit is poised to play an increasingly prominent role. By leveraging their agility, flexibility, and innovative approach to lending, private credit providers can unlock the full potential of the $2.5 trillion* SME market, driving economic growth and creating value for all stakeholders involved. Let us dive into the intricacies of the banking sector’s SME lending retreat, explore the factors that have led to this shift and the opportunities it presents for private credit providers. The Banking Sector’s SME Retreat is a $2.5 trillion Treat ..read more

Navigating the ever-evolving interest rate landscape requires both a understanding of historical trends and an eye on the future. Over the past two years, we’ve witnessed significant shifts in this realm, presenting both unprecedented challenges and golden opportunities for investors. With risk-free rates soaring to two-decade highs, private credit markets beckon with promising risk-adjusted returns. Dive into our analysis to unravel the intricacies of interest rate sensitivity in SME lending, and discover how, by leveraging the lessons from the past, you can position yourself to capitali ..read more

Beehive Buzz Business Updates CEO Message H1 of 2023 has brought Beehive a remarkable period of growth and success, and I’m excited to update you on the most recent developments. Firstly, we have reached AED 2 billion in SME Funding! I am proud to announce that e& enterprise recently acquired a majority stake in Beehive. This is a significant milestone that marks a new chapter of opportunities and advancements, strengthening our position in the market and enabling even greater value to our SME clients and investors. Additionally, I am pleased to welcome Sharakah as a new platform inv ..read more

For International Women’s Day the Beehive team took part in an internal training course aimed at improving interpersonal skills and confidence in the workplace run by Foy & Co. Women can sometimes fall into the trap of nurturing their network rather than leveraging it. Why do we do this, and how can we leverage it instead? Here’s five top tips from what we learnt:  1. Networking isn’t just about connecting to people, you must also build trust. To do this look for ways to add value to your network, like offering to help or introduce another member of your network with a common intere ..read more

In case you haven’t checked the date, the countdown is on to the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day! If you haven’t decided what to give your special someone this year, take a scroll through these special Valentine’s promotions from some of the brilliant SMEs you have helped fund.  Brighten their day with a floral bouquet  Nothing says “I love you” like the perfect bouquet or flower arrangement. Hidden Garden Flowers took finance from Beehive in 2022 for expansion purposes, and they’ve since continued to produce an outstanding range of flowers which they deliver to all Em ..read more

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending enables investors to lend money to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using crowdfunding technology. This lending model not only provides an alternative source of funding for borrowers, but also offers investors the opportunity to earn attractive returns on their investments. In this blog, we will explore three top benefits of P2P lending for investors and why it can be an appealing investment option for those looking to grow their wealth. Diversified portfolio As the old saying goes, “Do not put all your eggs in one basket.” P2P lending is an excellent choice ..read more

Jet Luxe is headquartered in Dubai with a global presence covering the Middle East, North and Latin America, Continental Europe, and North and Southeast Asia. They uphold the highest standards throughout all aspects of private travel, from aircraft management to owner services, and amongst crowds of providers, they’re the fastest-growing start-up in the business aviation industry. We caught up with the company’s CEO, Gabriel Madrid, to learn about how the company was founded, and what advice he would give to business owners who are considering funding. Jet Luxe’s Story What does your busines ..read more

Fintech News Emirates Development Bank (EDB) announced a new lending feature offered in partnership with peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform Beehive that allows SMEs to apply for loans of up to AED5 million (US$1.36 million) directly through its digital banking app and receive approval or feedback within five days. The lending service will be available for UAE-based SMEs operating in EDB’s five priority sectors – manufacturing, healthcare, food security, advanced technology, and infrastructure – and is available on various tenors of up to 60 months. EDB’s app, powered by UAE-based fintech YAP ..read more