OCTA empowers SMEs with seamless financial automation

In the heart of the Middle East’s fintech scene, Emirati startup OCTA is gaining significant traction with a fresh US$20m credit facility secured from Saudi Arabia’s Sukna Direct Finance Fund. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region, this could mark the beginning of a new era in frictionless financing.

OCTA was founded in early 2024 by a team of fintech experts, including Jon Santillan, Nupur Mitta, and Andrey Korchak. At the end of 2024, OCTA was already receiving US$2.25m from a seed funding round to enhance its platform. The round was co-led by Quona Capital and Sadu Capital, with participation from investors like Sukna Ventures, Plus VC, and 500 Global. Now, with a powerful new line of credit, OCTA is poised to double down on its mission: to integrate lending directly into the financial heartbeat of businesses.

What makes OCTA’s solution stand out isn’t just the money—it’s the method. Instead of navigating the time-consuming maze of traditional bank loans or third-party financing apps, businesses using OCTA’s platform get immediate access to funds the moment an invoice is issued or a payment is due. The goal? Eliminate delays. Reduce friction. Empower SMEs to focus on growth—not paperwork.

This approach reflects a broader industry trend: a move toward embedded finance. It’s a concept that’s gaining serious traction—services that are baked right into business workflows, not bolted on as afterthoughts. And in a market as dynamic and ambitious as Saudi Arabia’s, where SMEs are considered vital to economic diversification, OCTA’s offering could be exactly the catalyst needed.

With this new funding in hand, OCTA is not just growing—it’s setting the pace. As more regional startups look to simplify financial access, OCTA’s journey is one to watch. They’re not just offering automation—they’re offering autonomy, and that could prove revolutionary for businesses across the Gulf and beyond.