IHC completes acquisition and rebrand of eFunder to Zelo

International Holding Company (IHC) has finalised the acquisition of eFunder, a UAE-based private financing platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and has rebranded it as Zelo. The move marks a strategic expansion of IHC’s fintech investments and reinforces its commitment to enabling growth in future-oriented sectors.

Zelo, licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), has been operational since August 2020. The platform provides receivables-based financing designed to close the region’s estimated $250 billion SME credit gap by converting approved invoices into working capital within 24 to 48 hours. This rapid liquidity model addresses a common challenge in the SME ecosystem, where businesses often experience payment delays ranging from 60 to 120 days, limiting growth and operational agility.

The rebrand signals the beginning of a new chapter for the platform under IHC’s leadership. The acquisition aligns with IHC’s broader strategy to build scalable, technology-driven solutions that foster resilient and diversified economies. The company views SME financing as a critical enabler of national economic development, particularly in sectors such as construction, logistics, healthcare, industrial services, and oil and gas, where cash flow predictability is essential.

Under IHC’s direction, Zelo is positioned to scale its operations and expand its impact. The platform continues to be led by its co-founders, Dhanush Arjun (CEO) and Deepak Sekar (COO), supported by a team with deep expertise in fintech and digital infrastructure. Their leadership reflects a clear vision: to remove the barriers that prevent SMEs from accessing timely capital and reinvesting in their businesses. The rebrand represents not only a change in name but also a renewed focus on speed, efficiency, and customer-centricity.

Zelo’s digital-first model enables a seamless financing experience. It offers automated onboarding, instant credit decisions, and a funding structure that adjusts in real time based on business performance. This approach reduces administrative friction, eliminates liquidity bottlenecks, and creates space for accelerated growth.

Since its launch, the platform has processed over 9,000 transactions and deployed more than $200 million in funding. These figures highlight the platform’s operational maturity and the strong demand for digital SME financing solutions in the Middle East and North Africa.

As Zelo enters its next phase of development, it aims to reinforce its role as a key catalyst for economic agility and SME resilience in the region. Through IHC’s strategic backing and a renewed mission, Zelo is poised to reshape the funding landscape—delivering faster access to capital, driving innovation in financial services, and supporting the evolution of a more inclusive regional economy.