Halan, also referred to as MNT-Halan, was founded in 2017 by Mounir Nakhla and Ahmed Mohsen. Headquartered in Giza, Egypt, Halan began as a ride-hailing startup and has evolved into a leading fintech company offering digital solutions in finance, including lending, e-wallets, pre-paid cards, and e-commerce services. Having raised over $1 billion in funding to date, it holds the distinction of being MENA’s first fintech unicorn. The company addresses the needs of the unbanked and underbanked in Egypt and has been expanding its operations to other markets.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Giza, Egypt |
| Founders | Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen |
| Revenue | N/A |
| Profits | N/A |
| Key Investors | IFC, Apis Partners, Development Partners International |
| Industry | Fintech |
| Number of Employees | Approx. 1471 (as of February 2026) |
Halan was initially founded as a ride-hailing service in Cairo in late 2017 by Mounir Nakhla and Ahmed Mohsen. As they identified unique opportunities in the financial services sector, particularly catering to the unbanked population, they pivoted to develop a comprehensive fintech platform. In the early years, Halan faced significant challenges in navigating the regulatory landscape and building technology that could operate at scale. By strategically aligning with key financial partners and continuously innovating its product offering, Halan gradually expanded its services beyond ride-hailing to include lending, digital payments, and e-commerce, fostering financial inclusion across Egypt.
Halan operates primarily as a fintech platform, focusing on providing access to financial services to Egypt's underbanked population. The company’s business model leverages various digital solutions:
Halan is currently recognized as a leading innovator in the fintech industry, having significantly impacted financial inclusivity in the MENA region. Its competitive advantage stems from its ability to offer diverse services through a single, user-friendly platform, reducing the complexity associated with traditional banking. Halan continues to grow its market share by entering new territories and focusing on enhancing AI capabilities to streamline its operations. With a substantial amount of funds allocated towards securitisation and bond issuance, it is poised for further expansion and innovation in the fintech space.
Halan represents a paradigm shift in access to financial services in Egypt and beyond. Its comprehensive approach to fintech through diverse offerings like lending, digital payments, and e-commerce, enables it to cater to a large segment of the unbanked and underserved populations. As it continues to expand its international footprint and forge strategic partnerships, Halan is expected to further cement its status as a leader in the fintech industry, potentially offering new products and entering additional markets.
