From Professional Basketball Player to Special Forces, with Idriss Al Rifai (Flow48)

How Revenue-Based Financing Unlocks Startup Growth in Emerging Markets

Revenue-based financing helps startups in emerging markets grow by providing flexible, non-dilutive capital aligned with revenues, reducing risk for founders while enabling faster scaling without traditional equity constraints.

What Is Revenue-Based Financing (RBF)?

Revenue-based financing is an alternative funding model where startups receive capital in exchange for a percentage of future revenues. Repayments adjust automatically based on business performance, unlike fixed loans or equity dilution.

Why RBF Fits Emerging Markets Particularly Well

In emerging markets, startups often face limited access to venture capital and bank loans. RBF offers predictable, founder-friendly financing that adapts to revenue volatility and local market dynamics.

Flow48: Adapting RBF to the Middle East

Flow48 applies the RBF model—similar to Pipe, Wayflyer, or Silvr—to startups in the Middle East. The platform provides growth capital tailored to regional businesses, supporting scale without forcing premature exits or dilution.

Founder Experience as a Growth Advantage

Flow48 was founded in 2021 by Idriss Al Rifai, a serial entrepreneur with experience across defense, consulting, tech scale-ups, and multiple exits. This background informs a pragmatic, execution-focused financing approach.

Scaling Alternative Finance in Emerging Ecosystems

By aligning capital access with real business performance, RBF platforms like Flow48 enable startups to grow sustainably, strengthen local ecosystems, and expand entrepreneurial opportunity in undercapitalized markets.

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