Journify Cashes In US$4 Million From Silicon Badia

Journify, a UAE-based software as a service (SaaS) provider specializing in conversion application programming interfaces and composable customer data platforms, has secured US$4 million in a funding round led by the Jordan-based venture capital (VC) firm Silicon Badia, with participation from Saudi Arabia-based RZM Investment and other strategic investors. 

Founded in 2023 by Taoufik El Jamali, Omar AlShoubaki, and Amine Chouki, Journify’s founding team has experience in scaling SaaS and marketing technology (martech) solutions across the US, MENA, and Europe. The startup also helps brands improve the use of their first-party data through AI-powered solutions.

Commenting on the funding round, AlShoubaki, who is also the chief revenue officer told Inc. Arabia, "With the $4 million funding, Journify is set to accelerate strategic initiatives that will redefine data-driven marketing. We are focused on enhancing our artificial intelligence (AI)-powered data activation capabilities, empowering consumer brands to turn insights into actionable growth while maintaining user privacy."

"Additionally, Journify is committed to innovating privacy-compliant data feedback loops, enabling brands to optimize campaigns without compromising user trust," he added. "This approach sets us apart from legacy consumer data platforms and positions us as a leader in the evolving marketing landscape. The funding will also fuel our go-to-market strategy, particularly in expanding our reach to B2C small- and medium-sized businesses in the MENA region and beyond, equipping them with enterprise-level marketing capabilities to compete more effectively."

Scaling a martech startup comes with its challenges, and for Journify’s leadership, adaptability, and a clear mission have been key to navigating the fast-changing landscape. Co-founder and CEO El Jamali told us that staying focused on delivering value to customers has been key to his startup’s success.  

"Reflecting on the past year as a founder, the most significant lesson learned is the importance of agility and focus," he said. "In the rapidly evolving data landscape, quickly iterating on product development and being responsive to customer feedback has been vital in staying relevant. Equally important is maintaining a laser focus on delivering customer value rather than adding unnecessary features, which has been crucial for enhancing customer retention. For tech entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of scaling today, staying mission-driven is essential. Grounding the journey in a clear mission not only guides strategic decisions but also helps overcome obstacles with resilience and purpose."

Meanwhile, as the marketing industry undergoes a major shift, with customer acquisition costs soaring by more than 200 percent over the past decade and privacy-first solutions becoming the norm, Journify believes brands must adapt to these changes by rethinking their data strategies to ensure long-term competitiveness. 

"The key lies in leveraging first-party data to create personalized, privacy-complaint customer experiences," said Chouki, Journify’s chief technology officer. "By implementing real-time feedback loops, brands can optimize ad spending and maximize return on investment without relying on third-party cookies. Furthermore, adopting AI-driven predictive analytics enables brands to anticipate customer needs, enhancing engagement and loyalty. These strategic shifts in data activation and utilization are crucial for brands aiming to lead in the era of privacy-first, data-driven marketing." 

Pictured on image Journify's team. Image courtesy Journify.