Maalexi Bags US$3 Million Debt Facility From Citi

Maalexi, a UAE-born and US-headquartered risk management platform for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the agribusiness industry, has concluded a US$3 million debt finance facility from the New York-based banking firm Citi to enhance global food security by simplifying cross-border agri-trade through its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform. 

The Citi debt facility will allow Maalexi, which was founded in 2021 by Azam Pasha and Rohit Majhi, to further expand its sourcing operations, targeting mid-sized exporters in the US and India and eventually expanding to other key food production countries. “In the immediate term, we will use the facility to onboard more suppliers and buyers while improving our AI-powered risk management tools,” Pasha, co-founder and CEO, told Inc. Arabia in an interview. “In the long term, we aim to secure additional funding from financial institutions and funds to build our proprietary datasets, invest in advanced AI models, and enhance blockchain integration for greater trade security.” 

GCC countries import an estimated 85 percent of their food, spending $68 billion annually. Although the US is a global leader in food exports with $180 billion in annual sales, it supplies only 6 percent of GCC food imports. US-based small and medium-sized agribusiness exporters face significant challenges entering these markets, including payment and credit risks, long working capital cycles, and unreliable trade partners. Traditional trade methods require extensive buyer prospecting, complex contract negotiations, high transaction costs, and the added burden of securing credit insurance to manage non-payment risks.“Our platform mitigates these risks by leveraging AI-driven risk assessment, secure digital contracts, and real-time trade visibility. It builds a consistent order pipeline by acting as a reliable buyer, paying suppliers immediately, and providing financial guarantees for any credit availed from exporters. Additionally, by storing goods in the UAE—a key hub for food distribution in the region— we are able to ensure a steady demand flow for suppliers. The integration of blockchain and automated compliance checks further enhances transparency, security, and efficiency, significantly reducing uncertainties for SMB exporters,” Pasha noted. 

Maalexi’s use of AI and real-time data analytics is central to its efforts to enhance supply chain resilience amid growing global concerns over food security and climate-related disruptions. The platform blends proprietary and external data on agri-produce supply, seasonality, climate effects, and price volatility to reduce risks and help determine optimal prices and quantities. Machine learning models also identify discrepancies in quality, quantity, and weight at origin and destination points, with the aim of reducing fraud and contract compliance risks. “Maalexi's integration with Internet of Things sensors and satellite data enables real-time tracking of shipments, meaning that perishable goods reach their destination with minimal disruption by better order and route planning, even in extreme weather conditions. Maalexi works with one of the world's largest port operators, credit and marine insurers, and data intelligence companies, to derisk and build a seamless food supply chain into the UAE,” Pasha explained. 

Looking ahead, Pasha sees significant shifts in the agri-trade sector over the next five years. “Agri-trade will be shaped by increasing climate volatility, digitalization of supply chains, AI-driven trade risk mitigation, and the rise of alternative financing models. AI will play a crucial role in predictive analytics for climate adaptation, ensuring better decision-making for traders. Additionally, blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions will reduce transaction risks and enhance trust among trading partners,” he told us, noting that Maalexi is leveraging its technology to emerge as a significant player in the industry. “We are preparing for these disruptions by continuously improving our AI models, strengthening our blockchain infrastructure, and fostering partnerships with fintech players. The focus on real-time risk assessment and trade security will position Maalexi as one of most innovative players in the evolving agri-trade landscape, and an important enabler of global food security.” 

Pictured on the image from left to right: Maalexi founders Rohit Majhi and Azam Pasha. Image courtesy Maalexi.