Dubai's real estate sector is rapidly expanding, with over 84,000 property transactions worth AED300 billion recorded in 2021 alone[^1^]. The accessibility of investing in real estate, however, remains a challenge for many. That's where Stake, a Dubai-based fintech startup, comes in. Stake aims to democratize real estate investment by providing a simple and accessible platform for users to invest in properties without the need for substantial capital or property ownership.
Revolutionizing Real Estate Investment
Founded in January 2021 by Rami Tabbara, Manar Mahmassani, and Ricardo Brizido, Stake is driven by a mission to empower individuals to own and build wealth through real estate[^2^]. The co-founders bring extensive expertise in real estate, investment banking, and technology to the table.
Stake recognized a gap in the Dubai property market, where there was no transparent and easy way for global investors to participate^3^. They set out to create a streamlined platform that eliminates barriers such as high entry costs, paperwork, and opaque pricing, making real estate investing accessible to all.
A Simple and Transparent Process
Stake's investment process begins with meticulous property selection. The team conducts thorough due diligence and utilizes an in-house proprietary machine learning model, developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)^4^. This ensures that only the best properties are listed on the platform.
Once a property is approved, users can invest with as little as AED500. Stake emphasizes transparency, providing users with all the necessary data to make informed investment decisions, including financial projections and valuation reports^5^. The platform ensures that all properties on offer are already rented, providing investors with a steady income stream from day one^6^.
Image Source: Stake
Advantages and Future Plans
Stake's unique selling point is its speed. In its first year, the startup achieved several industry firsts, such as selling the highest value crowd-invested residential unit in the MENA region and obtaining Shariah certification as a digital real estate investment platform^7^.
The startup has gained significant traction, attracting over 17,000 customers from 30 countries and reaching $10 million in assets under management^8^. Stake's success can be attributed to a strong team with diverse expertise in real estate, finance, technology, and marketing.
Looking ahead, Stake plans to expand its mobile app across the MENA region and enter new markets, starting with Saudi Arabia^9^. The team aims to automate investment strategies and diversify holdings across different properties and geographies. They also intend to build a secondary market to enhance liquidity and enable users to sell their stake in a property with ease^10^. Ultimately, Stake aims to become the leading fractional ownership platform for real estate in the MENA region.
Entrepreneurial Insights
The founders of Stake offer valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:
It's now or never
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in various industries, creating opportunities for innovation. If you have identified a significant problem and have a purpose worth pursuing, there has never been a better time to dive in and make a difference[^11^].
Risk leads to reward
Starting a business is a challenging endeavor that tests your convictions. Embrace the volatility and understand that the highs outweigh the lows. Push yourself to new limits and savor the moments of success^12^.
Experimentation is part of the process
Entrepreneurship is a journey that often deviates from the original plan. Embrace the unexpected and be flexible. Iteration and a bias for action will lead you to what works. Remember, shipped is better than perfect^13^.
Stake's innovative approach to real estate investment is revolutionizing the industry. By making it accessible to a broader audience, they are empowering individuals to build wealth through property ownership. With ambitious plans for expansion and further advancements in automation, Stake is poised to transform the real estate landscape in the MENA region.
References: [^1^]: Dubai Land Department. (2021). Annual Transaction Report. [^2^]: Entrepreneur Middle East. (2021). Dubai-Based Fintech Startup Stake Is On A Mission To Democratize Real Estate.
[^11^]: 'TREP TALK: Stake Co-Founders Rami Tabbara, Manar Mahmassani, and Ricardo Brizido Share Their Tips For Aspiring Entrepreneurs.
