Kema
Kema is a Dubai-based B2B fintech platform that automates accounts receivable, branded payment links, and short-term invoice financing for SMEs across the UAE and broader MENA region, integrating with major ERPs such as Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, and Wafeq.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2023
- HeadquartersDubai, United Arab Emirates
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Kema does
Kema is a Dubai-based B2B fintech platform founded in 2023 that provides accounts receivable automation, branded payment link generation, and short-term invoice financing for small and medium-sized enterprises in the UAE and the broader MENA region. The platform addresses the cash-flow strain created by typical 60–90 day B2B payment terms by combining automated invoice delivery (via email, WhatsApp, SMS), customizable reminder workflows, real-time reconciliation with ERP systems, and an invoice-financing product that advances up to 95% of approved invoice value within 48 hours. Kema also offers a free practice management module for UAE accounting firms covering VAT, Corporate Tax, ESR, payroll, and license renewal deadlines, serving both as a standalone utility and as a channel for SME client referrals.
The platform is built on AWS enterprise-grade cloud infrastructure and is differentiated by pre-built, one-click plugin connectors to eight major ERP and accounting systems (Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, Odoo, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Workday, and the regional platform Wafeq), enabling no-code setup and real-time invoice and payment synchronization. A proprietary credit engine underwrites invoice-financing decisions, and an open API allows merchants to embed card-based payment URLs into their own websites and IT systems. Payment acceptance spans Visa, MasterCard, Mada, American Express, Apple Pay, Sadad, and wire transfers, enabled via a partnership with regional payment gateway Telr.
Kema generates revenue through three streams: card payment processing fees starting at 2.75% per transaction, usage-based financing interest of 1.5–2.5% monthly on advanced invoices, and SaaS subscription plans (with freemium onboarding including a six-month free promotion for Wafeq users). The go-to-market is primarily product-led and self-serve through the website and app portal, supplemented by inside-sales-assisted demos for larger accounts, an accountant channel powered by free practice management, and a referral program paying AED 1,500 per converted customer. The company operates as Kema FZ-LLC, is headquartered in Dubai, and is led by CEO and founder Michael Ghandour alongside CTO and co-founder Akash Rao.
Kema firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kema
- Legal name
- Kema FZ-LLC
- Website
- https://kema.co
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Kema is a Dubai-based B2B fintech platform that automates accounts receivable, branded payment links, and short-term invoice financing for SMEs across the UAE and broader MENA region, integrating with major ERPs such as Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, and Wafeq.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kema industry classification
Industry- Product category
- B2B Accounts Receivable & Invoice Financing
- NAICS
- Financial Transactions Processing, Reserve, and Clearinghouse Activities (52232)
- SIC
- Short-Term Business Credit Institutions (6153)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Invoicing, Billing & Accounts Receivable Automation (FSAGAJAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Merchant Cash Advance & Revenue-Based Financing Enablement (FSAGALAH)
Keywords
Where Kema is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dubai
- HQ country
- United Arab Emirates
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices1 record
Markets served
Kema business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Payment Processing / Transaction Fees: Kema charges merchants a transaction fee for each card payment processed. Card payment acceptance starts at 2.75% per transaction. This is a usage-based revenue stream tied directly to payment volume on the platform.
- Invoice Financing Interest: Revenue generated from financing invoices — businesses can advance up to 95% of invoice value. Fees are described as 1.5–2.5% monthly on the Wafeq integration page. Provides short-term working capital to SMEs.
- SaaS Platform Subscription: Kema operates as a SaaS platform with subscription plans. Wafeq users receive 6 months free access, with standard Kema plans applying thereafter. Practice management for accounting firms is offered free of charge.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Card payment processing rate for merchants |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Invoice financing fee for working capital |
| Freemium | Monthly | Free trial for new users (standard onboarding) |
| Freemium | Annual | Wafeq users receive 6 months free access to Kema platform |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Referral program reward |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Kema product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kema provides a B2B SaaS platform that enables businesses to automate accounts receivable workflows, send branded payment links, accept card and local payment methods (Apple Pay, Sadad, wire), and access working-capital financing against outstanding invoices (up to 95% advance within 48 hours). The platform integrates with major ERP/accounting systems (Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, Odoo, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Workday, Wafeq) and offers a free practice management tool for UAE accounting firms.
Product overview
Kema is a B2B accounts receivable platform offering a suite of integrated products for SME finance management in the UAE and MENA region. The core platform consists of Invoice Financing (providing advance payments up to 95% on invoices within 48 hours), A/R Automation (streamlining receivables workflows with automated reminders and reconciliation), and Payment Links (enabling branded payment collection via cards, Apple Pay, and wire transfers). These are complemented by Practice Management software for accounting firms and pre-built integrations with major ERPs (Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, NetSuite, Odoo, Microsoft Dynamics, Workday, Wafeq) and payment gateways. The platform is built on AWS cloud infrastructure with enterprise-grade security measures.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Invoice Financing A financing product that enables B2B SMEs in the UAE/MENA to get paid upfront on their invoices or offer flexible payment terms to customers. Provides advance payments of up to 95% on approved invoices within 48 hours, with a 1.5–2.5% monthly fee and up to AED 500k of working capital available.
- A/R Automation Accounts receivable automation platform that streamlines invoicing, payment collection, and reconciliation. Embeds payment links with every ERP invoice, sends automated reminders via email, WhatsApp, or SMS, and reconciles payments in real time with connected accounting systems.
- Payment Links Branded payment links sent via email, WhatsApp, or SMS that let B2B customers pay invoices using cards (Visa, MasterCard, Mada, American Express), Apple Pay, Sadad, or wire transfers, with custom-branded payment pages and configurable surcharge options.
- Practice Management for Accounting Firms Free practice management tool for UAE-based accounting and CPA firms that tracks compliance deadlines (VAT, Corporate Tax, ESR, payroll, license renewals), automates client reminders, manages team tasks with role-based access (partners, managers, accountants), and creates an audit trail.
- Payment Gateway Integration Plugin offering that connects Kema to local payment rails and card gateways, including Telr in the UAE/KSA/GCC, enabling acceptance of Visa, MasterCard, Mada, and American Express with bank-grade secure card storage for recurring transactions.
- Accounting / ERP Integration Pre-built, one-click plugins that connect Kema to major accounting and ERP platforms (Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, NetSuite, Odoo, Microsoft Dynamics, Workday, Wafeq) for automated syncing of invoices, credit notes, payments, and customers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% faster time to get paid
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Kema
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Kema technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration15 records
Feature6 records
Kema partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- WafeqflagshipKema has a flagship integration partnership with Wafeq — an accounting platform popular in the Middle East. Wafeq users receive 6 months of free Kema platform access. Invoices created in Wafeq automatically sync to Kema, and payments made through Kema automatically update invoice status in Wafeq, simplifying reconciliation. The partnership includes co-marketing and a joint landing page.
- TelrcoreKema and Telr partnered to power B2B payments in the UAE, KSA, and the rest of the GCC. Telr is a payment gateway provider that enables Kema to offer local payment rails and card acceptance at competitive rates for SME customers.
- XerocoreXero is a pre-built ERP/accounting plugin partner. Kema offers a one-click Xero integration that syncs invoices, contacts, credit notes, and payments automatically.
- QuickBookscoreQuickBooks is a pre-built ERP/accounting plugin partner. Kema's one-click QuickBooks integration enables automated invoice syncing and payment reconciliation.
- ZohocoreZoho is a pre-built ERP/accounting plugin partner. Kema integrates with Zoho Books for seamless invoice sync and payment reconciliation.
- OdoocoreOdoo is a pre-built ERP/accounting plugin partner. Kema integrates with Odoo for automated invoice syncing and reconciliation.
- NetSuitecoreNetSuite is a pre-built ERP/accounting plugin partner. Kema integrates with Oracle NetSuite for seamless invoice syncing and payment reconciliation.
- Microsoft DynamicscoreMicrosoft Dynamics is a pre-built ERP/accounting plugin partner. Kema integrates with Microsoft Dynamics for automated invoice syncing and reconciliation.
- WorkdaycoreWorkday is a pre-built ERP/accounting plugin partner. Kema integrates with Workday for automated invoice syncing and reconciliation.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Kema competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bill.com: US-listed B2B platform providing accounts payable, accounts receivable automation, and integrated payments for SMBs and accounting firms. Closest global analog to Kema's AR + payments offering and a benchmark for unit economics in this category.
- Melio: US-based B2B payments platform focused on SMB bill pay and AR workflows with deep accounting-software integrations (QuickBooks, Xero). Highly comparable to Kema's SMB AR automation + payment-links + ERP connector model.
- Stampli: B2B accounts payable and payments automation platform with invoice collaboration, payment workflows, and ERP integrations. Operates in the same invoice-to-cash and ERP-integrated payment automation space as Kema.
- Routable: B2B payments automation platform focused on mass payouts, vendor payments, and AR/AP workflows for SMBs and enterprises. Comparable to Kema in integrating payments with accounting systems and supporting multiple payment rails.
- Resolve: B2B net-terms financing platform (formerly Resolve) offering invoice financing and 'pay-over-time' solutions to B2B sellers. Directly comparable to Kema's invoice-financing product in both mechanics and target customer (B2B SMBs wanting to offer net terms).
- Payhawk: European spend management platform combining corporate cards, AP automation, and AR/payment workflows. Overlaps with Kema on B2B payment automation and ERP integration; serves SMB/mid-market in Europe with emerging-market expansion ambitions.
- Float: UK-based corporate card and spend management platform for SMBs with bill pay and integrated payments. Comparable to Kema on payment-enabled workflows for SMBs, though Float is more card-led.
- Jeeves: Cross-border corporate card and payments platform serving SMBs in emerging markets (LatAm, EMEA, Asia). Comparable to Kema in targeting underserved SMBs in non-US markets with integrated payments and working-capital solutions.
Regional players
- Wafeq: UAE-based cloud accounting platform popular with MENA SMEs. Direct regional competitor in the SME finance stack and also a flagship integration partner of Kema (Wafeq users get 6 free months of Kema), making it both peer and channel.
- Telr: UAE-headquartered online payment gateway serving UAE, KSA, and GCC. Powers card and local payment rails for Kema (partnership) but also competes for merchant payments business; comparable as a regional payments infrastructure provider.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kema social profiles
Digital presenceKema financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kema leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Kema funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kema M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kema
What does Kema do?
Kema provides a B2B SaaS platform that enables businesses to automate accounts receivable workflows, send branded payment links, accept card and local payment methods (Apple Pay, Sadad, wire), and access working-capital financing against outstanding invoices (up to 95% advance within 48 hours). The platform integrates with major ERP/accounting systems (Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, Odoo, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Workday, Wafeq) and offers a free practice management tool for UAE accounting firms.
Is Kema a public or private company?
Kema is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Kema founded?
Kema was founded in 2023. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Kema based?
Kema is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region.
How does Kema make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Payment Processing / Transaction Fees are the primary driver. The others are invoice Financing Interest and saaS Platform Subscription.
Who are Kema's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bill.com, Melio, Stampli, Routable, Resolve, Payhawk, Float and Jeeves. Regional players are Wafeq and Telr.
Does Kema have an API?
Yes. Kema offers APIs that enable merchants to receive payments via debit and credit cards using URLs generated by the platform. The platform shares payment URLs via email, SMS, WhatsApp, QR codes, or integrates directly with merchants' websites or third-party IT systems through Kema's application programming interfaces. Users can connect their payment gateway, create invoices within Kema, and send payment links to clients. The API enables integration for a fully customizable and integrated experience.
What industry is Kema in?
Kema's product category is B2B Accounts Receivable & Invoice Financing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAGAJAC, Invoicing, Billing & Accounts Receivable Automation, with a secondary code of FSAGALAH, Merchant Cash Advance & Revenue-Based Financing Enablement. Its NAICS code is 52232 and its SIC code is 6153.