Abu Dhabi-based tech startup Majarra attracts US investment

North Base Media (NBM), a US venture capital fund, has made an investment in Majarra, an Abu Dhabi-based technology startup that distributes Arabic content online, as part of its global portfolio of digital media partnerships.

Majarra, formerly known as Haykal Media, had announced later this year that they have marked their new direction to become a technology company that offers a single sign-on network of premium Arabic content platforms.

The network includes publications like Harvard Business Review Arabia, MIT Technology Review Arabia, Stanford Social Innovation Review Arabia, Popular Science, Fortune and Manhom.

“NBM’s global perspective and unique insight into the industry strengthens our commitment to deliver the best content and user experience for the Arabic-speaking internet users in the region and around the world.”

Majarra relies on the latest technology, high-quality data, and advanced artificial intelligence technology to understand their members’ needs, provide unique material that enhances the members’ experience, and beholds Majarra’s content in front of as many people as possible.

“We’re really thrilled to partner with Majarra. It combines a bold business vision, a solid track record and a strategic approach to addressing the demand for quality Arabic language content,” said Mr. Marcus Brauchli, NBM’s managing partner. Mr. Brauchli, a former editor of both The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, will join Majarra’s board of directors.

Over the past decade, NBM, a Maryland-based venture capital fund, has been investing in early and mid-stage digital media firms based on news, business, sports, gaming, and entertainment. Bloomberg Beta, Singapore Press Holdings, Alibaba’s leaders’ family offices, and private investors who manage assets in Asia and China are among the strategic investors in NBM.

Related: Arabic articles on Wikipedia crosses 1mn as volunteers work tirelessly