Hayi is a neighbourhood-focused social app that helps residents form safe, hyper-local communities by connecting people, listings, announcements, and events within nearby areas. The app has become a primary communication channel in Dubai neighbourhoods such as Jumeirah Village Circle and runs community initiatives like cleanups and local events. Hayi launched a B2B subscription about a year ago that enables businesses to target customers down to specific apartment buildings. The company reports 30,000 highly engaged organic users, 30% monthly recurring revenue (MRR) growth, and says it is cash-flow positive. Hayi aims to expand its footprint across Dubai, the wider UAE, and other regions to become a leading neighbourhood app in MENA, citing examples like Danggeun Market and Nextdoor as inspirations. The recent capital will be used to grow operations, marketing, and geographic expansion. Hayi is a freemium community-based platform launched in 2020 by Chris Darnell (CEO) and Rene Morgan (COO) to reconnect neighbors through a hyperlocal social network. The app offers a neighborhood noticeboard main feed, private messaging, interest-based neighbor search, and geo-fencing to verify residents and keep communities exclusive and safe. Community managers and property developers can register for free to manage digital communities and share real-time updates. Hayi has connected 6,000 verified neighbors across 20 test neighborhoods in Dubai. The company is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) accelerator program. With a recent US$325,000 funding round, Hayi aims to accelerate product development and expand beyond the UAE toward becoming the largest hyperlocal social network in the MENA region.

Total raised

$0M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Jan 2022