• Hayi

  Led · Equity · Jan 2022

  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.

No current team members are available.