SmartCrowd, the MENA region’s largest real estate crowdfunding platform, scooped the Start-up Company of the Year award in one of the region’s most prestigious awards.

SmartCrowd’s innovative platform allows individual investors to take a “fractional” share in a rental property through a low entry barrier, giving people greater control over their finances and empowering them to make informed decisions about their investments.

Winners were decided upon by an elite group of judges from among the business, professional, and academic communities in the Middle East.

In a regional business award first, the judging process was reviewed by an external auditing body, with auditors revealing the winners live on the night during the ceremony.

Siddiq Farid, CEO and Co-Founder of SmartCrowd, says “This is a great moment for all our team, and for all our investors, too. Having won the award which was externally audited for the first time makes it feel extremely powerful – and shines a light on all our hard work.

“As we go from strength to strength, our growing legion of global investors will certainly get reassurance that we are being recognised for our idea, our dedication and our expertise, with this award.”