Property Finder: How a Dubai Startup Became a $1B PropTech Unicorn
Property Finder, the leading PropTech startup in the Middle East, has redefined real estate discovery, investment, and market analytics, growing into a billion-dollar company. Founded by Michael Lahyani, Property Finder started as Al Bab World, a print real estate classifieds magazine in 2005 before evolving into propertyfinder.ae in 2007, mirroring platforms like Zillow and Rightmove.
Despite economic downturns, Property Finder survived the 2008 financial crisis, securing 51% equity from REA Group at a critical moment. By 2010, it had broken even, demonstrating resilience. Expansion followed, reaching Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Lebanon, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia by 2014.
Its 2022 launch of AI-powered SuperAgent and 2023 introduction of Data Guru analytics further cemented its status as an industry innovator, combining data intelligence with property transactions. With $20M in 2016 from Vostok New Ventures and $120M in 2018 from General Atlantic, Property Finder officially became a unicorn, valued at over $1B.
As competition grows, Lahyani remains confident: ‘There’s room for more than one—it’s about growth and profitability.’ With 14 million monthly visits, 600 employees, and a commitment to sustainability, transparency, and AI-driven real estate tools, Property Finder continues expanding across MENA, driving tech-driven market transformation in 2025 and beyond.
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