At Web Summit Qatar 2025, Mohammed Al-Delaimi, Co-founder and CEO of PayLater, shared insights into the company’s rapid growth and its role in revolutionizing the fintech industry. With a unique approach to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, PayLater is making financial transactions more accessible, transparent, and Sharia-compliant in the GCC region.
What is PayLater?
PayLater is a Buy Now, Pay Later platform that allows customers to split their payments into 4, 6, or 12 months with zero fees and no interest. The service is designed to help consumers better manage their finances while offering merchants the opportunity to increase sales and gain insights into customer purchasing behavior. Trust and compliance play a major role in the product, particularly in the GCC market, where being Sharia-compliant enhances confidence in the service.
Impressive Early Growth
The company recently soft-launched its app, which has been live in app stores for just a month. In this short span, PayLater has already gained 23,000 registered users. Mohammed expressed excitement over the upcoming full launch, expected in the next week.
Balancing Merchants and Users
Finding the right balance between consumers and merchants is key to PayLater’s strategy. For customers, the goal is to provide a seamless, interest-free solution for better financial management. On the other hand, merchants benefit from increased sales and improved data on purchasing behaviors, enabling them to offer more targeted products and services.
As of now, 70 active merchants have partnered with PayLater, including major brands like IKEA, Carrefour, and Monoprix. The adoption by such well-established brands shows the demand for BNPL solutions in the region.
The Web Summit Experience and Market Growth
Mohammed highlighted the importance of Web Summit Qatar, noting that it provides an excellent platform for networking, collaboration, and investment opportunities. “It’s our chance to meet brilliant startups, regional investors, and even government officials to share our story and plans,” he said.
With Qatar hosting Web Summit for the second year, it has become a significant event for showcasing technology and innovation, reinforcing the country’s role in developing the startup ecosystem. The event has proven to be a catalyst for fintech advancements and economic development in the region.
What’s Next for PayLater?
Looking ahead, PayLater has ambitious plans:
- Expand further in Qatar, capturing as much market share as possible over the next two years.
- Expand into other GCC markets, competing in a growing yet competitive BNPL space.
- Introduce new fintech projects to enhance the company’s portfolio and cater to diverse financial needs in the region.
Mohammed acknowledged the intense competition in the GCC fintech market but expressed confidence that PayLater’s user-centric approach and financial flexibility will give it a strong competitive edge.
Why Invest in Qatar and the GCC?
For entrepreneurs and investors considering Qatar and the GCC region, Mohammed delivered a compelling message: “The MENA and GCC region are rapidly emerging and evolving. We are witnessing tremendous growth in e-commerce, fintech, and infrastructure development. Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Saudi Arabia will host it in 2034, and Expo 2030 will also take place in Saudi Arabia. These events highlight the region’s commitment to becoming a global hub for technology, business, and innovation.”
He encouraged potential investors to experience Qatar and the GCC firsthand, emphasizing the energy and momentum in the region’s startup ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
As PayLater gears up for full-scale expansion, it is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of fintech and BNPL solutions in the GCC. With strong early traction, strategic merchant partnerships, and a clear roadmap for regional expansion, the company is on a promising path to success.
📢 Stay tuned for more insights, exclusive interviews, and major highlights from Web Summit Qatar 2025!
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