Dubai-based proptech startup Seraya has raised $1.8 million in seed funding (equity + debt), led by a KSA family office and German family office DLL, with participation from strategic angels. The round brings Seraya’s total funding to $2.15 million.
Founded in October 2024 by Pepijn Haima and Ibrahim Shami, Seraya operates design-led, fully serviced apartments targeting the premium short-term rental segment. The company says it has been profitable since launch, with an average 92% occupancy and a perfect 5.0 guest rating across properties in Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Marina.
Unlike traditional operators, Seraya signs long-term leases of 5+ years, fully renovates and furnishes units, and manages the entire guest experience. The vertically integrated model allows control over design, operations, and guest quality, while bespoke furniture is designed and manufactured locally.
The new capital will support Seraya’s plan to expand its portfolio to 50 units by the end of 2025, with upcoming launches in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Creek, and select villa communities. The startup positions itself at the intersection of short-term rentals and the $9 trillion global wellness economy, embedding features such as in-apartment saunas and water filtration systems to appeal to wellness-focused travelers.
“Seraya is designed for the modern traveller, people seeking calm, comfort, and care while on the move,” said co-founder Pepijn Haima. “Our model gives us total control, from the materials we use to the experience we deliver. That’s how we’ve scaled profitably, and how we’ll build a global brand for premium serviced accommodation.”
DLL’s managing director Jakob Langen added: “Seraya has built a distinctive, high-margin model in one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world. Their ability to control the full value chain gives them a powerful advantage as they scale.”
Dubai’s short-term rental market is expanding rapidly, growing from 20,000 units in 2024 to over 30,000 in 2025, fueled by tourism, digital nomadism, and rising demand for wellness-led stays. Seraya says it is exploring regional expansion in the near future.
