UAE’s Tarjama raises $5 million Series A to automate translation services

Dubai-based language services provider Tarjama has raised $5 million Series A from Saudi private equity firm Anova Investments, the startup announced today.

Founded in 2008 by Nour Alhassan, Tarjama is a certified translation agency with presence in eight countries including United Arab Emirates, Saudi, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and United States, offering different types of language services to individuals and businesses. The company, according to the statement it released today, offers translation services in over 150 languages, including Asian, African, and European pairs, and has translated over 500 million words with the help of 130 full-time translation specialists who are employed by the company.

Tarjama also owns and runs Ureed, a marketplace for content and translation services that connects businesses and individuals looking for these services with freelancers and charges a commission from both the parties for completed jobs.

The startup, per statement, plans to use the investment to scale its business operations, further boost its technology platforms including Ureed, and launch Arabic machine translation engine which will “employ artificial intelligence along with other technology products related to the translation and content industry.”

Nour Alhassan, founder and CEO of Tarjama, said, “We are very excited about the possibilities this funding round brings to Tarjama encompassing core service offerings and equally technology platforms. The strategic partnership with Anova will further strengthen Tarjama’s ability to expand and support its offerings in all markets, especially in the Saudi market. We are confident this partnership will further consolidate Tarjama’s position as the leading service and technology provider trusted by customers in the region and across the globe.”

Nouf Aljeraiwi, Executive Director with Anova Investments, added, “Tarjama took the translation industry from a traditional business model to a highly advanced technologically driven platform featuring accuracy, speed, and flexibility – all key ingredients in today’s business environment. As Tarjama strengthens its presence in the Saudi market, Anova Investments will support this important phase to accelerate Tarjama’s growth.”

Featured image via The National.