Dubai, UAE, Aug. 23, 2021 – UAE-based media and entertainment tech company Starzly
has raised an undisclosed amount in seed investment from SEEDRA Ventures, 500
Startups and existing investor Nama Ventures.
Launched in August 2020 by Badr Kachibal, RedOne and Mouhcine Kachibal, Starzly is
promising online marketplace that allows fans and businesses to hire celebrities to
create personalised videos. It is making the impossible possible, helping fans and brands
connect with the most influential celebrities, athletes, and content creators.
Having served as the Digital Technical/Creative Director for Al Arabiya, Shahid.net and
MBC Group, CEO Badr is very familiar with the Entertainment and EntertainTech space
in the region.
“Starzly has become the first destination for personalised video messages in the region,
currently used by over 1,000 celebrities and delivered tens of thousands of videos to
more than 71 countries all around the world since its launch last year,” said Badr.
With a SaaS background, CTO Mouhcine worked at JustProperty that Property Finder
acquired. Most recently, he led MarTech at Alshaya Group.
“We are building a technology helping talents monetise their fan base while allowing
fans to get a unique and a very authentic experience from their loved personalities. Our
focus always is to offer customers, celebrities and businesses the best experience in a
very safe and moderated environment,” said Mouhcine.
An international celebrity himself, Co-founder RedOne is a globally renowned producer
and songwriter who has won three Grammys and was nominated for ten. He is one of
the most successful and sought-after record producers and songwriters in the world,
with more than 70 international hit singles, including stars such as Lady Gaga, Michael
Jackson, Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Lopez, and Enrique Iglesias.
Since its launch, Starzly has become a market leader as the largest platform with over a
1,000 celebrities from the MENA region and across the globe and more than 200,000
users, delivering countless magical moments and happiness. It has also helped 500+
businesses, from SMEs to large companies. Built to offer a unique and authentic
experience, Starzly has attracted over a thousand Arab and international celebrities,
including Saad Lamjarred, Bassem Youssef, and Enrique Arce, whom fans can request
personalised video messages. These include video calls, audio messages, and direct text
messages.