News
Keeping it secure

Abhijit Jorvekar, ED & Sr. VP – Sales, Quick Heal Technologies Limited discusses how the vendor has strong value propositions for the soho and SMB segments
Discuss outlook for market in terms of endpoint security software solutions in the retail channel?
Increased Internet penetration and improvement in telecom technologies has given a boost to the adoption of various forms endpoint devices such as; laptops, smartphones and tablets. While technology has brought the world closer, it has also given way to numerous security related risks to the devices used by the consumers and in enterprises. The growing cyber-attacks on enterprises and individual consumers has created an urgency and need to secure the endpoint perimeter. This has enabled the growth of consumer endpoint security solutions across the globe.
The growing sophistication in attacks is making individuals to adopt robust consumer endpoint security solutions. The market for consumer endpoint security solutions is expected to flourish further due to increasing average endpoint device per person. The Asia-Pacific region is set to record the highest adoption / growth rate in the coming years. According to a ResearchFox Consulting report ‘Consumer End-Point Security Market – Outlook (2015-2019) for APAC, the market for Consumer Endpoint Security was USD 5754.90 million in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of close to 7.20% till 2019.
We have been promoting our EPS solutions to support the requirements of enterprises as well as consumers in this region and we have received a favorable response from the market. We have recently launched version 7 of our End Point Security solution in four product variants – SME, Business, Total and Enterprise Suite and it offers a wide range of features under a single platform. EPS 7.0 encompass more competitive features with improved scalability and responsiveness.
With our offerings for the SMEs we are targeting at around 30% additional revenues from the SME and SOHO segments in this region.
Discuss if the company has been successful to make inroads as anticipated since entering the market?
We entered in the middle-east region two years back by establishing our subsidiary Quick Heal Technologies (MENA) FZE. Prior to that we were selling in this region through a National distributor. We have received favourable response and acceptance in this region during the past few years and have been able to partner with few of the large distributors here who have been able to help us establish our channel market over the last two years.
There is a regular flow of products in the market. Even though we are a recent entrant in the market, we have captured some established accounts in the region and these are further generating additional enquiries through referrals.
Our partnerships have worked well here and we have adopted various region specific approaches. For instance, we have introduced a tailor-made approach for this region which is the Arabic language Graphical User Interface to communicate better with our customers here. We have also deployed in-country operations and support centres to provide seamless customer support. Teamed up with holistic and comprehensive product line, we are definite that Quick Heal is bound to grow by leaps and bounds in the Middle-East region in near future and we are hopeful of expanding our presence and extending our solutions to more locations in this region.
Which segments have seen the most traction in this region?
In Middle-east region, we have seen maximum traction from the healthcare and education sectors. The other promising industries in this region are banking, insurance and Government agencies. The awareness around the need for securing data and devices is increasing and the Government also has been taking certain initiatives for the same. Internet adoption and use of various smart devices is increasing and so is the need for security solutions in enterprises and by consumers.
How has the company’s go to market strategy changed in the region? Who are your current distributors?
We have a clear demarcation of the industry verticals and have dedicated resources focusing on these verticals. We have taken a conscious decision to maintain stock visibility at every point of sale and have also deployed a back office lead generation team.
Elaborate if mobile security is a growth segment for the company- what are your solutions on offer?
Our Mobile segment has displayed a growth of 40% in Q1 FY 2016-17. We have been observing substantial awareness around the need for the security solutions on mobile phones and hand held devices. Quick Heal has a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to secure both Windows and Android platforms and we are well equipped to support the requirements and address new age challenges with our comprehensive product offerings. We are hopeful of maintaining strong growth momentum and sustaining our leadership position across segments and markets.
Quick Heal offers a focused offering – ‘Fonetastic’ for the android platform which not only helps the device operate faster, but also protects personal information such as; photos, videos, messages and locks apps like Facebook, Twitter, Gmail. It optimizes speed, battery, and storage of the device and secures it by offering features such as; Fingerprint Unlock, Anti-theft, Vulnerability Scan and Security Advisor to enhance the security of the device etc.
Is there sufficient growth and awareness in this segment?
The fact is that mobile phones and tablet PCs are equally vulnerable to attacks and users are now taking cognizance of this fact. More and more users are now opting for a security solution for their mobile phones and gadgets but still the awareness levels around the security threats on mobile phones is low. As the awareness increases, the demand for security solutions will also increase further increasing the growth of the segment.
Have you introduced your latest version products for the year already – elaborate on some new features added?
We have released version 17 of Quick Heal Total Security, Quick Heal Internet Security and Quick Heal Antivirus Pro. The new version is aimed at better equipping our customers to save their data, transactions and computers from spyware, adware, keyloggers, riskware, and other malicious programs.
To cater to our enterprise customers, we introduced ‘Seqrite’, the enterprise solutions brand by Quick Heal Technologies Limited in 2015. Seqrite solutions which are an extension of Quick Heal’s industry leading offerings; are a combination of intelligence, analysis of applications and state-of-the-art technology, and are designed to provide better protection for our customers’ data, devices and networks. Focused exclusively on the Enterprise market, Seqrite offers Endpoint Security, Server Security and Gateway Security solutions.
Version 17 includes enhanced Parental Control feature that will enable parents to keep better track of what the kids are accessing online. The new version of all products also include a very important capability of combatting ransomware which has been posing serious threat to data, information and hardware during the past few months. Anti-Ransomware feature is a more comprehensive solution specifically developed to detect / block Ransomwares. This feature has been made available for both Consumer and Enterprise (Seqrite) products. It has been able to successfully detect and block hundreds of ransomwares across consumer and enterprise systems every month. Both, Anti-Ransomware and Backup features are being plugged in to the consumer and enterprise products through updates. Anti-Ransomware and the backup and restore feature is currently available in Seqrite Endpoint Security (EPS) 6.x series.
At Quick Heal we are constantly innovating to equip our consumers and enterprises to monitor and prevent such threats and safeguard their critical data.
What are your plans further to consolidate in the region?
We plan to and are working towards setting up a dealer channel partner network. We are conducting product trainings so that they get inducted well and can then drive sales independently. We also plan to introduce new partner programs for Enterprise products.
We are working towards capturing 10% market share in the current fiscal for SME segment and are also trying to increase our market presence in retail market through our new version of EPS products.
Financial
SemanticPay: Pioneering Seamless AI Transactions for the Agent Economy

A cutting-edge AI startup emerges from stealth, announcing the launch of SemanticPay, a groundbreaking solution designed to power the emerging AI agent economy. SemanticPay is set to become the essential infrastructure that enables AI-powered agents to seamlessly transact and create value in the digital world. Developed by a team of AI, FinTech, and Web3 experts, SemanticPay will establish the monetization layer necessary to support autonomous AI agents, positioning itself as the first mover in this transformative space.
The rapid evolution of AI, decreasing compute costs and breakthroughs in AI models like DeepSeek R-1 are democratizing access to powerful AI leading to the proliferation of autonomous “AI agents” – intelligent systems capable of executing complex tasks, optimizing workflows, and unlocking new revenue streams. However, the current internet infrastructure, designed for human interactions, presents significant challenges for AI agents to transact seamlessly. “The internet was built by humans for humans, not agents,” says one of the co-founders of SemanticPay. Challenges arise such as compatibility issues with human-centric systems, regulatory uncertainty that slows adoption rate, restrictive firewalls that misidentify agents as bots, and outdated monetization models not suited for microtransactions.
This is where SemanticPay steps in – building the “Visa for AI” – a comprehensive platform that addresses these challenges and empowers AI agents to become full participants in the digital economy. SemanticPay builds a robust transaction infrastructure that allows AI agents to securely interact, access services, and engage in economic activity. By developing a specialized infrastructure, they will eliminate these constraints and unlock new opportunities for an AI-powered economy.
Key Features of SemanticPay Include:
- Access: SemanticPay’s Agentic API layer ensures that AI agents can access web services and data sources seamlessly, unlocking new opportunities for interaction and information retrieval.
- Identity: Traditional internet structures often categorize AI agents as bots, blocking their ability to perform legitimate tasks. Through Agent ID and “Know Your Agent” (KYA) protocols, SemanticPay establishes a secure, compliant framework for transactions, building trust and ensuring regulatory adherence.
- Payment: The platform will offer optimized payment rails, supporting fiat currencies, stablecoins, and cryptocurrencies for high-frequency, low-value transactions crucial to the AI agent economy.
- Empowerment: Value-added services such as data analytics, decision-making tools, and access to specialized AI models will enhance the capabilities of AI agents, driving efficiency and growth.
Rooted in the GCC, SemanticPay aims to scale globally, with its team currently having a presence in APAC and Europe. They are building the foundation for a new AI-powered economy that bridges the gap between web operators and AI agent builders – paving the way for a future where these intelligent agents play a vital role in our digital world, driving innovation and creating value for all stakeholders.
Financial
Hasnae Taleb and Jeff Ransdell to Drive Innovation in UAE with a $45 Million to Support UAE Startups

Jeff Ransdell, Managing Director and Founding Partner of Fuel Venture Capital, and Hasnae Taleb, Managing Partner of Mintiply Capital, are making waves in the UAE investment landscape by introducing a $300 million vintage fund. This ambitious initiative dedicates $45 million specifically to fuel the growth of startups within the GCC region. The fund is strategically structured to offer regional investors a rare opportunity to capture exponential returns by backing high-growth ventures before they reach public markets.
The collaboration between Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital takes the form of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), leveraging both firms’ unmatched expertise in capital markets and venture investments. With decades of collective experience, Ransdell and Taleb are uniquely positioned to guide companies through the critical phases of growth, scaling, and eventual public listings. Their shared vision is built on the understanding that private market investments in pre-IPO companies have the potential to generate immediate returns of up to 200% from day one, presenting a transformative proposition for investors across the UAE and broader GCC region.
The vintage fund provides access to an elite portfolio of high-potential startups backed by Fuel Venture Capital. Notable names include:
• Betr – A disruptive sports betting platform co-founded by Jake Paul, integrating real-time engagement with microbetting.
• Curve – A fintech innovator providing a single card that aggregates all financial accounts into one seamless experience.
• CookUnity – A chef-to-consumer platform redefining meal delivery with curated, gourmet-quality meals.
• Novopayment – A fintech infrastructure company driving digital payments innovation across the Americas.
• Aexlab – A pioneer in virtual reality gaming and social engagement technologies.
These companies are not just building market-leading products; they are poised to reshape industries and create outsized investment returns when they enter the public markets.
Jeff Ransdell and Hasnae Taleb believe in creating pathways for local investors to participate in the most promising global opportunities. This vintage fund provides GCC-based investors exclusive pre-market access to disruptive businesses that would otherwise remain out of reach until a much later stage.

Jeff Ransdell, founder of Fuel Venture Capital, brings a remarkable career spanning decades in public markets. As a former Managing Director at Merrill Lynch, he led a team responsible for managing a staggering $130 billion in assets for some of the world’s most influential investors. His deep understanding of capital markets, asset management, and scaling high-growth companies provides him with a unique ability to identify and nurture disruptive startups poised for exponential success.

Hasnae Taleb shattered barriers as the youngest equity trader on Wall Street and the first Arab African woman to achieve such recognition in global capital markets. Known for her sharp analytical mind and fearless decision-making, Taleb earned the nickname “Shewolf of Nasdaq” for her unparalleled ability and navigate high-stakes trading scenarios with precision. Now, as Managing Partner of Mintiply Capital, she leverages her expertise in trading, equity markets, and entrepreneurship to build ecosystems that empower innovators and investors alike.
“Both Jeff and I understand what it takes to list companies and the immense value creation that occurs before a company goes public,” said Hasnae Taleb. “We are bringing this opportunity to investors in the region to give them access to exceptional returns and a strategic advantage over traditional investment avenues.”
Jeff Ransdell added, “The GCC market is evolving rapidly, and there’s a growing appetite for sophisticated investment vehicles. This fund delivers exactly that — it empowers investors to support transformative businesses while capturing the kind of returns typically reserved for institutional players.”
The introduction of this vintage fund and the strategic partnership between Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital reflect a shared commitment to enhancing the financial ecosystem in the UAE and KSA. By supporting visionary entrepreneurs and scaling innovative businesses, the duo aims to foster sustainable economic growth and establish the region as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence and venture capital success.
Home Integrator
SEE Holding and Arabian Gulf Steel Industries Forge Partnership to Advance Sustainable Construction Practices

SEE Holding, the parent company behind The Sustainable City brand, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI), marking a significant step towards advancing sustainable construction practices in the region. The partnership will prioritize the integration of low carbon steel in future projects, reinforcing SEE Holding’s commitment to selecting sustainable materials to achieve its net zero ambitions. Additionally, both entities will explore opportunities to promote circular economy practices, focusing on recycling and repurposing steel products to minimize waste and environmental impact.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at SEE Institute, SEE Holding’s knowledge partner and the region’s first operational net zero emissions building, underscoring a shared commitment to environmental responsibility.
Faris Saeed, Chairman & CEO of SEE Holding, stated: “Achieving net zero emissions requires a holistic commitment to reducing both embodied and operational emissions across every facet of the built environment. Our partnership with Arabian Gulf Steel Industries reaffirms our dedication to selecting materials that align with our net zero strategy while driving innovation in sustainable cities and communities. Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire transformative change in net zero construction practices across the region, redefining how sustainable infrastructure and cities are designed and built.” The collaboration extends beyond material selection, focusing on research and development (R&D) to innovate and refine techniques that enhance the adoption of low carbon steel in construction processes. Both parties will work together to develop new methodologies that optimize energy efficiency and reduce embodied emissions in building projects.
Asam Hussain, the AGSI’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The partnership with SEE Holding represents a significant step forward by driving sustainable transformation in construction practices in the UAE. Our collaboration will ensure that we structurally embed demand for low-carbon materials to seize the opportunity of accelerating decarbonization of the hard-to-abate sector. Together, we are advancing environmental sustainability and driving positive economic and social impact.”
AGSI is the World’s first Carbon Neutral Steel Plant and Low Carbon Steel Manufacturing Facility based in the UAE. The company is pioneering low carbon products play a critical role in decarbonizing not only the steel industry but also the built environment. By incorporating 100% recycled low carbon steel SEE Holding aims to significantly reduce embodied emissions while maintaining the highest standards of durability and strength required for modern construction. AGSI’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to minimize waste and energy consumption, aligning seamlessly with SEE Holding’s ethos of responsible urban development.
AGSI has also signed the Memorandum of Understanding with SEE Institute with a shared vision of advancing knowledge. Both companies will work together to introduce training programs targeted at architects, engineers, and construction professionals to raise awareness of low carbon steel benefits and foster its adoption across the sector. The partnership will also prioritize performance monitoring, implementing robust reporting mechanisms to track environmental impact, measure emission reductions, and enhance project transparency.
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