UAE - Mubasher: Dubai-based powerbank-sharing startup Ray has raised a $1.20 million seed round from private investors, including Meirambek Abelkasov and Serik Uspanov, co-founders of JET.
The startup will use the fresh capital to expand its station network across the UAE and the GCC region, targeting high-traffic hospitality venues, shopping malls, and transport hubs, according to a press release.
Founded by Igor Kosolap and Roman Averianov, Ray offers portable charging stations installed in restaurants, cafes, malls, and other public venues.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, users can rent a powerbank directly from the station and return it to any other station within the network.
Meanwhile, the company plans to expand its network to 2,000 locations across the UAE by the end of 2026 while offering both direct POS payment and mobile app options.
Roman Averyanov, CPO and Co-Founder of Ray, commented: “Ray differentiates itself through Tap-to-Pay technology, allowing users to rent a power bank in about 15 seconds by tapping a bank card or using Apple Pay or Google Pay directly at the station. The process works without requiring an app, internet connection, or even a charged phone.”
“At the same time, the service preserves the familiar payment flow of the mobile app. Users are charged according to the standard rental tariff depending on the duration of use, making the experience seamless while removing the need to install an app,” he added.
The stations are equipped with fast-charging power banks that can charge smartphones from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes, with enough capacity to recharge a device up to 2 times.
Besides the GCC countries, Ray integrated international payment acquiring and global IoT connectivity, operating in over 170 countries, enabling stable device connectivity, and preparing the infrastructure for international expansion.
