Silicon Badia, a global venture capital firm with a strong presence in the U.S. and MENA regions, has made its first investment in Morocco by leading a $4 million funding round for Journify, an AI-powered, privacy-first data activation startup. Silicon Badia was joined in the round by RZM and other strategic investors. This investment signals growing investor interest in Morocco’s burgeoning tech ecosystem and highlights the increasing global shift toward ethical and efficient first-party data utilization.

Journify, a leading provider of Conversion API (CAPI) and Composable Customer Data Platform (CCDP) solutions, aims to empower brands with cutting-edge AI-driven marketing tools. In a digital landscape where customer acquisition costs (CAC) have surged by 200% over the past decade, businesses are in dire need of streamlined, privacy-centric data strategies. Journify’s SaaS platform enables brands to unify and activate first-party data in real-time, enhancing return on ad spend (ROAS), optimizing marketing performance, and ensuring compliance with global privacy regulations.

“After years of navigating the complexities of traditional customer data platforms, our team built Journify to eliminate these inefficiencies and provide an AI-powered, seamless data activation experience,” said Taoufik El Jamali, CEO and co-founder of Journify.

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Amman, Jordan, Silicon Badia has invested in over 100 technology startups across 16 industries worldwide. The firm’s investment in Journify aligns with its strategy of backing data infrastructure disruptors, similar to its previous investments in companies like Amplitude (NASDAQ: AMPL) and InfluxData.

“Real-time data orchestration presents a global opportunity,” said Hossam Shafick, Investor at Silicon Badia. “Businesses across the U.S., MENA, and beyond face universal challenges in marketing efficiency. With AI transforming data infrastructure, we see immense potential in Journify’s solutions and leadership.”

Since its launch in March 2024, Journify has rapidly scaled to $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) within nine months. Its solutions have been adopted by major brands such as Jarir Bookstore and Dr. Nutrition, delivering significant marketing improvements — including a 50% boost in ROAS and an 80% reduction in cost per purchase. The company’s AI-driven capabilities, including predictive analytics, advanced attribution modeling, and real-time data health monitoring, have established it as a market leader in privacy-first data activation.

Journify has also built strategic partnerships with major digital platforms, including TikTok, Google, and Snap, further enhancing its reach and impact. The company’s AI models analyze user behavior, optimize ad targeting, and provide deep attribution insights, helping brands navigate the evolving digital marketing landscape.

A Local-to-Global Model for Success

Journify’s Moroccan co-founders — Taoufik El Jamali, Omar Al Shoubaki, and Amine Chouki — bring extensive experience in technology and marketing. CEO El Jamali, in particular, has a track record of building and scaling successful startups. His previous ventures include Unyk, which was acquired by Viadeo, and Viral Ninja, later merged into Sociable Labs. Despite his international success, El Jamali remains relatively unknown in Morocco, an oversight given his potential to inspire local entrepreneurs.

As Morocco emerges as a growing hub for tech innovation, investments like Silicon Badia’s backing of Journify mark a significant milestone for the local ecosystem. With increasing regulatory scrutiny on data privacy and a shift toward first-party data solutions, Journify is positioned to lead the transformation of marketing strategies worldwide.

With its headquarters in the U.S. and UAE and technology hubs in Morocco and Jordan, Journify exemplifies the “local-to-global” model, leveraging regional expertise while scaling internationally. As the startup ecosystem in North Africa gains traction, investors will likely continue to explore opportunities in the region, solidifying its role in the global tech landscape.