Zeedna, an online social publishing and ecommerce platform, has developed a robust social media platform and has secured clients in Syria, Jordan, France, Lebanon, UAE and the US.

The Baraka Venture portfolio company has also completed a specialised online fundraising application which was integrated with Bank Audi recently.

"The future of social media is increased engagement with your online community around your organisation and brand,” said Mahmoud Abu-Wardeh, co-founder and CEO of Zeedna.

“Zeedna's suite of modules allows our clients to engage online while tracking and measuring the important metrics including user growth, revenue and engagement across different social media channels.”

Marwan Tamari, a Zeedna client and angel investor, said: "Zeedna is enabling businesses in the region to deploy social networks, eCommerce sites and interactive communities; this is an example of a software company that is cost effectively improving corporation's online presence while providing them with direct interactive and unfiltered communication medium with their customers, clients and constituents. It is this kind of innovation that we need in the region."

Rama Chakaki, co-founder and COO of Zeedna, said: "We're thrilled to be among the select group of social media technology companies that have received funding this year.”

“This initial funding round validates both our technology approach and business model. It is especially encouraging to see tremendous interest and funding coming from the region,” Chakaki added.

This investment will allow Zeedna to expand regionally by developing additional sales channels and broadening its technology portfolio. Zeedna collaborates with Web, branding and PR agencies across sectors, to deliver to clients, a statement said.

"A collaborative approach is what makes online businesses gain rapid market share," said Chakaki. "We develop and deploy the tools, our partners provide them to their clients, and everyone gains." – TradeArabia News Service