Michael Lahyani

Michael Lahyani, Founder and CEO of Property Finder, has been instrumental in attracting global investors to the Middle East’s proptech landscape. After introducing the region’s first real estate classifieds and launching Property Finder in 2007, Michael has played a pivotal role in securing major investments that have contributed to the growth of the regional real estate market. In 2024, Property Finder raised $90 million in debt financing while also buying back shares from BECO Capital, one of its early investors, signalling strong investor confidence in the company’s future.

Earlier, in 2018, Property Finder attracted $120 million in funding from General Atlantic, a leading US private equity firm, further solidifying the region’s reputation as a hub for high-growth tech businesses. These deals not only fueled the company’s expansion but also showcased the Middle East’s potential to draw significant international investment into its burgeoning tech and property sectors.

Michael’s leadership continues to push the boundaries of innovation, with a focus on data, digital transformation, and diversity in the real estate industry. His efforts earned him a place on Forbes Middle East’s list of the Top 100 CEOs in 2023.

A graduate of HEC Lausanne with a bachelor’s degree and MBA in finance, Michael was the first entrepreneur from the Middle East selected by Endeavor, a leading global community of high-impact entrepreneurs. Passionate about mentoring young entrepreneurs, he has helped elevate the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Property Finder’s success is also studied at Harvard Business School, further demonstrating its global impact. In recognition of his contributions, Michael, a Swiss national, was honoured with the prestigious UAE passport in 2020.