IHC Invests in Peko Holdings to Accelerate AI-Powered Automation for SMEs

IHC, a global investment company focused on building dynamic value networks, has announced the successful acquisition of a 70% stake in Peko Holdings Limited, a technology-driven company offering an integrated digital platform designed to simplify and automate core business operations.

Peko provides an all-in-one digital solution built to help businesses streamline financial management and essential administrative processes through a single, intuitive interface. The platform enables companies to manage a broad range of activities, including bill payments, payroll, invoicing, business travel, corporate cards, compliance services, and other operational workflows. By consolidating these mission-critical functions into one platform, Peko reduces operational complexity, improves efficiency, and enables businesses to scale more effectively.

Built with SMEs and mid-market companies in mind, Peko addresses the growing demand for modern, automated infrastructure that replaces fragmented legacy systems. Its modular, platform-as-a-service model allows businesses to adopt only the services they need, while benefiting from seamless integration across functions. Underpinned by recurring, subscription-based revenues, strong customer retention, and inherent scalability, Peko is positioned as foundational digital infrastructure for the next generation of digital-first enterprises.

The acquisition aligns closely with IHC’s investment strategy of backing category-defining platforms with robust governance frameworks, clear scalability pathways, and the ability to generate long-term, sustainable value across global markets. It also reinforces IHC’s focus on technology-enabled businesses that improve efficiency, expand financial access, and strengthen operational resilience.

As part of its innovation roadmap, Peko is actively integrating artificial intelligence across its platform. This includes the rollout of an AI-powered assistant designed to automate routine tasks such as invoicing, expense management, forecasting, and administrative documentation. These capabilities are intended to further enhance productivity and allow businesses to focus on strategic growth rather than manual processes.

Commenting on the acquisition, Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, said Peko represents the type of scalable, future-ready platform that aligns with the group’s long-term vision. “Peko addresses real operational challenges faced by businesses while leveraging technology to unlock productivity and growth. This investment strengthens our digital services portfolio and advances our strategy of building integrated value networks across high-growth sectors. We see strong potential for Peko to scale regionally and globally as AI becomes increasingly embedded in enterprise operations.”

Kashif Khan, Founder and CEO of Peko Holdings Limited, described the partnership as a pivotal milestone. “Peko was built to empower businesses with a single, intelligent platform to manage operations end to end. Partnering with IHC provides the scale, strategic support, and long-term perspective needed to accelerate innovation, expand into new markets, and deliver greater value to SMEs worldwide.”

The transaction follows a series of recent strategic acquisitions and investments by IHC, including Invictus Investment, Sammaan Capital, First Women Bank Limited, and Zelo. Together, these moves underscore IHC’s active deployment of capital into high-growth platforms across financial services, technology, and digital infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to enabling economic participation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth across diverse markets.

//Staff writer