Gushcloud International has completed a majority acquisition of TalentPlus Dubai, a UAE-based talent management and influencer marketing firm. This deal marks a major step in Gushcloud’s expansion across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as it deepens its involvement in the creator economy.
TalentPlus Dubai will be rebranded as Gushcloud TalentPlus, with a mission to manage and invest in leading creators from the MENA region while also representing and monetising international creators and intellectual property in the region.
Building on Prior Investment and Local Expertise
Gushcloud had previously invested in TalentPlus around 15 months ago, laying the groundwork for a close working relationship. This majority acquisition accelerates that partnership and gives Gushcloud stronger ownership of talent management capabilities in a region with rapidly growing digital content consumption.
Under the deal, Michel Chahda will continue as CEO of Gushcloud TalentPlus and has also been appointed as a partner at Gushcloud International. His continued leadership provides continuity and retains deep regional insights that are critical to managing creator relationships and growth.
Additionally, Gay Carr, Chief of Staff at Gushcloud International, has relocated to the UAE to co-lead the unit and support broader strategic initiatives, including oversight of Gushcloud’s multi-year collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
Strengthening Regional and Global Capabilities
The acquisition enhances Gushcloud’s capabilities across several key areas, including creator monetisation, intellectual property development, and cross-border brand partnerships. The expanded entity aims to help creators and brands scale their reach across markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.
By integrating local expertise with Gushcloud’s global network and tools including data and AI-driven platforms the company intends to increase opportunities for creators to engage audiences and generate revenue more effectively.
Aligning With UAE’s Digital Economy Goals
The acquisition also aligns with broader economic and tech development goals in the UAE. Collaborating with entities like ADIO supports efforts to position Abu Dhabi as a regional media and entertainment hub, create job opportunities, and nurture the digital creator ecosystem.
As demand for digital content continues to grow and the creator economy evolves, Gushcloud’s majority acquisition of TalentPlus Dubai signals confidence in the UAE and MENA as strategic markets for technology-enabled talent management and monetisation.
