by k z | Aug 7, 2024 | Startups News
Saudi startup Blend has recently secured USD 1.3 million in a pre-seed investment round. Notably, this funding, provided by a group of angel investors, will significantly boost the company’s growth. Consequently, Blend plans to expand into Kuwait and Bahrain by the end of next year. Furthermore, the company aims to extend its reach across the Gulf region by 2026.
Innovative Food Delivery Integration
Founded in 2023 by Omar bin Sultan Al-Lahyan, Blend is revolutionizing the food delivery industry. Specifically, the company offers a platform that integrates multiple food delivery services into a single interface. As a result, restaurant owners benefit from streamlined order management, efficient item tracking, and comprehensive reporting. Additionally, Blend has already partnered with five local delivery apps, further enhancing its market presence.
Market Growth and Expansion Plans
Blend’s strategic vision aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification and technological advancement. According to Al-Lahyan, “The sector is substantial, and our platform provides a unique understanding of the real challenges and technical needs of business owners dealing with delivery apps.” Moreover, with 30% of potential customers yet to engage with delivery apps, Blend anticipates significant market growth.
Support and Recognition
The company’s journey has been marked by notable achievements in startup support. For instance, Blend has graduated from prestigious programs such as the Misk Accelerator and the MVPLab Accelerator of the National Program for Information Technology Development. In addition, Blend is present in the Intelligence Center of Manshaat, further highlighting its commitment to innovation and excellence.
Looking Ahead
As Blend continues to expand its footprint in the Gulf region, it remains dedicated to enhancing the food delivery experience for restaurant owners. By consolidating multiple delivery platforms, Blend is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future.
Therefore, stay tuned for more updates on Blend’s progress and other exciting developments in the startup ecosystem. For further insights and the latest news, be sure to visit kzaad.com
by k z | Aug 7, 2024 | Startups News
Egypt-based fintech Qardy has secured a seven-figure pre-seed round of investment. Notably, White Field Ventures, Vastly Valuable Ventures, and several angel investors participated. This funding highlights the strong confidence in Qardy’s innovative approach and its growth potential.
Qardy :Innovative Digital Lending Platform
Founded in 2022 by Abdelaziz Abdel Nabi, Asser Yehia, and Tamer El-Manasterly, Qardy is transforming digital lending in Egypt and the MENA region. Specifically, it is the first digital lending marketplace dedicated to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Consequently, Qardy provides essential financing solutions that help MSMEs scale and grow.
Expanding Qardy Platform Capabilities
Moreover, the new investment will significantly enhance Qardy’s platform and enable service expansion across the MENA region. Since its soft launch in late 2022, Qardy has made substantial progress. For instance, it has attracted over 1,000 corporate clients and executed loan transactions exceeding 550 million Egyptian pounds (about $12 million). Therefore, Qardy is making a significant impact.
Tailored Financial Solutions for MSMEs
Qardy’s technology offers a range of tailored financial programs. These programs support MSMEs with their working capital and expansion needs. By connecting businesses with a broad network of financial institutions—including banks, leasing companies, factoring firms, and microfinance organizations—Qardy effectively facilitates essential funding.
Investor Support and Future Plans
Tamer El-Manasterly, COO of Qardy, expressed excitement about this milestone: “We are thrilled to reach this point. The support from our investors has been crucial. As a result, this investment will allow us to enhance our services and expand in Saudi Arabia and the region.”
Backing from 500 Global and White Field Ventures
500 Global has also expressed strong support for Qardy’s mission. Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at 500 Global, commented, “We are excited to support Qardy. Their work empowers businesses with accessible financial solutions. Indeed, we believe in their potential to drive positive change.”
Similarly, White Field Ventures has shown enthusiasm. Kapil Agrawal, Managing Director, stated, “We are pleased to support Qardy’s vision. Their execution capabilities and commitment to customer solutions align perfectly with our investment goals. Consequently, we look forward to their expansion into Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
Reputation for Excellence
With a strong focus on transparency and efficiency, Qardy has quickly built a reputation for excellence in financial services. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it remains dedicated to revolutionizing financial service delivery and driving MSME growth across the MENA region.
by k z | Aug 6, 2024 | Startups News
SANDBOX’s Fourth Cohort Achievements
SANDBOX, the Accelerator programme dedicated to the growth of tech startups and a key initiative of Oraseya Capital, has proudly concluded its fourth cohort. As part of Oraseya Capital, which operates under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), SANDBOX attracted over 1,500 applications. Consequently, seven technology startups received significant investment, with each startup awarded AED 570,000 (USD 150,000) following their success in the programme.
Milestones and Strategic Importance
Hassan Waheed, Vice President of Corporate Finance and Treasury at DIEZ and Partner at Oraseya Capital, commented, “We are incredibly proud of the milestones achieved by Oraseya Capital in startup investments, especially given the few months since its launch at the end of 2023. The substantial interest in the SANDBOX programme, combined with the many innovative and ambitious projects, highlights the strategic importance of this initiative in fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors.”
Investment in Promising Startups
Furthermore, Waheed emphasized, “Oraseya Capital has invested in startups demonstrating significant growth potential, characterized by creative ideas and innovative visions. As we aim to transform the advanced technology sector, we look forward to achieving new milestones that align with our efforts to enhance Dubai’s competitiveness as a prime destination for global investments.”
In addition to these new investments, Oraseya Capital has taken a leading role in an investment round for Growdash, a Dubai-based SaaS platform that empowers restaurant marketing and operations. Moreover, Oraseya Capital has participated in several investment rounds for startups such as RemotePass, an HR tech-platform for managing remote teams, and iSchool, an EdTech startup focused on upskilling youth with digital capabilities.
The Startups of SANDBOX’s Fourth Cohort
The seven startups that received funding from SANDBOX’s fourth cohort are:
- Qureos: A recruitment tech startup that matches talent with jobs 10x faster.
- Herogo: A sustainable food tech subscription platform for fruits and vegetables.
- Lisan: A deeptech generative AI startup specializing in Arabic linguistics.
- Sthrive: A B2B SaaS platform for retailers aimed at boosting sales and employee performance.
- Zoya: A fintech startup simplifying halal investing for Muslims worldwide.
- JobEscape: A productivity startup enhancing freelancers and employees’ skills with AI tools.
- Opteam: A startup leveraging AI-driven optimizations for project management in the construction sector.
Success Stories and Testimonials
Saad Malik, Co-founder and CEO of Zoya, stated, “SANDBOX provided an invaluable foundation for Zoya. The mentorship and supportive community empowered us to refine our startup and prepare for the next stage of our journey. We’re excited to apply these insights as we move forward.”
Similarly, Alex Epure, CEO and Co-founder of Qureos, added, “The SANDBOX Accelerator programme is exceptionally well-structured and adds significant value. Being backed by Oraseya Capital also means the potential for future investment rounds, which is not always the case with other programmes.”
Programme Structure and Benefits
The SANDBOX programme spans five months, divided into two phases. Initially, the “Evaluation Phase” lasts for 8 weeks, culminating in a pitch to the Investment Committee of Oraseya Capital. Successful startups then enter the 3-month SANDBOX Accelerator programme, each receiving an investment offer from Oraseya Capital. This programme emphasizes a mindset of experimentation, focusing on revenue-generating activities and further fundraising efforts.
Startups benefit from over 50 hours of workshops covering financial analytics, marketing strategies, and legal compliance. Additionally, entrepreneurs receive more than 30 hours of mentoring from industry experts and have opportunities to network with regional investors.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the fifth edition of SANDBOX will begin in September 2024 and has already received more than 1,100 applications. This continued enthusiasm underscores the programme’s growing impact and success.
For the latest startup news, stay updated with our daily blogs .
by k z | Aug 6, 2024 | Actionable Tips & Advice
Starting a new business is an exhilarating journey; however, getting the word out about your startup can be challenging. Therefore, effective advertising is crucial for gaining visibility and attracting potential customers. Here are some actionable tips and advice on how to advertise your startup business successfully.
1. Understand Your Target Audience
Before you start any advertising campaign, it’s essential to understand your target audience. Who are they? What are their interests, needs, and pain points? By defining your target audience, you can tailor your advertising efforts to reach the right people.
2. Develop a Strong Brand Identity
Your brand identity is the face of your startup. It includes your logo, color scheme, typography, and overall style. Consequently, a strong, cohesive brand identity helps your business stand out and makes your advertising more memorable.
3. Leverage Social Media
Social media platforms are powerful tools for advertising. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Choose the Right Platforms: Focus on the social media platforms where your target audience is most active. For instance, if your audience is younger, platforms like Instagram and TikTok may be more effective.
- Create Engaging Content: Share a mix of content, including images, videos, and blog posts, to keep your audience engaged. Additionally, interactive content like polls and live videos can boost engagement.
- Utilize Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags like #Startups and #KZAAD to increase your content’s visibility. Moreover, consider creating a unique hashtag for your brand to foster community engagement.
4. Invest in Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is a long-term strategy that helps your website rank higher on search engine results pages. Here are some SEO tips:
- Use Relevant Keywords: Incorporate keywords related to your business and industry throughout your website and content. Furthermore, use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find the best keywords for your niche.
- Create Quality Content: Regularly update your blog with valuable and informative content that addresses your audience’s needs. In addition, ensure your content is well-structured and easy to read.
- Optimize Meta Descriptions: Write compelling meta descriptions for each page to improve click-through rates. Therefore, make sure they accurately reflect the content and include relevant keywords.
5. Utilize Paid Advertising
Paid advertising can give your startup an immediate boost. Consider these options:
- Google Ads: Target specific keywords to appear at the top of search results. Thus, potential customers searching for related terms will find your business first.
- Social Media Ads: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer targeted advertising options. Moreover, you can use demographic data to ensure your ads reach the right audience.
- Display Ads: Use banner ads on relevant websites to reach a broader audience. Additionally, retargeting ads can help keep your brand in front of people who have already visited your site.
6. Network and Collaborate
Building relationships with other businesses and influencers can amplify your advertising efforts. Therefore, consider:
- Partnerships: Collaborate with complementary businesses to reach a wider audience. For example, if you sell fitness equipment, partner with a health food brand for joint promotions.
- Influencer Marketing: Partner with influencers in your industry to promote your products or services. Consequently, their endorsement can lend credibility and expand your reach.
7. Attend Industry Events
Industry events, such as trade shows, conferences, and networking events, provide opportunities to showcase your startup. Hence, make sure to:
- Prepare Marketing Materials: Have business cards, brochures, and other marketing materials ready. Additionally, consider creating a memorable booth or display to attract attention.
- Engage with Attendees: Network with potential customers, partners, and investors. Therefore, be ready to pitch your business and answer any questions they might have.
8. Measure and Adjust Your Strategy
Regularly analyze the performance of your advertising campaigns. Consequently, use tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic and conversions. Based on the data, adjust your strategy to improve results. For example, if a particular ad isn’t performing well, try tweaking the messaging or targeting a different audience.
Conclusion
Advertising a startup business requires a strategic approach and consistent effort. By understanding your audience, developing a strong brand, leveraging social media, investing in SEO, utilizing paid advertising, networking, attending events, and measuring your efforts, you can effectively promote your startup and achieve your business goals.
For more tips and insights on growing your startup, stay tuned with our daily blogs and follow us on social media.
by k z | Aug 5, 2024 | Startups News
