OneOrder, the Egyptian disruptor in HoReCa supply chain management, has secured $16 million in Series A funding. This significant investment, led by Delivery Hero Ventures with participation from established names like Norrsken22, Nclude, and A15, marks a major step towards their ambitious expansion plans. The funds will be strategically deployed to propel OneOrder’s entry into the lucrative Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market, with the United Arab Emirates serving as the launchpad.
This latest funding round comes on the heels of two successful previous rounds — a $1 million pre-seed and a $3 million seed funding secured in 2022. This steady growth trajectory underscores the investor confidence in OneOrder’s innovative approach and its potential to revolutionize the fragmented HoReCa supply chain landscape across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Why Investors are Betting Big on OneOrder
- Solving a Pain Point, Not Just Digitizing: Investors recognize the critical need for a comprehensive solution in the MENA region’s HoReCa sector. Unlike traditional attempts that merely digitized existing processes, OneOrder takes a holistic approach. Their one-stop-shop model, featuring centralized warehousing and streamlined ordering, directly addresses the inefficiencies plaguing the industry, including limited transparency, unreliable access to high-quality stock, and excessive waste. This focus on operational efficiency and cost reduction resonates strongly with investors seeking impactful ventures.
- Proven Success Breeds Confidence: OneOrder’s impressive track record in Egypt serves as a compelling validation of their model. With over 1,370 satisfied customers and a data-driven platform demonstrably improving their operations, OneOrder has established itself as a leader in the Egyptian HoReCa space. Investors are likely confident in their ability to replicate this success story across the GCC, leveraging the similarities in market dynamics.
- Tech-Savvy Leadership: The combination of a seasoned leadership team and a commitment to cutting-edge technology positions OneOrder for sustainable growth. Tamer Amer, the CEO, and his team prioritize leveraging technology to empower customers. Their recent implementation of an AI-powered system that significantly reduces operational time and cost exemplifies this approach. Investors are likely impressed by this forward-thinking leadership that prioritizes both technological innovation and user experience.
For his part, Brendon Blacker, Managing Partner at Delivery Hero Ventures, said: “We are honored to lead the first round of financing for OneOrder and grow our investments in conjunction with the revolution the company has brought about in the supply chain in the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors in the Middle East and North Africa region. “This financing is an exciting opportunity to expand, bringing the tremendous value that OneOrder provides to its customers to a wider geographical area, and replicating the great success it has already achieved in Egypt.”
Natalie Colby, General Partner at Norrsken22, said: “We are pleased to support OneOrder with our funds’ first investment in Egypt, and we believe in its potential to revolutionize supply chains in the hotel and restaurant sectors across Africa and beyond, especially with its exceptionally experienced team, and we look forward to supporting them to open many more… New markets to become the integrated technological solution for this vital sector.”
Delivery Hero Ventures, based in Berlin, Germany, is the venture capital arm of the global food delivery platform, investing in disruptive, founder-led companies primarily in food, delivery, and quick commerce. Norrsken22, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, operates a $200 million growth fund focusing on tech-enabled businesses in Africa that drive social impact and economic growth. Nclude, located in Cairo, Egypt, supports early-stage fintech startups in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, promoting financial inclusion and digital transformation. A15, also based in Cairo with offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, invests in technology startups across various sectors in the MENA region, leveraging their extensive portfolio and experience in scaling startups.
A Deeper Look at OneOrder: The Supply Chain Superhero
Founded in 2022 , OneOrder is a relatively young company with a bold vision. Led by Tamer Amer (CEO) and Karim Maurice, the company has quickly established itself as a major player in the Egyptian Hotel / Restaurant / Catering (HoReCa) market.
While currently focused on dominating the Egyptian market with over 1,370 customers, OneOrder has set its sights on the wider GCC region. Their fall 2024 expansion plans will see them enter the United Arab Emirates initially, with a clear intention to establish a strong presence across the entire GCC.
Simply put, OneOrder is a company that helps hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses (often called HoReCa) order their supplies more easily and efficiently. They do this in a few ways:
- Online platform: OneOrder has a website and mobile app that businesses can use to order their supplies. This eliminates the need for them to call or email multiple suppliers.
- Warehousing: OneOrder has warehouses where they store supplies. This means that businesses can get their deliveries quickly and reliably.
- Data and Insights: OneOrder provides businesses with data about their ordering habits. This can help businesses save money by identifying areas where they can cut back on waste.
- Financing: OneOrder offers financing options to help businesses pay for their supplies.
- Integration: OneOrder can integrate with existing business systems, so that ordering supplies is a smooth process.
OneOrder’s competitive advantage lies in its unique blend of technology and human expertise. Their AI-powered platform streamlines processes, while the company’s focus on high-quality products, cost-effectiveness, and data-driven decision making provides significant value to customers.
Recognizing the transformative power of AI, OneOrder has actively recruited talent in this field. The recent implementation of an AI system that saves customers time and money highlights their commitment to continuous improvement and staying ahead of the curve.
The partnership with Commercial International Bank Egypt (CIB) enables flexible payment solutions for customers. Additionally, OneOrder is actively developing financing solutions using cards, further enhancing their service offerings.
