In a strategic move to expand its footprint in the North African market, Yassir, a leading African mobility and delivery service, has acquired KooL, a Tunisian startup specializing in food delivery.
Founded in 2021, KooL quickly established itself as a dominant player in the competitive Tunis food delivery market, known for its exceptional service quality and exclusive partnerships with prestigious Tunisian brands.
Yassir, founded by Algerian entrepreneur Noureddine Tayebi, has emerged as a key player in the African tech scene. The company raised $193 million in total funding, with $150 million coming from a Series B round. Yassir’s backers include renowned Silicon Valley investors such as Sequoia Capital, BOND, Quiet Capital, DN Capital, and P1 Ventures. Participation in Y Combinator, a prestigious startup accelerator, further underscores Yassir’s potential and credibility.
The acquisition aims to leverage synergies between the two companies, with both brands continuing to operate independently while collaborating to redefine the Tunisian delivery landscape.
“We are thrilled to welcome KooL to the Yassir family,” said a Yassir spokesperson. “Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our values. Together, we believe we can revolutionize the delivery experience for Tunisian consumers.”
This acquisition marks another significant step in Yassir’s expansion across Africa, following its recent investments in the French grocery delivery market through its involvement in the Flink France acquisition. The company’s commitment to innovation and growth is evident in its diverse portfolio of services, which includes ride-hailing, food delivery, and digital payments.
The Yassir-KooL deal is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the Tunisian tech ecosystem, fostering innovation and attracting further investment to the region. Industry analysts see this as a testament to the growing maturity of North African startups and their ability to compete on a global scale.
While the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, the strategic implications are clear. Yassir is positioning itself as a major player in the African tech scene, with a growing presence in key markets. KooL, under Yassir’s umbrella, is poised to accelerate its growth and expand its reach beyond Tunis.
The combined strengths of these two companies are expected to reshape the Tunisian delivery market, offering consumers a wider range of choices and enhanced service quality. As the African tech landscape continues to evolve, this acquisition serves as a reminder of the continent’s growing influence in the global tech arena.
Last year, Yassir played a crucial role in rescuing Flink France, a company specializing in express grocery delivery. This came after the liquidations of industry giants Gorillas and Getir, which left over 1,300 employees in limbo. A consortium led by Guillaume Luscan, Flink France’s current general manager, alongside the German parent company and Yassir, secured the future of 270 employees, although approximately 200 positions were unfortunately lost.
