Cairo-based startup Qme closed a USD 3 mn seed round led by UAE-based technology company Ahoy and GCC angel investors, the company said in a statement (pdf). Ahoy CEO Jamil Shinawi will also join the startup’s advisory committee.

Qme? The local startup bills itself as Africa’s first “AI-based digital infrastructure platform integrating booking, queuing, analytics, and payment solutions.” Its stated mission is to cut down the six months that it says everyone spends in queues over their lifetimes. The company has so far clocked in over 100k customers since its commercial launch in 4Q 2023 and claims that it has reduced waiting times from 116 minutes to only 14 minutes.

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What’s the money for? The fresh funds will go toward developing the tech it uses, expand its reach, and build partnerships. The startup's partnership with Ahoy will also allow it to “gain access to cutting-edge technology and extensive market expertise.”

What they said: “Our partnership with Ahoy is a major milestone, as it strengthens our ability to optimize movement in dynamic, real-world scenarios while transforming customer experiences. Ahoy’s operational excellence and robust tech stack are invaluable as we scale in vibrant markets,” CEO and Co-Founder Maged Negm said.

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