Qlub secures USD 30 mn in funding: Dubai-based dining payment platform Qlub raised USD 30 mn in a funding round co-led by Shorooq Partners and Cherry Ventures, with participation from other investors including e&, Mubadala Investments, and Legend Capital, according to a press release (pdf). The funding round was entirely equity-based, co-founder Mahmoud Fouz told EnterpriseAM.

What’s next? The startup intends to allocate the funds equally between product development and market expansion, Fouz told us. Qlub will also use the funds to bolster its partner network to include more hospitality and tech firms, and integrate data analytics into its platform for customer preference insights, the press release said.

An eye for expansion: The startup will focus on growing within the GCC region while evaluating entry into other high-potential markets outside the region, though specific target countries are still being assessed, Fouz stated. Qlub currently operates in nine markets: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Brazil, and South Korea.

About Qlub: Founded in 2021 by Eyad Alkassar (LinkedIn) and Fouz (LinkedIn), Qlub provides QR-based solutions that allow diners to view menus, place orders, and pay bills through their smartphone. The tech startup processes several bns of USD in payments annually for clients like Wagamama and Paul Café.

Background: Qlub previously raised USD 42 mn from earlier rounds, and made LinkedIn’s top UAE startups list last year. The ranking was based on four performance indicators, including employee development, jobseeker interest, firm and employee engagement, and success in attracting talents from top companies.

Bloomberg also had the story.

OTHER STARTUP NEWS-

Ellington backs proptech firm Keyper in investment partnership: Dubai-based developer Ellington Properties invested in proptech Keyper to integrate digital rental management and payment solutions into its offerings, according to a press release. EnterpriseAM UAE was unable to reach representatives from Ellington ahead of dispatch.

What we know: Ellington aims to integrate real-time portfolio tracking, automated rent collection, and construction progress updates into its offerings. The collaboration will introduce features such as live market data and in-app financing options, as well as an upcoming post-handover financing product.

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