OneOrder, the innovative tech supply chain and logistics solution that has transformed the hotel, restaurant, and catering (HoReCa) sectors in Egypt, has announced a successful Series A funding round, securing $16 million in equity and debt. This pivotal investment will fuel OneOrder’s expansion into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, starting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The funding round was spearheaded by Delivery Hero Ventures, with significant participation from Norrsken22, Egypt-based Nclude, and A15.
Tackling Fragmentation in HoReCa Supply Chains
Tamer Amer, CEO of OneOrder, highlighted the chronic issues plaguing the HoReCa supply chain in Africa and the MENA region. The sector is characterized by fragmentation and manual processes involving numerous stakeholders, leading to inefficiencies such as limited price transparency, inadequate access to quality stock-keeping units (SKUs), high waste and storage costs, and insufficient financing for business growth.
“Restaurants and hotels typically work with hundreds of suppliers to maintain stock, receiving multiple daily deliveries that disrupt operations and still face shortages. Previous solutions have only digitized this fragmented process. OneOrder, however, streamlines the entire supply chain, serving as a comprehensive one-stop-shop with strategically located warehouses storing all necessary ingredients,” said Amer.
Revolutionizing Food Procurement with Technology
OneOrder’s platform, accessible via a web-based interface and mobile application, provides a personalized virtual warehouse for over 700 SKUs, complete with analytics and data management tools. This enables restaurants and hotels to order online efficiently, reduce costs, and access high-quality ingredients. Additionally, the platform integrates with ERP/POS systems, facilitating seamless financial transactions and payments.
The collaboration with Commercial International Bank Egypt (CIB) to enable variable payments via direct debit marks a significant milestone, illustrating the integration of advanced financial solutions within the platform. This innovation, traditionally offered by banks and financial institutions, underscores OneOrder’s commitment to providing a comprehensive technological solution to its clients.
“At OneOrder, we believe that combining technology and human creativity is crucial for success. Our approach empowers customers by automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on areas requiring human judgment. This strategy has enabled us to operate with a leaner team compared to traditional suppliers, demonstrating the efficiency of our tech-driven methods,” Amer added.
Expansion Plans and Strategic Goals
With the $16 million Series A funding, OneOrder is set to expand its footprint into the GCC region, encompassing Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, by autumn 2024. The company aims to enhance its financing solutions for customers, including introducing new card payment options and further developing its platform.
OneOrder’s innovative AI-assisted system, implemented over the past six months, has significantly improved the app’s efficiency, saving customers 60% in time and money. As a result, the company is actively recruiting talent in AI to bolster its capabilities and continue delivering cutting-edge solutions.
Investor Confidence and Market Potential
Brendon Blacker, Managing Partner at Delivery Hero Ventures, expressed confidence in OneOrder’s ability to revolutionize the HoReCa supply chain in the MENA region. “We are honored to lead OneOrder’s Series A round and expand our investment as the company transforms the HoReCa supply chain. This funding offers an exciting opportunity to extend the immense value OneOrder provides to a broader geographic area.”
Natalie Kolbe, General Partner at Norrsken22, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the potential for OneOrder to revolutionize HoReCa supply chains across Africa and beyond. “We are pleased to support OneOrder as our first investment in Egypt, recognizing the team’s expertise and the significant impact they can have in multiple markets.