Morocco’s startup ecosystem has reached a new milestone. ORA Technologies, backed by the Azur Innovation Fund, has acquired Cathedis, a leading e-commerce logistics provider. This marks the first-ever merger between Moroccan startups financed entirely with local capital, setting a precedent for homegrown innovation and investment.
The acquisition positions ORA as a central player in Morocco’s digital economy, combining fintech, foodtech, and logistics into one integrated ecosystem.
Building Morocco’s Digital Powerhouse
Founded in 2023 by Omar Alami, ORA Technologies has quickly become one of Morocco’s most promising scale-ups. The ORA superapp combines multiple services, including:
- Peer-to-peer payments and upcoming digital wallet (ORA Cash)
- On-demand food delivery through Kooul
- Integrated e-commerce and social networking
- Real-time chat and marketplace services
By adding Cathedis, ORA now controls the entire e-commerce value chain — from digital payments to logistics — enabling faster, more reliable online commerce.
Omar Alami said, “We’re not just building apps; we’re building infrastructure to make e-commerce accessible to everyone. Cathedis fits perfectly into our vision of a connected and forward-looking digital Morocco.”
Strengthening E-Commerce and Financial Inclusion
The merger builds on ORA’s goal of creating a 360-degree digital ecosystem tailored to Morocco’s local market. The company’s three strategic pillars now include:
- Kooul: Reinventing food delivery through fair pricing for restaurants, couriers, and customers.
- ORA Cash: A mobile wallet digitizing cash-on-delivery payments to promote financial inclusion.
- Cathedis: A last-mile logistics player enhancing the supply chain and delivery experience.
This combination empowers Moroccan consumers and businesses with faster payments, better delivery, and greater access to digital services under one brand.
A Landmark Move for Local Investment
While Cathedis had attracted international interest, ORA and Azur Innovation Fund chose to keep the acquisition 100% Moroccan-funded. This move highlights the maturity and confidence of Morocco’s startup ecosystem.
A spokesperson from Azur Innovation Fund stated, “This merger marks a turning point. Moroccan startups are consolidating to create national champions. It reflects digital sovereignty and economic confidence.”
The deal also represents Morocco’s first liquidity event between two local startups, signaling the ecosystem’s evolution toward scalable and sustainable growth.
A Step Toward Digital Sovereignty
With over USD 12 million raised from Moroccan investors, ORA has achieved the largest locally funded round in the country’s startup history. The company’s mission, “E-Morocco for Everyone,” aims to make digital access inclusive, local, and sustainable.
This acquisition is more than a business move — it’s a symbol of Morocco’s digital independence. It proves that startups in the country can grow, merge, and scale globally without relying on foreign capital, setting the stage for a new generation of national tech champions.