Entering a Thriving Market
Egypt-based supply chain tech startup Qara is setting its sights on Saudi Arabia. It is using a fresh $2.6 million funding round to fuel its expansion. The company will build a local team, roll out its technology, and tackle supply chain challenges in the Kingdom, particularly in traceability and product authentication.
“This investment allows us to scale quickly, set up operations, and deploy our solutions in a market that’s primed for innovation,” said Hassan Abouzeed, Qara’s Founder and CEO.
Saudi Arabia’s Strong Support for Tech Startups
Qara’s expansion is receiving a significant boost from Saudi Arabia’s National Technology Development Program (NTDP) Relocate Initiative. Additionally, the initiative provides financial support, access to local partners, and regulatory assistance. Therefore, making it easier for startups to establish themselves in the country.
“The NTDP Relocate Initiative played a key role in making our entry into Saudi Arabia smooth and efficient,” Abouzeed explained. “The Kingdom is positioning itself as a regional tech powerhouse, and the support we received reflects its commitment to attracting innovative businesses.”
Digital Transformation in Line with Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s push for digital transformation is another reason why Qara sees this market as the perfect fit. In effect, the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy has created a business environment where companies are eager to adopt digital solutions that boost efficiency, security, and transparency—all areas where Qara thrives.
“Our platform is built to combat counterfeiting and increase supply chain visibility,” Abouzeed said. “It gives producers the ability to trace their products from production to the end consumer, ensuring authenticity and building trust.”
Unique Tech Solutions for a Growing Market
Qara’s digital ecosystem allows businesses to assign unique digital identities to their products, track distribution in real-time, and strengthen customer relationships. Moreover, this has proven especially valuable in regions like the Middle East and Africa, where fragmented supply chains often face visibility issues.
“What sets us apart is our ability to directly connect producers and consumers, not just trace and authenticate products,” Abouzeed said. “As Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector grows, our solutions will play a key role in ensuring secure and transparent supply chains.”
Strategic Hiring and Partnerships
With funding secured, Qara’s immediate focus is on building a strong local team and establishing strategic partnerships. In addition, the company has already started hiring sales and product professionals and is prioritizing tech roles to drive its solutions forward.
“We’re bringing in local talent who understand the market and business culture,” Abouzeed noted. “We’ve also partnered with loyalty program provider Walaplus to expand our points redemption network in Saudi Arabia.”
Aiming for Strong Revenue Growth
Qara is targeting 15-20% of its total revenue from Saudi Arabia within the first year. The company sees strong demand in sectors like pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and consumer goods, where product authenticity and traceability are essential.
“With Vision 2030’s focus on food security and electronics, we expect even greater demand for digital supply chain solutions,” Abouzeed added.
Future Expansion Plans
Once operations in Saudi Arabia are solidified, Qara plans to expand further into the GCC, with UAE and Qatar as the next priorities. The company also sees opportunities in Kuwait and Oman, where businesses are rapidly adopting digital technologies.
A Sustainable and Profitable Growth Strategy
Despite economic uncertainties, Qara has continued to grow steadily. The company has remained profitable since its inception, with annual growth of two to three times.
“Our ability to build a sustainable and profitable model, even in challenging market conditions, made this funding round successful,” Abouzeed said.
With its Saudi expansion well underway, Qara is positioning itself as a leader in supply chain innovation across the Middle East.
