(MENAFN- The Arabian Post)

Fintech firm Qlub has raised $30 million in a funding round aimed at accelerating its global expansion and deepening its technological capabilities. The Dubai-based startup, known for digitising the dining experience, has drawn strong investor interest as it scales operations across Asia, the Middle East, and other international markets.

The funding round was co-led by UAE-headquartered Shorooq Partners and Berlin-based Cherry Ventures, marking a cross-border vote of confidence in Qlub's model. It also drew participation from key regional and global investors including Mubadala Investments, telecom operator e&, and China's Legend Capital.

The new capital injection will support Qlub's plans to grow its footprint in existing markets and enter new geographies with high consumer adoption of mobile technology. Company executives confirmed that a portion of the funds will also go towards research and development to enhance the platform's features and user interface, as competition intensifies in the contactless payments and restaurant tech segments.

Founded in 2021 by entrepreneurs Eyad Alkassar and Mahmoud Fouz, Qlub's core offering centres around allowing restaurant-goers to scan a QR code, view the menu, place their orders, and settle their bills-entirely through their smartphones. The solution eliminates the need for physical menus or waiting for the bill, a feature that gained strong traction during the pandemic and has continued to see widespread adoption.

Qlub's technology is now present in over 3,000 restaurants across a wide range of markets, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Brazil, Qatar, Kuwait, and South Korea. Its growing restaurant base reflects the increasing demand for seamless, digital-first dining experiences in both mature and emerging economies.

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The company's rapid scaling has been underpinned by a clear focus on efficiency and user convenience. Qlub's interface requires no app download, allowing customers to interact directly via web-based QR codes. For restaurants, the system integrates with existing point-of-sale infrastructure and offers data insights on user behaviour, order preferences, and turnaround times.

Executives have noted that the company's expansion into markets like Brazil and Australia illustrates the versatility of its product beyond the Middle East and Asia. Despite the diversity of markets, Qlub has identified common challenges in traditional restaurant payment processes and leveraged technology to simplify them.

The entry of Mubadala and e& into the investor pool reflects rising interest from institutional players in homegrown fintech platforms. Both entities have been backing regional startups as part of broader diversification strategies aimed at building innovation-led digital economies. Their participation is also expected to provide strategic synergies as Qlub seeks deeper integration in key verticals, such as digital wallets and telecom-powered payment systems.

Legend Capital's involvement adds a China-based backer to Qlub's investor base, opening potential gateways into East Asian markets. Qlub's existing presence in Hong Kong and South Korea has shown strong user engagement, with plans underway to increase the density of its partner restaurants in those locations.

Cherry Ventures, one of the round's lead investors, has a track record of supporting early-stage tech companies with high-growth potential. Its involvement signals increasing European interest in MENA-born startups that show scalability and strong fundamentals.

Alkassar and Fouz, who previously founded and led successful ventures, have built Qlub on the premise that mobile-led consumer journeys are not a luxury but a necessity for the modern restaurant. Both founders have emphasised that the new funding will also go into building local teams and customising features to suit specific market needs.

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The digital payments and restaurant tech sector has seen intensified competition, particularly from players in Southeast Asia and Latin America, where startups like Tabit, Sunday, and Mr Yum are also offering QR-based ordering platforms. However, Qlub's plug-and-play model, multilingual interface, and merchant analytics dashboard have helped it gain traction quickly and sustain user engagement.

Qlub is now actively exploring partnerships with major foodservice chains, aiming to scale more rapidly in urban hubs and tourism-driven destinations. The company also plans to invest in AI-enabled features that personalise the customer experience, such as dynamic menu recommendations and voice-based ordering.

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