• UAE-based cloud kitchen The Cloud has raised $12 million in funding from MENA Moonshots as part of the $30 million Series B it is trying to raise, including debt financing from Aluna Partners.
• The Cloud, a B2B2C foodtech startup founded in 2019 by Kamil Rogalinski and Georges Karam, enables restaurant owners to boost kitchen utilisation by housing outside food delivery companies.
• With plans to expand into Lithuania, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK, The Cloud has acquaired the UK-based foodtech company KBOX, adding to its worldwide portfolio of 200 locations.
• The Cloud raised a $10 million Series A round in September 2022, led by Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP) and Olayan Financing Company, with participation from Rua Growth Fund. This raises the total amount of investment in the company to $22 million.

Press release: 

The Cloud, a Hub71 food tech startup, has announced the successful first close of its $12 million Series B funding round out of a total $30 million it is raising. The funding round saw participation from a new investor, MENA Moonshots, showcasing confidence in The Cloud's mission to innovate and expand.

This milestone, coupled with debt financing from Aluna Partners, and the strategic acquisition of the UK-based food tech startup KBOX, marks a significant stride for The Cloud, founded by Georges Karam, towards redefining the virtual dining landscape in the UAE, the wider GCC region, and Europe.

In a move to solidify its position as a homegrown UAE-based startup making significant inroads on the global stage, The Cloud's acquisition of KBOX strategically expands its footprint by 200 locations in the UK. This move underlines the company's commitment to driving innovation and asserting leadership in the food tech sector, setting the stage for expansion across the UK and other GCC and European markets such as Saudi Arabia, Lithuania, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The Series B funding, a balanced mix of equity and debt, is a testament to The Cloud's robust business model and its vision. Having initially raised $10 million in Series A funding, this round brings The Cloud’s total funds raised to $22 million, which highlights the company's capacity to attract strategic partners like MENA Moonshots. The investments extend beyond capital, providing invaluable expertise and access to networks as The Cloud ambitiously eyes new markets and innovative dining solutions. 

Georges Karam, CEO of The Cloud, shared his enthusiasm for the new developments, stating: “Our Series B funding and the KBOX acquisition reinforce our position as innovators in the global food tech landscape. Having raised a total of $22 million, we are now focused on enhancing our market presence in the UAE and beyond. Our in-house developed technology and proactive acquisition strategy reflect our vision for industry consolidation and our commitment to scaling strong homegrown brands internationally. Looking forward, we continue to actively eye more strategic acquisitions while also seeking to raise further capital.”

Stefano Sciacca, Managing Director at Aluna Partners, said, “The online food delivery market is a mega trend that is here to stay. We believe that The Cloud will gain a significant market share in the UK market through the acquisition of KBOX. Having looked at many food tech business models, we believe The Cloud is emerging as a global market leader and are excited to support such a fast-growing venture.” 

The additional capital from the Series B funding will be instrumental in accelerating growth, with a significant portion earmarked for international expansion, enhancing operational capabilities, and further developing The Cloud's proprietary technology platform.

With a presence in 7 countries and 91 cities, and ambitions to reach 8,000 locations by the end of 2027, The Cloud is on track for a dual listing in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, marking a new era of growth for the virtual chain in the EMEA region. As the company advances on this growth trajectory, it remains committed to its mission of transforming the global dining experience, empowering restaurateurs, and setting new benchmarks for quality and innovation in the food tech industry.