• UAE-based traveltech The Digital Hotelier, has closed a Seed round of $1 million from the Silicon Valley-based VC firm Plug and Play, Bahrain’s Hope Funds, and a group of angel investors.
• Established in 2022 by Ali Fouad and Qutaiba Alali, TDH is a provider of multilingual hotel software that optimises the guest reservation procedure.
• The Digital Hotelier will utilise the additional financial infusion to further its product development and expand its market presence.
• During its participation in the Beban TV programme, The Digital Hotelier secured a $200,000 investment from Plug and Play and Hope Ventures as part of the Seed round.

Press release:

At The Digital Hotelier, we are thrilled to announce the successful closure of our seed funding round, securing a significant $1 million investment from esteemed partners including Plug and Play, Hope Funds, and a group of visionary angel investors.

On the other hand, Hope Ventures, the investment arm of Hope Fund in the Kingdom of Bahrain, co-invests USD 200k alongside Silicon Valley-based early-stage investor ‘Plug and Play’ in “The Digital Hotelier” through the fifth episode of the entrepreneurship-themed reality television show ‘Beban Season 3.’

Founded in 2022 by Qutaiba Alali and Ali Fouad, The Digital Hotelier has been at the forefront of revolutionising the hospitality industry with our innovative software solutions. Today, we proudly share news of our latest achievement that will catapult us into a new era of growth and development.

Our platform provides a seamless experience for guests, allowing them to effortlessly book and pay for a myriad of services at hotels, including room service, spas, food, and entertainment. Beyond traditional hotels, our solution extends its reach to hotel apartments and holiday homes offering short stays, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient experience for every traveller.

The $1 million investment will play a pivotal role in fueling our expansion plans and driving further advancements in our product offerings. As we witness a boom in the hospitality industry, with major events creating a surge in demand, The Digital Hotelier is well-positioned to meet and exceed the evolving needs of our valued clients and guests.

Qutaiba Alali, co-founder and CEO of The Digital Hotelier, expressed his excitement about the company's achievements, highlighting successful collaborations with major brands in the hospitality sector and partnerships with the region's premier service providers.

"We take immense pride in our journey so far. The Digital Hotelier has not only become a trusted name in the industry but has also formed strategic partnerships with major brands. In a thriving hospitality landscape, our platform stands ready to cater to the dynamic needs of guests and clients," said Alali.

Looking ahead, Alali emphasised the transformative impact of the funding on The Digital Hotelier's trajectory. "The funds raised will be instrumental in elevating our product, introducing cutting-edge features, and enhancing the overall experience for our clients and guests. Our expansion plans involve reaching new horizons and making our mark on the global stage. Partnering with prestigious investors such as Plug and Play, and Hope Funds, strengthens our market position and propels us into exciting opportunities."

Fajer Saleh Al Pachachi, General Manager at Hope Ventures, said: “We are thrilled to announce Hope’s investment in The Digital Hotelier. Our ethos is to co-invest in promising entrepreneurs with strategic investors who can drive the growth of our portfolio companies, and this investment alongside Plug and Play is a great example. Plug and Play boasts a great track record, having propelled more than 30 unicorns and over 150 companies valued at over EUR 100 million. By combining our resources and expertise, I am confident that The Digital Hotelier will have access to the capital, expertise, and networks required to accelerate the success of their startup in the rapidly evolving travel industry.”

Abdulla Alakeel, Country Director at Plug and Play, commented, "We're excited to announce our investment in The Digital Hotelier, a member of the Plug and Play family that took part in our Cohort 5 Misk Accelerator. At Plug and Play, we believe that collaboration is a key driver for innovation and creating meaningful impact. Our investment in The Digital Hotelier reflects our commitment to work with exceptional local founders who are changing the game in their respective industries within Saudi Arabia."

It is noteworthy to mention that the Beban TV show is the region’s first private-public investment platform through its partnerships with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (UAE), the SME Development Authority (Oman), GFH Capital (KSA), Zain Kuwait and the Sabah Al Ahmad Centre for Giftedness and Creativity (Kuwait), and the Labour Fund Tamkeen (Bahrain).

Beban season 3 was filmed in the Middle East’s newest exhibition and convention centre, Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), and showcases 41 businesses from across the MENA region as they pitch in front of a panel of regional, reputable investors for equity investment and strategic business development opportunities that can accelerate the growth of these businesses into new markets.

A new episode of Beban will air every Wednesday of this month. You can watch the next episode airing on February 7th, 2024, on Bahrain TV at 6 PM (+3GMT), Oman TV Cultural at 9:10 PM (+3GMT), AlRai TV at 9:30 PM (+3GMT), SBC Channel at 10 PM (+3GMT), or anytime on Shahid.