The Middle East’s Leading FoodTech Startup Expands with Ambitious Global Plans
Calo, the Middle East’s largest foodtech startup revolutionizing personalized meal subscriptions, has raised $25 million in its Series B funding round, led by Nuwa Capital. This funding will fuel the company’s plans for international expansion, following years of impressive growth in the GCC region, where it has delivered over 10 million meals in 2024 alone.
Rapid Growth and Investor Confidence
Calo’s rapid growth and impressive 100% CAGR from 2020 to 2024 have not gone unnoticed. The company’s commitment to making healthy food more accessible has caught the attention of major investors, including STV and Khwarizmi Ventures, who have returned for this round. Due to overwhelming demand, the Series B round was oversubscribed, with Calo extending the funding round to a total of $50 million, adding an additional $25 million in Q1 2025.
Ahmed Alrawi
Founder & CEO of Calo
Ahmed Alrawi was excited: “We’re inspired to think big and be ambitious. There’s no reason why we can’t export innovation from the region to the rest of the world.”
A Vision for Global Expansion
Calo’s current strategy includes global expansion, with plans to enter new markets in 2025. In addition to expanding into the retail sector with five new physical locations, the company is looking to make its first acquisition in Q1 2025 to further accelerate its growth.
The company’s personalized meal subscription model, powered by cutting-edge technology and AI, is already thriving in the GCC, with more than 10 million meals delivered in 2024. By focusing on healthy eating and addressing lifestyle-related diseases, Calo aims to provide convenient, nutritious options for people with diverse dietary needs.
The Health Movement: A Growing Market
The global quick-service restaurant market, valued at over $500 billion, is seeing a surge in demand for healthy options, and Calo aims to fill this gap. The startup is positioning itself as the future leader in the healthy food category, with a long-term goal of becoming one of the top 10 food brands globally.
Calo’s dedication to personalization, health, and innovation is already paying off, as evidenced by its nine-figure annualized revenue and growth across multiple regions.
Support from Investors
Nuwa Capital’s Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner, expressed his support for Calo’s mission: “Calo is reimagining how the world adopts healthy lifestyles. We are excited to return as investors, due to our deep conviction in Ahmed’s vision and Calo’s ability to build a category-leading technology business.
With the backing of investors and a clear roadmap for international growth, Calo is poised to revolutionize the global foodtech landscape. As it expands into new regions and continues to innovate with personalized meal options, Calo is setting its sights on a public listing by 2027, making it a brand to watch in the years ahead.
