Ex-Lazada, Snapp execs’ restaurant payments firm raises $17m in seed money

Qlub, a global firm that provides payments software for restaurants, has raised US$17 million in a seed round co-led by Cherry Ventures and Point Nine. C-level executives from food industry majors such as Delivery Hero also invested.

Qlub founding team members Mahmoud Fouz (left) and Eyad Alkassar / Photo credit: Qlub

Based in the United Arab Emirates, Qlub allows customers to instantly pay for their orders by scanning a QR code – even without an app or any registration. It also allows multiple diners who use Apple Pay, credit cards, or installment services to split their bill.

The startup has already launched in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India. It’s expected to roll out in other international markets in the coming weeks.

Qlub was established by Arun Sharma, Eyad Alkassar, Filiberto Pavan, Gizem Bodur, Jeff Matsuda, Jianggan Li, John Mady, Mahmoud Fouz, Oscar Bedoya, and Ramy Omar. They have previously set up and scaled companies like Lazada, Namshi, and Snapp, according to a statement.

See also: Series SEA: Who’s investing in the region’s fintech startups?

Other investors in Qlub’s seed round include:

• STV
• Raed Ventures
• Heartcore
• Shorooq Partners
• FinTech Collective