UAE Startup Qlub Secures $30 Million to Broaden Its QR-Payment Network
A Dubai-based fintech venture, Qlub, confirmed today the completion of a $30 million funding round, increasing its total investment haul to $72 million. The round was spearheaded by Shorooq Partners and Cherry Ventures and attracted new participation from Mubadala Investment Company, e&, China’s Legend Capital, and others.
Founded in 2021 by Eyad Alkassar and Mahmoud Fouz, Qlub offers a QR-based for‑table ordering and payment solution for restaurants. The platform eliminates traditional payment delays by allowing diners to access menus, place orders, split bills, tip staff, and pay using smartphones without needing an app, according to the company’s statement reported by Finextra.
Qlub claims deployment in thousands of venues across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia, Korea, and Brazil. Its system reportedly handles billions of dollars in transactions annually and serves several million users each month. Participating chains include Paul Café, Wagamama, Sushi Samba, and La Petite Maison, where restaurateurs say they have seen a dramatic rise in tips, improved operational efficiency, shorter queues, and stronger online reviews following implementatio.
Investors praised Qlub’s early traction and its alignment with evolving dining habits. Mahmoud Adi of Shorooq commented that Qlub represents “a new infrastructure for how hospitality should work in a digital‑first world,” while Filip Dames of Cherry Ventures noted the company’s strong product focus and execution in emerging markets. Mubadala’s Khalifa Alshamsi emphasized the relevance of Qlub’s technology amid the region’s ongoing digital transformation.
Qlub intends to deploy the new capital toward expanding into more markets, upgrading its analytics capabilities to offer deeper customer insights for restaurant partners, and forming strategic alliances within hospitality and payment ecosystems. Co‑founders Alkassar and Fouz said the goal is to make restaurant payments “ten times faster” and establish Qlub as the global standard for dining payments.
By 2023, Qlub had already raised $42 million across seed and Series A rounds. The latest $30 million brings the total to $72 million. Past investors include Point Nine, Heartcore, STV, Raed Ventures, and FinTech Collective. Earlier rounds totaled $17 million in 2022 and $25 million in 2023.
Analysts point out that digital hospitality is gaining momentum across the Middle East. A recent DealStreetAsia report highlighted that MENA could produce up to 250 unicorns by 2030, signaling strong interest in tech-driven sectors, including foodservice fintech. While competition from global providers such as Toast and Revel Systems may intensify, Qlub has prioritized rapid onboarding (reportedly under 24 hours) and integrations with local POS systems to support swift adoption.
As digital transactions become more common in restaurants worldwide, Qlub aims to reinforce its lead in contactless payments. Its strategy combines quick implementation, data analytics, and international scaling, signaling a broader transition in how diners and restaurants interact at the table.
Qlub’s move could influence competitors and investors alike, particularly in regions where consumers prefer contactless experiences and spend time dining out. The expansion will place the company in more competitive markets and may test its ability to adapt to varied regulatory environments.
