Lola Nets US$1.3 Million Pre-Seed Funding For GCC Expansion
The funding will enable the Bahrain-based startup to enhance its technology, optimize operations, and introduce new product categories.
Bahrain-based foodtech startup Lola has raised US$1.3 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Saudi Arabia-based Vision Ventures and UAE-based Plus VC, along with other angel investors.
The investment is set to support the company's expansion into Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region, further strengthening its position in the personalized gifting market.
Founded in 2023 by Othman Janahi, Lola offers a customizable cake-ordering service through its mobile app. Since launching in Bahrain in September 2023, the company has expanded to Riyadh in July 2024 and the UAE in December 2024. Now, with plans to enter key Saudi cities, including Jeddah and the Eastern Province, Lola aims to grow its presence in the Kingdom’s foodtech and gifting market.
In an interview with Inc. Arabia, Janahi, CEO of Lola, said, “This investment allows us to scale aggressively in key cities like Jeddah and Dammam, where demand for premium, personalized gifting is growing rapidly. Beyond Saudi, we’re also expanding further in the UAE and exploring strategic entry into new GCC markets.”
The funding will also enable Lola to enhance its technology, optimize operations, and introduce new product categories, as the company streamlines its services and provides a seamless ordering experience, the CEO said. “Our competitive edge lies in technology, efficiency, and experience personalization,” Janahi explained. “Unlike the traditional route, Lola’s platform allows customers to fully design their cakes in-app, ensuring a seamless, interactive, and engaging ordering process. Customization at scale is a challenge, but we’ve built a smart production system that allows us to handle high-volume personalized orders without bottlenecks.”
As Lola continues to expand, the company sees significant potential beyond cakes in the personalized gifting industry. “Customization is what makes Lola special, and it will remain at the heart of everything we do,” Janahi stated. “The gifting market is highly competitive, but few brands offer true personalization at scale. The challenge is balancing speed, affordability, and creativity, but we’ve built a tech-driven model that can evolve beyond cakes into other personalized gifting solutions. We’re excited for what’s next.”
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Janahi highlighted the complexities of scaling a consumer brand in new markets. “The biggest challenge we faced was expanding into new markets while ensuring a seamless customer experience,” he noted. “Each market has its own preferences, logistics, and challenges, so localization is key. For founders, my advice is to stay adaptable, listen to your customers, and invest in a strong operational foundation—scaling a consumer brand isn’t just about demand, it’s about delivering consistently at every stage.”
Pictured on image is Othman Janahi, founder and CEO, Lola. Image courtesy Lola.
