Egypt-Based Nowlun Raises US$600,000 From Ingressive Capital

Cairo-based digital freight platform Nowlun has closed its seed round at US$2.3 million following a US$600,000 extension led by Ingressive Capital, a Pan-African tech-focused venture capital firm. 

The round builds on earlier funding led by Nama Ventures and A15, with participation from Sanabil 500 Global and a group of angel investors. That initial capital helped Nowlun enter the Saudi market and roll out its bulk product, a dynamic rates engine that offers instant access to sea freight options. 

Nowlun, founded by Moataz Khamis, Mahmoud Khaled, and Ahmed Emara in Cairo in 2021, streamlines the movement of full container load (FCL) and bulk cargo across the MENA region. The platform offers real-time tracking, price comparison, and instant updates—tools designed to simplify international shipping for regional businesses. 

In an interview with Inc. Arabia, Khamis, who is also the CEO of Nowlun, spoke about how the company is advancing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities across its operations. “AI is no longer a luxury in freight, it’s the new backbone," he said. "Beyond automation and tracking, AI is now enabling predictive shipment planning, exception management, and intelligent customer support. In markets where decisions often hinge on fluctuating port conditions, pricing volatility, and human-dependent processes, AI will become the navigator, not just the map.” 

Khamis noted that a core part of this push is the development of Nowlun’s AI-powered logistics assistant, designed specifically for ocean freight shippers in the MENA and Africa. “Our AI-powered logistics assistant, currently in development, is built to reshape freight management on both sides,” Khamis said. “For the team: it offers a shared knowledge base drawn from real shipment scenarios—enabling faster, smarter decisions. For customers: it’s a logistics manager at their fingertips—streamlining tasks, solving complex issues, and driving cost-saving, data-driven moves.” 

The company is therefore targeting persistent inefficiencies in ocean freight, especially those affecting small and medium-sized businesses. “Ocean freight remains plagued by manual quoting processes, inconsistent pricing, and a lack of real-time visibility,” Khamis noted. “These inefficiencies persist because many legacy systems weren’t built for flexibility, and digital adoption in freight has historically been slow.” 

Rather than attempting to disrupt from the top down, Nowlun is taking what it calls a “practical digitization” approach. “Nowlun is solving this by integrating dynamic pricing engines, instant booking tools, and an AI-driven logistics assistant that simplifies decision-making and enhances visibility,” Khamis explained. “What makes us unique is our focus on practical digitization: solving real operational pain points with immediate, usable tech rather than abstract innovation.” 

With Ingressive Capital now joining the enterprise as an investor, Nowlun is also looking to deepen its presence across Africa. “Having Ingressive Capital on board opens doors to deeper regional insight and strategic networks across sub-Saharan Africa—especially in high-growth markets,” Khamis said. “While Africa and MENA each have their own complexities, we see a clear convergence around the demand for more visibility, control, and efficiency. Our platform is built to meet those shared needs, with the flexibility to adapt to local dynamics.”  

That adaptability is key to Nowlun’s expansion plans in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia. “Egypt and Saudi Arabia are pivotal due to their strategic trade locations and their roles as regional economic anchors," Khamis said. "Egypt is our home base—complex, fast-paced, and an ideal proving ground for freight innovation. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is a growth engine with a strong appetite for modernization, driven by Vision 2030."  

He added that, while both markets require more streamlined supply chains, the company is adapting its technology to meet differing local expectations. “Saudi Arabian customers, influenced by Vision 2030's digital push, are highly receptive to advanced AI and automation for large-scale operational optimization,” Khamis explained. “In contrast, Egyptian customers often prioritize real-time clarity and enhanced communication flow to manage existing complex supply chains, valuing solutions that simplify intricate processes and provide immediate, accessible updates across diverse operational setups.” 

For founders navigating legacy-heavy sectors, Khamis advised a patient and practical execution model. “Patience is key—but not passivity,” Khamis said. “In freight, progress comes not by replacing legacy systems overnight but by integrating digital layers that solve real problems. Founders should build with empathy for how decisions are made on the ground, and design products that blend with daily workflows.” 

Ultimately, Khamis sees trust as central to their long-term success. “Above all, trust is currency,” he said. “You’re not just offering technology—you’re becoming part of someone’s supply chain. That’s a long-term relationship built on consistency, clarity, and delivery.”  

Pictured in the lead image are Nowlun co-founders Ahmed Emara, Moataz Khamis, and Mahmoud Khaled. Image courtesy Nowlun.