UAE-based B2B marketplace Plain Tiger has secured an undisclosed investment from COREangelsMEA, a member of COREangels International. This funding will support Plain Tiger’s mission to help hotels transition to sustainable supply chains, saving time, reducing costs, and minimizing their environmental impact.
Founded in 2021 by Alexandra Polson and Oliver Baillie, Plain Tiger’s platform connects hotels with verified eco-friendly suppliers, offering comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data to streamline procurement processes and improve operational efficiency.
Strategic Expansion and Growth
Plain Tiger plans to use this investment to enhance its platform and expand its reach in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Saudi market. This follows the company’s previous funding round in May 2024 from AngelSpark, marking another milestone in their growth journey.
COREangelsMEA’s Investment Approach
The investment from COREangelsMEA stems from its fourth investment committee meeting held in July 2024, where it received over 750 applications from startups across the region. After a rigorous selection process, five startups were chosen to pitch their ideas to business angels, and Plain Tiger emerged as a key investment. The African Business Angel Network (ABAN) also participated as a co-investment partner.
COREangelsMEA operates a unique investment model in the region, combining financial returns with social impact. This model, backed by a Venture Studio ecosystem, provides startups not only with capital but also with comprehensive venture development services. The partnership with Kemtix Ventures, the venture arm of PTS Investments Holdings, enables COREangelsMEA to offer hands-on guidance from seasoned business angels, or “Archangels,” helping startups scale and innovate while mitigating risks.
Driving Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry
Maha Mandour, Founding Partner of COREangelsMEA and Executive Chairperson of PTS Investments Holdings, emphasized the importance of investing in startups aligned with sustainability values. She stated, “Supporting startups that align with our values of sustainability and impact is essential for driving meaningful change. Plain Tiger exemplifies a company that offers both a strong business proposition and contributes to a more sustainable future. By backing startups like Plain Tiger, we help create a positive impact that extends beyond financial returns.”
Oliver Baillie, Co-Founder and CEO of Plain Tiger, highlighted how COREangelsMEA’s support will accelerate the company’s innovation and leadership in the B2B hospitality sector. “With their backing, we are well-positioned to drive the adoption of sustainable solutions, helping the industry and hotels within it achieve their net-zero commitments. This investment will allow us to further develop our platform and expand into the Middle East, particularly the Saudi market, driving both economic and environmental benefits for the hospitality industry.”
Alexandra Polson, Co-Founder of Plain Tiger, added, “We’re delighted to partner with COREAngelsMEA and leverage their network’s extensive experience to achieve our mission of promoting sustainable production and consumption globally. This investment will enable us to accelerate hotels’ sustainability journeys.”
A Regional and International Impact
Fadilah Tchoumba, CEO of the African Business Angel Network (ABAN), emphasized the broader impact of COREangelsMEA’s model. “Under Maha Mandour’s leadership, COREangelsMEA continues to redefine angel investing in the MEA region by offering mentorship, strategic support, and a robust venture studio model. Their investment in Plain Tiger demonstrates how strategic partnerships can accelerate sustainable innovation. This aligns with ABAN’s vision of building strong early-stage investment ecosystems across Africa, fostering impactful and purpose-driven businesses.”
Looking Ahead
With COREangelsMEA’s backing and a strong commitment to sustainability, Plain Tiger is poised to further drive innovation in the hospitality sector, providing eco-friendly solutions to hotels across the Middle East and beyond, while contributing to the global push for sustainability.
This latest investment marks a pivotal moment for Plain Tiger as it expands its reach and influence, offering environmental and economic benefits to the hospitality industry, and shaping a more sustainable future for businesses in the region.
Read Also: LabLabee Secures $3.4 Million in Seed Funding
العربية (Arabic) To read the article in Arabic, click here
