Egyptian-based Qme, a vibrant B2B SaaS startup, has raised $3 million in seed funding, marking a major advancement for tech innovation in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA).

This funding round was led by AHOY, a leading multisector technology company, alongside a group of angel investors from the GCC.

The funds will support Qme’s mission to address long-standing inefficiencies in appointment booking and queuing systems across MENA, a region characterised by outdated methods that waste both time and resources.

Tackling MENA’s Persistent Queuing Issues with AI

At the heart of Qme’s platform is artificial intelligence, designed to optimise customer journeys and reduce the time individuals spend standing in line.

In MENA, inefficient queuing systems have become a daily inconvenience, with people wasting an average of six months of their lives in lines.

The problem is further made worse by outdated phone booking systems, which account for 92% of appointments in key sectors and contribute to a shocking 31% no-show rate. These inefficiencies cost businesses time, money, and customer satisfaction.

Qme’s AI-powered solution tackles these challenges by streamlining the entire appointment booking and queuing process.

By replacing traditional, paper-based systems with digital solutions, Qme is transforming the way businesses and governments interact with their customers, reducing waiting times and eliminating no-shows.

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AHOY’s Strategic Role in Qme’s Growth

As a regional tech pioneer, AHOY’s expertise in logistics, aviation, and traffic management will be invaluable in supporting Qme’s expansion.

Through this partnership, Qme gains access to advanced technology and a wealth of market knowledge, which will be crucial as it scales in vibrant and complex markets.

“We’re incredibly excited about our partnership with AHOY, which strengthens our ability to optimise real-world scenarios while enhancing the customer experience,” said Maged Negm, CEO and Co-Founder of Qme. “AHOY’s operational excellence and robust tech stack are critical to our growth as we navigate new and evolving markets.”

One of the most notable outcomes of this collaboration is the addition of Jamil Shinawi, CEO of AHOY, to Qme’s Advisors Committee.

With Shinawi’s extensive experience and AHOY’s multi-sector approach, Qme is on track to further its mission of transforming queuing systems across the MENA region and beyond.

Remarkable Achievements Since Launch

Since its commercial launch in Q4 2023, Qme has already demonstrated impressive results. The company has served over 100,000 customers across key sectors such as healthcare, banking, and government.

In the healthcare sector, for example, Qme has reduced average waiting times from 116 minutes to just 14 minutes. The platform has also significantly decreased no-show rates for phone bookings, bringing them down to less than 1%.

Additionally, Qme’s transition from paper-based to digital queuing systems has saved an estimated 50,000 square metres of paper.

These outcomes not only illustrate Qme’s capacity to drive real-world change but also highlight its potential to scale across the region and globally.

As Jamil Shinawi, CEO of AHOY, commented, “Qme’s platform aligns perfectly with our ethos of reducing friction in everyday processes. Their ability to streamline the customer journey complements AHOY’s mission of solving inefficiencies through innovation.”

AHOY’s Startup Builder Initiative

Qme’s partnership with AHOY is further strengthened through its inclusion in AHOY’s Startup Builder Initiative. This programme is designed to empower 10,000 entrepreneurs and support 30,000 software developers in the MENA region by 2030.

The initiative focuses on encouraging exponential innovation in sectors such as transportation, aviation, and smart city development,areas that are critical to Qme’s future growth.

By participating in this programme, Qme is positioned to benefit from AHOY’s extensive network and resources, which will help accelerate its technology development and regional penetration.

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Looking Ahead: The Path to Global Expansion

The $3 million seed funding marks a significant moment in Qme’s journey. With this investment, Qme will enhance its technology stack, expand its operations, and deepen its partnerships.

Together with AHOY, Qme is set to redefine how businesses and governments manage customer interactions, aiming to eliminate inefficiencies and create smoother, more efficient systems across the globe.

For Qme, the future is bright, with ambitions to become a leading player in the AI-driven SaaS space and drive significant improvements in appointment booking and queuing systems worldwide.

As they continue to innovate and scale, Qme is setting the stage for a future where the inefficiencies of today are no longer a burden.