Middle Eastern Startup Calo Redefines Meal Delivery with Personalized Nutrition
Imagine a world where your meal is not just delivered to your doorstep but tailored precisely to your nutritional needs. This is the reality that Calo, a Middle Eastern startup specializing in customized ready-to-eat meals, is bringing to life. With a fresh $25 million funding boost, led by Nuwa Capital and supported by returning investors Khwarizm Ventures and STV, Calo is on the cusp of expanding its unique offerings and delivery footprint.
The meal delivery industry in the Middle East is projected to soar to $11.2 billion by 2030, driven by the convenience-seeking habits of busy professionals. While giants like Careem, Deliveroo, and Talabat have capitalized on this trend, Calo stands apart by offering meal subscriptions finely tuned to dietary goals such as weight loss or muscle gain. The startup’s appeal lies in its dedication to those who care about the content of their meals, not just their arrival time.
“It is a powerful idea to deliver ready-to-eat meals that are nutritious, healthy, and customized to your needs,” said Khaled Talhouni, managing partner at Nuwa Capital.
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Calo’s innovative approach involves central kitchens in key cities across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. From these hubs, a fleet of 200 vans ensures timely deliveries of chilled meals that can be reheated at convenience. This model allows Calo to maintain lean operations while offering a variety of meal plans including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks—customizable with options like high protein or vegetarian.
- Calo served over 10 million meals this year.
- Meals range from $7 to $9 on average.
- 70% of revenue comes from Saudi Arabia.
- The UAE is expected to see exponential growth.
Calo’s CEO Ahmed Al Rawi envisions even deeper personalization for users, allowing them to tweak protein, carb, or fat portions or eliminate specific ingredients entirely. The company’s ambitious growth strategy includes acquiring a UK-based food startup to facilitate global expansion next year.
As Calo sets its sights on going public and achieving profitability by next year, it’s clear that this startup is more than just a meal delivery service—it’s a pioneer in personalized nutrition. By addressing the nuanced dietary needs of its customers with precision and convenience, Calo is not just feeding people; it’s empowering them to make healthier choices.
With the Series B round complete and total funding reaching $51 million, Calo’s journey is just beginning. As they explore new business models like retail kiosks and on-demand services, their ability to adapt and innovate will be key in maintaining momentum in an ever-evolving market.
