Doha-based logistics startup ShipBee has raised $235,000 in a pre-seed round led by Qatar-based GrowthX, with participation from two angel investors and $40,000 in bootstrapped capital from the founding team. The round values the early-stage company at $1 million, marking a significant step forward for one of the country’s emerging tech-driven logistics players.
Founded in March 2024 by Tamer Raafat and Amer Azani, ShipBee delivers an end-to-end digital logistics platform that includes a marketplace, mobile apps for users and drivers, and AI-integrated SaaS tools for businesses managing delivery and shipping operations.
From Hackathon Winner to Market Player
ShipBee’s rise has been rapid. Incubated by the Qatar Development Bank’s mobility incubator and the Digital Incubation Center, the startup gained attention after winning QDB’s 1st Innovation Hackathon for Mobility. Since then, it has partnered with major players like Snoonu, Qatar Post, DHL, and NEXX — a Chinese AI logistics firm — along with numerous local retailers and service providers.
The funding will go toward scaling operations, developing new AI features, expanding the team, and pursuing government contracts to further its regional footprint. Dr. Allan Villegas, a board member of Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), also joined ShipBee’s board — a move seen as bolstering the company’s strategic growth.
The investment reflects broader national goals. As Qatar advances its Vision 2030 digital economy ambitions, startups like ShipBee are emerging as key enablers of logistics modernization. GrowthX, which also led the round, called ShipBee a natural fit for its mission of backing transformative technology ventures in the Gulf.
“ShipBee aligns perfectly with Qatar’s logistics and innovation goals,” said Hamad Al Hajri, CEO of GrowthX and founder of Snoonu. “We believe ShipBee can grow into a regional — and eventually global — logistics tech leader.”
Source: https://arabfounders.net/en/shipbee-raises-235k-preseed-qatar-logistics/