Key Takeaways
- Walid El-Saadany has been appointed CEO of Elmenus, succeeding founder Amir Allam, as the company shifts focus towards expansion and AI integration.
- Elmenus aims to enhance its restaurant ecosystem and invest in local talent, while expanding its reach across Egypt.
- The platform has engaged over 8.5 million users in the past year, partnering with more than 12,000 restaurants, and has raised $30 million in funding.
Leadership Transition at Elmenus
Elmenus, a leading food-tech platform in Egypt, announced the appointment of Walid El-Saadany as its new Chief Executive Officer and Board member. This change comes as the company aims to pursue a new phase of growth, focusing on nationwide expansion and artificial intelligence (AI) integration. Founder Amir Allam, who has led the company since its inception, will remain on the Board.
El-Saadany expressed enthusiasm for the transition, declaring that Elmenus is at an “inflection point” and is committed to building a stronger ecosystem that empowers local talent and supports small businesses. Amir Allam reflected on the company’s journey since its founding in 2011 with $5,000 and a small team, emphasizing its evolution into a household name impacting millions and creating numerous jobs across the industry.
Impactful Growth and Funding
Since its establishment, Elmenus has grown significantly under Allam’s leadership. In just the past year, the platform attracted over 8.5 million unique users in four major cities, featuring millions of dishes from over 12,000 restaurant partners. Of these, over 1,000 restaurants are available for online ordering. The company has secured $30 million in funding from respected investors such as Careem and Global Ventures.
Walid El-Saadany’s Vision
Walid El-Saadany brings nearly two decades of experience in entrepreneurship and food delivery to Elmenus. Previously, he played key roles in transforming the online food delivery sector in Egypt, specifically with Otlob’s strategic acquisitions. His leadership is expected to reinforce Elmenus’ growth strategies during this crucial period.
Under his leadership, Elmenus is expanding beyond its major metropolitan areas, onboarding over 4,000 restaurants in underserved cities and enhancing capabilities through AI-driven technologies. This focus not only aims at broader geographical coverage but also aims to improve overall service quality.
A significant part of El-Saadany’s strategy includes investing in local talent by offering upskilling and leadership programs. Additionally, the company plans to support its restaurant partners through advanced digital tools, promoting sustainable growth and fostering community empowerment.
Social Responsibility and Digital Innovation
As Egypt’s tourism sector grows, Elmenus is positioned to bridge visitors to local food experiences and promote cashless transactions via digital payments. By integrating AI, the platform plans to enhance operational efficiency and improve user satisfaction. El-Saadany emphasizes the company’s goal of delivering opportunities to all stakeholders while remaining committed to its local-first values.
In summary, Elmenus is not only focused on expanding its market share but is also dedicated to fostering a food-tech movement that positively impacts communities across Egypt.
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