- Plain Tiger, founded in 2021, connects hotels with eco-friendly suppliers, reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
- COREangelsMEA, part of COREangels International, invested in Plain Tiger after a competitive selection process, with ABAN co-investing.
- COREangelsMEA offers more than capital; it provides mentorship and venture development services to startups through its venture studio model.
- Plain Tiger’s platform promotes sustainability by offering hotels access to verified suppliers and ESG data, supporting the industry’s net zero commitments.
Plain Tiger, a UAE-based B2B marketplace, recently secured an investment from COREangelsMEA, a key player in the angel investing ecosystem, for an undisclosed amount. This investment comes as part of COREangelsMEA’s ongoing mission to support startups that align with their values of sustainability and social impact. Founded in 2021 by Alexandra Polson and Oliver Baillie, Plain Tiger connects hotels with eco-friendly suppliers, helping the hospitality industry save time, reduce costs, and lower their environmental footprint.
This investment marks an important milestone for Plain Tiger, which plans to use the funding to further enhance its platform and expand its market reach into the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Saudi Arabian market. This development comes on the heels of an earlier investment in May 2024 from AngelSpark, reflecting growing interest and confidence in the company’s innovative approach to sustainability in the hospitality industry.
COREangelsMEA’s Role in Supporting Startups
COREangelsMEA, a member of the broader COREangels International network, has established itself as a significant player in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region by supporting early-stage startups that prioritize both profitability and positive social outcomes.
The decision to invest in Plain Tiger followed COREangelsMEA’s fourth investment committee meeting on July 3rd, which saw over 750 startups applying for consideration. After a thorough selection process, Plain Tiger emerged as one of five startups chosen to present their business model to a panel of business angels. Ultimately, Plain Tiger was selected for investment, alongside contributions from the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) as a co-investment partner.
COREangelsMEA’s unique investment model extends beyond financial backing. Through its partnership with Kemtix Ventures, the venture builder arm of PTS Investments Holdings, COREangelsMEA provides startups like Plain Tiger with venture development services.
These include hands-on guidance from experienced business angels, also referred to as “Archangels.” This comprehensive support system helps startups navigate the challenges of growth and commercialization, reducing risks for both investors and entrepreneurs.
Maha Mandour, Founding Partner of COREangelsMEA and Executive Chairperson of PTS Investments Holdings, emphasized the strategic importance of investing in companies like Plain Tiger. “Our commitment to backing startups that share our values of sustainability and impact is central to our mission. Plain Tiger is a perfect example of a business that combines a strong market proposition with a dedication to creating a more sustainable future.”
Plain Tiger’s Impact on the Hospitality Industry
Plain Tiger’s B2B marketplace is transforming the way hotels source eco-friendly products and services. By offering access to verified suppliers and comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data, Plain Tiger enables hotels to streamline their procurement processes while adopting sustainable supply chains. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also allows hotels to meet their sustainability goals more effectively.
According to Oliver Baillie, Co-Founder and CEO of Plain Tiger, COREangelsMEA’s investment will significantly accelerate the company’s growth. “Their support positions us to lead innovation in the B2B hospitality sector, helping hotels transition to sustainable solutions that align with their net-zero commitments. With this investment, we are set to expand our platform and market reach across the Middle East, with a strong focus on Saudi Arabia.”
The company’s commitment to driving sustainability within the hospitality industry is clear. By simplifying the process of sourcing eco-friendly products, Plain Tiger is helping hotels reduce their environmental impact, an increasingly important goal for the industry as a whole.
A Collaborative Effort for Greater Impact
Plain Tiger’s success has been bolstered by the collective support of COREangelsMEA, ABAN, and Kemtix Ventures. This collaboration highlights the significant role that partnerships play in fostering innovation and sustainable growth.
Alexandra Polson, Co-Founder of Plain Tiger, expressed her excitement about the investment, stating, “We are thrilled to join forces with COREangelsMEA. The depth of experience within their network will be invaluable as we continue to pursue our mission of promoting sustainable production and consumption on a global scale.”
COREangelsMEA’s investment approach stands out due to its emphasis on long-term value creation, both financially and socially. The partnership with Kemtix Ventures ensures that startups receive not only capital but also strategic guidance, operational support, and mentorship from seasoned business leaders. This model helps startups grow sustainably while minimizing risks for investors.
Fadilah Tchoumba, CEO of the African Business Angel Network (ABAN), highlighted the broader implications of COREangelsMEA’s investment strategy: “COREangelsMEA, under the leadership of Maha Mandour, is redefining angel investing in the region by providing startups with more than just capital. They offer mentorship, strategic support, and a robust venture studio model. Their investment in Plain Tiger exemplifies the power of partnerships in driving sustainable innovation.”
Tchoumba also noted that COREangelsMEA’s approach is helping to bridge regional and international markets, supporting growth in the African startup ecosystem. By nurturing purpose-driven businesses, COREangelsMEA is playing a key role in fostering impactful startups that prioritize sustainability and innovation.
Driving Sustainability in the Middle East
With its latest investment, Plain Tiger is well-positioned to lead the charge in driving sustainability across the hospitality industry in the Middle East. The company’s innovative platform, which simplifies the procurement process for hotels, is poised to make a significant impact, particularly in the rapidly growing Saudi Arabian market.
The partnership with COREangelsMEA not only provides the financial backing needed for expansion but also brings invaluable strategic support from experienced business angels. This combination of resources will enable Plain Tiger to continue innovating, helping hotels transition to more sustainable business practices and ultimately contributing to a greener future for the hospitality industry.
Altogether, the collaboration between COREangelsMEA and Plain Tiger demonstrates the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change. By supporting startups that align with their values of sustainability and impact, COREangelsMEA is helping to create a positive future for both the hospitality industry and the broader business ecosystem.
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