- OTO raised $8 million in Series A funding led by Sanabil Investments, with additional contributions from Sadu Capital, Iliad Partners, Propeller, and Soma Capital.
- OTO plans to use the funding to expand further in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey while introducing new features to enhance their logistics platform.
- OTO’s platform offers technological solutions for managing, shipping, tracking, and analyzing logistics activities, integrating with over 250 local and international shipping companies.
- Supporting over 10,000 brands, OTO has doubled its revenue year-on-year and significantly increased processed orders, reflecting successful business model execution.
Saudi Arabia-based logistics platform OTO has successfully raised $8 million in its Series A funding round. Led by Sanabil Investments, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), this funding round also saw contributions from Sadu Capital, Iliad Partners, Propeller, and Soma Capital. The recent investment underscores OTO’s growing influence in the logistics and shipping sector.
Growth and Future Plans
Founded in 2019 by Mohammad AlRazaz and Furkan Uzar, OTO has quickly become a leader in logistics technology. The company raised $3.3 million in 2021 from venture capital funds and angel investors. MEVP, Derayah Ventures, and 500 Global are among the investors.
This funding will allow OTO to expand in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey. The company plans to introduce new features to its platform. These features will provide faster and more efficient shipping solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Enterprise online merchants will also benefit from these enhancements.
Platform Capabilities and Integration
OTO’s platform offers a comprehensive suite of technological solutions designed to simplify various aspects of logistics. The platform enables merchants to manage, ship, track, and analyze their shipping and storage activities seamlessly.
By connecting merchants with over 250 local and international shipping companies and e-commerce platforms, OTO streamlines the shipping process. This integration ensures that every step of the logistics process is automated and synchronized, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Merchants can either connect their own shipping contracts to their OTO account or purchase shipping labels directly at competitive, pre-negotiated rates.
Impact and Vision
Mohammad AlRazaz, Co-Founder and CEO of OTO, expressed enthusiasm about the funding round. He highlighted the company’s dedication to transforming the logistics sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
AlRazaz emphasized that the funding would support OTO’s mission to deliver innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency for merchants.
Sanabil Investments, a prominent supporter of OTO, also shared their excitement. A representative from Sanabil Investments noted that the shipping industry has seen increased attention and a growing need for smart solutions in recent years.
OTO’s platform, with its integrated functionalities, offers a robust answer to these needs. Sanabil Investments looks forward to partnering with OTO as the company scales its operations across the region.
Client Growth and Revenue Surge
Since its inception, OTO has experienced significant growth. The platform now supports more than 10,000 local and international brands. The company has doubled its revenue year-on-year and achieved substantial growth in the volume of processed orders. This growth trajectory underscores OTO’s successful execution of its business model and its expanding role in the logistics industry.
Furkan Uzar, CTO and Co-founder of OTO, shared his vision for the future. He believes that the recent funding will accelerate OTO’s growth towards its goal of becoming the leading shipping gateway on the internet. By bridging the technological gap between sales channels and shipping providers, OTO aims to offer customers streamlined and automated shipping solutions.
Market Outlook and Opportunities
The logistics sector is poised for significant expansion, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and Turkey. The GCC e-commerce market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, driven primarily by growth in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
This market is experiencing an impressive average annual growth rate of 17.8%. Concurrently, Turkey’s e-commerce market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 11.58% from 2024 to 2029, with projections indicating a market size of $49.5 billion by 2029. Together, these dynamic markets are set to surpass $150 billion by 2030, highlighting the escalating importance of digital commerce in the region.
Overall, OTO’s recent funding round and expansion plans reflect its commitment to revolutionizing the logistics and shipping industry. With its innovative platform and strategic growth initiatives, OTO is well-positioned to meet the increasing demands of the evolving e-commerce landscape in the Middle East and beyond.
- Also Read: Top 30 Logistics Companies in Saudi Arabia
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