Qlub, the Dubai-based startup known for fast, contactless dining payments, announced Monday that it has secured $30 million in a new funding round to scale its QR code payment system worldwide.
This round was co-led by Shorooq Partners and Cherry Ventures, with significant contributions from Mubadala Investment Company, e&, and Legend Capital.
Qlub’s contactless dining payment gains strong investor backing
Founded in 2021 by Eyad Alkassar and Mahmoud Fouz, Qlub transforms how customers pay at restaurants by letting them scan a QR code to instantly browse menus, split bills, and pay using their smartphones without downloading an app.
The platform integrates with popular restaurant point-of-sale systems such as Foodics and Oracle Micros, allowing seamless adoption by dining operators.
The $30 million investment highlights growing demand for fast, contactless hospitality experiences. Mahmoud Adi, Founding Partner at Shorooq, emphasized, “From the very beginning, we saw in Qlub more than just a payments solution—we saw a new infrastructure for how hospitality should work in a digital-first world.”
The funding round took place with participation from strategic players including Mubadala and Legend Capital, signalling confidence in Qlub’s growth potential.
International expansion and advanced data tools to drive growth
Qlub operates in markets spanning the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and beyond, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Brazil, Qatar, Kuwait, and South Korea. The company’s clients include recognised dining chains such as Paul, Wagamama, Sushi Samba, and La Petite Maison.
The fresh capital will accelerate Qlub’s entry into new regions and enhance its product’s analytics capabilities. By providing restaurants with deep insights into customer behaviour and spending patterns, Qlub aims to improve service quality and operational efficiency. Co-founder Mahmoud Fouz commented, “We’re thrilled to have the support of investors as we continue to build Qlub’s vision”.
Qlub reports that its technology delivers up to 80% faster checkout speeds, increases customer tips by 300%, and reduces restaurant labour costs. With billions in payments processed annually across 3,000 venues globally, Qlub is positioned to redefine the dining payment experience with its smooth, app-free, and instant solution.
Combining user-friendly contactless payments with powerful data tools, Qlub promises a more efficient and enjoyable restaurant visit for diners and operators worldwide.