Omani predictive analytics firm ZabonEx has closed a $100,000 pre-seed funding round, backed by Future Fund Oman and ITHCA Group, as the startup advances its data-driven approach to food and beverage supply chain optimization.
The 2023-founded company, led by co-founders Hatim Moosa and Almuhannad Al Balushi, operates a business-to-business software-as-a-service platform that provides customer-level demand forecasting for food and beverage companies across production, distribution, and retail sectors.
Addressing Supply Chain Inefficiencies
ZabonEx’s platform delivers real-time analytics to help businesses predict where and when their products will be consumed, enabling more precise inventory management decisions. The technology aims to reduce overproduction whilst improving profit margins for companies navigating competitive market pressures.
“F&B businesses are under pressure to stay profitable while meeting sustainability expectations” said co-founder Almuhannad Al Balushi. The platform addresses these dual concerns by providing granular demand insights that inform both financial and environmental outcomes.
Technology and Market Focus
The startup’s software analyses consumption patterns to generate forecasts at the individual customer level, moving beyond traditional aggregate demand planning. This approach allows food and beverage companies to make inventory decisions based on specific customer behaviour rather than broad market estimates.
ZabonEx has concentrated its initial efforts on Oman’s domestic market, developing tools tailored to local food industry requirements. The company is creating specialised onboarding processes designed to accommodate the diverse needs of regional food businesses.
Strategic Development Plans
The new funding will support several key initiatives, including enhancements to the company’s core predictive algorithms and expansion of its technical team. ZabonEx plans to forge strategic partnerships with local food producers and retailers to strengthen its market presence.
“This round is a major step forward for us. It will allow us to accelerate both business development and product enhancement within Oman’s F&B ecosystem” ~ Hatim Moosa, co-founder.
Regional Expansion Ambitions
While maintaining focus on building a robust foundation in Oman, ZabonEx is preparing for broader regional expansion. The company is developing customised reporting tools and partnership strategies as part of its preparation for entering additional markets across the Middle East.
The startup’s approach combines profitability improvements with waste reduction, appealing to companies seeking to balance commercial success with sustainability objectives in an increasingly environmentally conscious marketplace.