Source: Zawya
Circle, a rapid commerce startup based in Kuwait, has raised $6 million in Series A funding. The funds will be used on expansion in the MENA region and is a portion of the startup’s goal to change how consumers shop for goods by providing them faster and reliably.
Kuwait City, Circle, a fast-emerging quick commerce (Q-commerce) startup based in Kuwait, announced today it raised $6 million in a Series A funding round. The round was executed with a consortium of strategic investors and the raise is a new milestone for the company toward becoming a leading presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Circle began in 2020 with a simply stated, yet powerful mission: deliver groceries and daily essentials to customers in under 20 minutes. Circle has grown rapidly since its inception, particularly since the launch of its first dark stores in mid-2023. Dark stores, a small warehouse near users, allow Circle to seamlessly deliver orders faster and more efficiently.
In the past two years, this strategy has allowed Circle to increase its revenue by 7x in Kuwait. Their emphasis on speed, convenience, and customer experience has established them as a dominant player in the Kuwaiti quick commerce sector.
Circle’s whole delivery system is based on smart technology. Circle provides customers with accurate real-time updates on inventory, and their pick-and-pack process was shaped to be continuous and optimized as well as ensuring the smartest delivery journey. The app is designed to be simple, allowing customers to place orders in seconds and receive ordered items within minutes.
However, fast delivery is far from the only part of Circle’s promise. Product availability, rider safety, and quality service are also important. Unlike many other online grocery platforms, Circle’s connected tech-enabled fulfillment centers rarely have items out of stock, and rider safety and responsible delivery practices are emphasized.
“Securing this funding is a major milestone that propels us toward our vision of reshaping quick commerce in the MENA region, “ said Altaf AlThekair, CEO of Circle. “Our growth story is rooted in our dedication to combining speed with purpose—empowering our local customers while maintaining the highest standards of convenience and reliability.”
Moving forward, Circle intends to open strategic new markets outside Kuwait by early 2026. The new funding will support these efforts and allow us to build the necessary infrastructure to service additional customers throughout the region.
