Bahrain’s Lola raises $1.3 million pre-seed to expand its custom cake ordering platform in Saudi and GCC

Bahrain-based Lola, a startup that enables users to customize and order cakes through its mobile app, has raised $1.3 million in a pre-seed round led by Vision Ventures and Plus VC, with participation from strategic angel investors, it announced today. Founded by Othman Janahi in September 2023, Lola launched first in Bahrain before expanding to Riyadh in July 2024 and the UAE in December 2024. The startup claims to have grown its size and market share five times since launch in terms of cakes baked and occasions celebrated. The platform allows customers to design their cakes in under a minute by choosing from thousands of designs, colors, and customized combinations. Lola plans to use the funds to enhance its platform, expand its team, optimize logistics, and accelerate its expansion across Saudi Arabia, starting with Jeddah and the Eastern Province. Othman Janahi, Founder and CEO of Lola, said, “We are thrilled to have such experienced and knowledgeable investors who share our vision. Beyond capital, their strategic insights and seasoned guidance are invaluable as we drive forward. “The cake industry is vast and fiercely competitive, but Lola has always been about baking memories, not just delivering a product. As the demand for personalized gifting solutions continues to grow, Lola remains committed to setting new industry standards, delivering unparalleled customization options and ensuring that every celebration has Lola as its centerpiece,” he added. Kais Al Essa, Founding Partner and CEO at Vision Ventures, said, “Lola fixes the awkward cake ordering experience by delivering an innovative ordering app through which clients can imagine and see how their cake will look through an easy-to-use and fun experience. We believe Lola’s approach to cakes is disruptive and therefore envision that in the future Lola will empower cake making everywhere.” “By seamlessly integrating personalization and technology into the gifting experience, Lola is transforming the way people celebrate. We are excited to support Othman and his team as they expand across the region,” said Hasan Haider, Managing Partner at Plus VC.

24 Feb 2025