The innovative startup Plain Tiger is revolutionizing the B2B hospitality industry, and COREangelsMEA, a member of COREangels International, is proud to announce its latest investment in the company. This investment comes after the July 3rd, COREangelsMEA’s fourth investment committee, which drew over 750 applications from local startups. Following a rigorous selection process, five startups were selected to present their ideas to potential investors; Plain Tiger was the final winner. In this round, co-investment partner ABAN (African Business Angel Network) made a contribution. The sum invested is still unknown.
With the support of Venture Studio, COREangelsMEA has the only investment model in the area that prioritizes social impact in addition to financial returns. Through their partnership with Kemtix Ventures, PTS Investments Holdings’ venture builder arm, COREangelsMEA provides more than just financial support—they also provide venture development services and practical advice from seasoned business angels, or “Archangels.” This model reduces risks for business angels and startups alike while assisting startups in growing, scaling, and commercializing their innovations.
Maha Mandour, Founding Partner of COREangelsMEA and executive chairperson of PTS Investments Holdings, highlighted the importance of investing in startups like Plain Tiger. “Supporting startups that align with our values of sustainability and impact is essential for driving meaningful change. Plain Tiger exemplifies a company that offers both a strong business proposition and contributes to a more sustainable future. By backing startups like Plain Tiger, we help create a positive impact that extends beyond financial returns.”
With the help of Plain Tiger’s B2B marketplace, hotels can easily and affordably make the switch to sustainable supply chains by getting access to vetted vendors and thorough ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data. This cutting-edge platform easily links companies in the hospitality sector with premium, environmentally friendly goods and services, optimizing procurement procedures and boosting operational effectiveness.
“COREangelsMEA’s investment helps to accelerate our journey to innovate and lead the way in the B2B hospitality space,” said Oliver Baillie, Co-Founder & CEO of Plain Tiger. “With their backing, we are well-positioned to drive adoption of sustainable solutions, helping the industry and hotels within it to achieve their net zero commitments. Plain Tiger is set to leverage this investment to further develop its platform and expand its market reach into the Middle East region, mainly in the Saudi market, driving both economic and environmental benefits for the hospitality industry.”
Plain Tiger Co-Founder, Alexandra Polson, added, “We’re delighted to be joining forces with COREAngels MEA, with the wealth of experience of their network, to achieve our mission of driving sustainable production and consumption globally, as we accelerate hotels towards their sustainability goals.”
According to Fadilah Tchoumba, CEO, Africa Business Angel Network, this highlights the significant impact of COREangelsMEA’s approach to angel investing: “As part of the revolutionary ABAN Networks, COREangelsMEA, under Maha Mandour’s leadership, continues to redefine angel investing in the MEA region by providing startups with more than just capital; offering mentorship, strategic support, and a robust venture studio model. Their investment in Plain Tiger is a prime example of how the right partnerships can accelerate sustainable innovation. COREangelsMEA’s approach not only bridges regional and international markets but also fosters growth in the African startup ecosystem by nurturing impactful, purpose-driven businesses, reflecting Africa Business Angel Network’s theme for this year, ‘Consolidating Angel Investing in Africa and the Diaspora’ and our overall mission of building robust early-stage investment ecosystems across the continent.”
