Moroccan Startup Chari Secures $12 Million Series A to Propel Retail and BaaS Expansion
Chari’s Evolution: From E-commerce to a Small Business Super App
Co-founded in 2020 by Ismael Belkhayat and Sophia Alj, Chari, a Y Combinator-backed enterprise, initially carved its niche by simplifying online ordering and delivery logistics for small shop owners across Morocco. Recognizing the deeper challenges faced by these merchants, the platform has progressively broadened its offerings to include crucial financial solutions like credit and a suite of digital tools designed to streamline daily operational workflows. Chari directly tackles the inefficiencies and fragmentation prevalent in Morocco’s traditional supply chains, which often burden local retailers with layers of middlemen and reliance on cumbersome cash transactions. By providing an intuitive mobile application, Chari empowers small businesses to directly procure goods, bypassing old systems and fostering greater efficiency and transparency. This strategic evolution highlights Chari’s ambition to transform its retail ordering app into a comprehensive “super app” for small enterprises, addressing a wider spectrum of their operational and financial needs.
This substantial Series A funding solidifies Chari’s position at the forefront of digital innovation in Africa’s retail and fintech sectors. By addressing critical infrastructure gaps and empowering micro-retailers with advanced digital and financial tools, Chari is not only facilitating business growth but also fostering economic inclusion in Morocco. The successful funding round, backed by prominent regional and international investors, signals a robust belief in Chari’s model and its potential to drive significant digital transformation, setting a precedent for other African startups aiming to revolutionize traditional markets with innovative tech solutions and a strong focus on BaaS growth.
Keywords
Related Keywords: Chari Series A funding, Moroccan startup funding, Retail tech growth, BaaS expansion, Chari ecommerce, Fintech Morocco, Africa tech investment, 12M startup capital, Chari business model, Moroccan fintech
