Zelo & Watermelon Launch 24-Hour F&B Invoice Financing
▼ Summary
– Zelo and Watermelon Ecosystem have partnered to provide instant invoice financing for F&B suppliers, reducing payment wait times from 60-90 days to 24-48 hours.
– The partnership addresses cash flow challenges by allowing suppliers to convert unpaid invoices into working capital within one business day through Zelo’s automated platform.
– The solution integrates Zelo’s AI-powered financing with Watermelon’s ecosystem, enabling suppliers to finance invoices with a few clicks and transparent pay-as-you-go pricing.
– Benefits include helping suppliers take larger orders and invest in growth while ensuring F&B outlets have a stable supply chain through reliable, well-capitalized partners.
– Zelo operates under full regulatory compliance with the FSRA and maintains high security standards, with plans to expand across GCC markets and develop new F&B financial products.
A new strategic alliance between Zelo, a prominent digital financing platform, and the Watermelon Ecosystem, the UAE’s foremost food and beverage platform, is set to transform how F&B suppliers manage their finances. This partnership introduces a 24 to 48-hour invoice financing service, providing immediate working capital and effectively ending the lengthy 60 to 90-day payment delays that have historically hampered supplier expansion and operational agility.
This initiative directly confronts one of the food and beverage sector’s most significant hurdles: the cash flow gap. Suppliers frequently face a difficult situation where they must cover immediate expenses for inventory and payroll while waiting for payments that can take months to arrive. Through this collaboration, the extensive network of over 1,000 F&B outlets within the Watermelon Ecosystem can now leverage Zelo’s automated platform. They gain the ability to convert their unpaid invoices into cash within a single business day, unlocking capital that was previously inaccessible.
Dhanush Arjun, co-founder and CEO of Zelo, emphasized the critical nature of this development. “Cash flow is the lifeblood of any F&B supplier,” he stated. “Our partnership with Watermelon ensures suppliers never have to choose between taking on new business and maintaining healthy cash flow. They can now confidently accept larger orders and immediately reinvest in their growth.”
The technological integration is designed for simplicity and speed. Zelo’s AI-driven financing system connects seamlessly with Watermelon’s comprehensive operational platform. Suppliers can easily choose which invoices to finance with just a few clicks. Funds are then transferred within one to two days under a clear, pay-as-you-go pricing structure, eliminating complex fee arrangements.
Omar Al Shamsi, CEO of Watermelon Ecosystem, highlighted the broader benefits for the industry. “We are building a more resilient F&B ecosystem,” he explained. “When our supplier partners have the financial resources they need to succeed, it creates a more stable and reliable supply chain for our entire network, which ultimately benefits every outlet and consumer.”
The advantages of this partnership are substantial for all parties involved.
For F&B Suppliers, the benefits include:
- Gaining access to cash from invoices in 24-48 hours instead of enduring 60-90 day waits.
- The capacity to accept larger purchase orders without worrying about cash flow shortages.
- The freedom to invest in new equipment, additional inventory, and business expansion.
- Maintaining competitive pricing through a stronger, more liquid financial position.
For F&B Outlets, the partnership offers:
- Stronger relationships with suppliers, supported by Zelo’s efficient payment solutions.
- Greater assurance of reliable supply chain operations.
- Access to a network of well-funded and growing supplier partners.
- A significant reduction in the risks associated with supply chain disruptions.
This alliance establishes a new benchmark for supply chain financing within the F&B industry. It merges Zelo’s specialized knowledge in digital finance with Watermelon’s deep-rooted sector expertise, showcasing how focused fintech solutions can generate tangible value across an entire business ecosystem. Looking forward, both companies intend to extend this successful partnership into other GCC markets. They are also developing additional financial products specifically for the F&B sector, including equipment financing and enhanced supply chain solutions.
Zelo operates as a fully regulated entity under the supervision of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the Abu Dhabi Global Market. The platform adheres to the highest security standards, employing encrypted transactions and rigorous data privacy protocols to protect all user information.
Zelo, operated by Funder AI Technologies Limited which is part of the IHC Group, has successfully processed more than 9,500 transactions. The platform has financed over $200 million for small and medium-sized enterprises through its invoice financing and revenue-based financing products.
Watermelon Ecosystem stands as the UAE’s premier all-in-one F&B platform, supporting over 1,000 outlets. Its services encompass a digital marketplace, point-of-sale systems, financial services, and marketing support. The company maintains strategic collaborations with government agencies and is dedicated to fostering a sustainable and efficient food ecosystem.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)
