Digital financing platform Zelo and premier F&B platform Watermelon Ecosystem have announced a strategic partnership set to transform cash flow management for food and beverage suppliers in the UAE. The collaboration provides suppliers with instant liquidity by financing their invoices within 24-48 hours, effectively eliminating the traditional 60 to 90-day payment cycles that often hinder growth.
Addressing a Critical Industry Pain Point
The partnership directly tackles one of the most persistent challenges in the F&B industry, where suppliers often face long waits for payment while needing immediate capital for operations and inventory. Through Zelo’s automated platform, suppliers within Watermelon’s network of over 1,000 F&B outlets can convert unpaid invoices into working capital in as little as one business day. “Cash flow is the lifeblood of any F&B supplier,” said Dhanush Arjun, co-founder and CEO of Zelo. “Our partnership with Watermelon ensures suppliers never have to choose between taking on new business and maintaining healthy cash flow.”
A Seamless Technology-Driven Solution
The solution is built on a seamless integration between Zelo’s AI-powered financing platform and Watermelon’s comprehensive F&B ecosystem. Suppliers can select invoices for financing with just a few clicks and receive funds swiftly through a transparent pay-as-you-go pricing model. “We’re creating a more resilient F&B ecosystem,” explained Omar Al Shamsi, CEO of Watermelon Ecosystem. “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.”
Dual Benefits For The F&B Ecosystem
This collaboration offers significant advantages across the supply chain. For suppliers, it provides immediate access to cash, enabling them to take on larger orders and invest in growth opportunities. For F&B outlets, it fosters stronger supplier relationships and ensures a more reliable and well-capitalized supply network, reducing the risk of disruptions. The partnership, which operates under full regulatory compliance from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi Global Market, sets a new standard for supply chain financing in the region.
About Zelo
Zelo is a digital financing platform operated by Funder AI Technologies Limited, part of the IHC Group. The company provides invoice financing and revenue-based financing solutions for SMEs and has processed over 9,500 transactions, financing more than $200 million to date.
About Watermelon Ecosystem
Watermelon Ecosystem is the UAE’s leading all-in-one platform for the Food & Beverage industry. It serves over 1,000 outlets with a suite of services including a marketplace, POS systems, financial services, and marketing support, aiming to create a sustainable food ecosystem.
Source: Zawya
