With Saudi Prince's backing, a French fast-food chain enters the Saudi market
Furahaa, a French fast-food startup, has introduced its plant-based offerings to the Saudi Arabian market, exclusively available through the Hunger Station food delivery app. This initiative, supported by KBW Ventures, aims to expand the range of plant-based choices and cater to the growing demand for vegan options in the Kingdom. The company is dedicated to fostering inclusivity in the workforce by employing individuals with hearing impairments. Their menu is entirely vegan, featuring an array of options such as loaded fries, chick’n nuggets, Fu'Fissh Burger, and N'Cheeseburger. All traditional favorites have been reimagined using meat and dairy alternatives.
Established by entrepreneur Arthur Devillers in 2015, Furahaa received the Favorite Establishment award at the French Snack & Sandwich Show in December 2021.
KBW Ventures, led by Prince Khaled Alwaleed bin Talal, invested in Furahaa in May 2021.
KBW Ventures has expressed its enthusiasm for diversifying its investment portfolio to include Furahaa. Media reports highlight Furahaa's anticipated impact in Saudi Arabia. KBW is proud to support Devillers' initial foray into the region and commends the rapid success the restaurant has achieved, as evidenced by the numerous positive reviews received within days of its opening.
Furahaa France operates three subsidiaries: Furahaa, the fast-food dining, ViVeg, a producer of vegan cheeses, and PlantB2B, a distributor of 100 percent plant-based gourmet products for professionals. Furahaa's introduction to Saudi Arabia marks the brand's first official venture into the Middle East and North Africa region.
KBW Venture's investment portfolio spans diverse companies within the food innovation and sustainability sectors. Notable investments include Veggie Grill, a prominent US-based plant-based restaurant, and Beyond Meat, a global leader in vegan meat alternatives. Earlier this year, KBW Ventures participated in Rebellyous Foods' initial Series A funding round. It contributes to a $9.5 million equity raise aimed at advancing groundbreaking manufacturing technology for plant-based meats.