Saudi-based e-commerce fulfillment and logistics provider, oda, has secured an undisclosed amount in its pre-Seed funding round led by a handful of angel investors including Yasser Al-Ghamdu. The round was also used as an occasion for the startup to launch its platform.

Founded in 2019, oda, which is owned by Express Transportation, oversees the technical and operational procedure for last-mile delivery services for a range of brands. The startup offers a fully integrated e-commerce platform fashioned with cutting-edge technology expediting delivery, content marketing services and support operations for merchants. Essentially, the platform is designed to aid merchants in digitising their trade through the consolidation of e-commerce, fintech and shipment solutions in one platform.

Currently, oda is working to launch its services in Riyadh, with plans to expand its operations within the kingdom and across the Gulf region by 2022.

Younis Al Jameel, the founder and CEO of Express Transportation, welcomed its launch, saying it filled a gap in the market: “Due to our experience in providing last-mile delivery services for several brands, we have noticed the absence of integrated technical solutions that provide appropriate technical connectivity for brands In managing and organizing sales and delivery operations.”

He explained that oda goes beyond the e-store services provided by technical companies by extending operational solutions in logistics, saying oda’s services “will take the seller and customer experience to the level of a global trend moving from e-commerce to q-commerce [quick commerce] through the strategy of [dark stores] distributed within cities."

Oda plans to use the fresh funds to develop its e-commerce and logistics services to wield a competitive edge over other players offering warehouse, fulfillment and express delivery services.