Exclusive Q&A with temtem Founder and CEO Kamel Haddar following the close of their $4M Series A funding
Algiers-based ride-hailing and transportation startup temtem has raised Algeria’s largest Series A funding with 4M$ from Tell Venture Automotive and private investors, to accelerate growth and launch new products and services starting in 2019.
MAGNiTT sat down with temtem's Founder and CEO Kamel Haddar who shared some insights following the successful close of their Series A round:
Q: Tell us briefly about Temtem
A: temtem is a mobility application (private drivers) and services (delivery) oriented towards both companies and individuals. It has now more than 200,000 customers. Its ambition is to revolutionize travel by offering a quality service at price affordable by the greatest number.
Q: Why did you decide to start this company? What’s your vision?
A: The African urban population will double in the next 20 years, to reach the billion inhabitants in the cities in 2040. According to the World Economic Forum, 25 to 45 percent of urban Africans walk to work because of the lack of affordable transportation. We want to respond to this crying need for affordable mobility by deploying its innovative services in other African countries.
Q: Beyond capital, what were you looking for from your investors?
A: There are sleeping partners and active partners. Tell is an active Partners which will help me to find new fund and advice me on our strategy.
Q: Why is this the biggest Series A round in Algeria so far?
A: In Algeria, funding is very complicated and the Algeria tech is pretty new.
Q: What is your biggest challenge to scale?
A: From now on, having meticulously analyzed its customers and partners’ expectations, and having contained its growth in order to control its development, the temtem team is ready to serve the ambitious vision of the company by entering a decisive phase of exponential growth.
Q: What's something or someone that really helped you fundraising?
A: Yacine Maireche and Tell Group have been incredible to first to understand our vision and second to convinc investors.
Q: What are your plans for expansion?
A: International expansion has always been in temtem’smid-term development outlook, once Algerian market’s impulses has been confirmed. temtem wants to respond concretely to urban public issues, such as the decongestion of cities in Africa,
Q: What do you think the future of transport-tech is in MENA?
A: I think Tech is a real opportunity to optimize transportation in MENA and make it more affordable for population and states.
Q: What piece of advice would you give yourself 5 years go / give other tech entrepreneurs in MENA?
A: If you want to succeed, take time to find the best team ever and treat them very well.
To read the full press release, click HERE.