Bahrain-based startup Lola, which allows users to customize and order cakes through its mobile app, has successfully raised $1.3 million in a pre-seed round. The round was led by Vision Ventures and Plus VC, with participation from strategic angel investors. Founded by Othman Janahi in September 2023, Lola initially launched in Bahrain before expanding to Riyadh in July 2024 and the UAE in December 2024. The platform claims a fivefold growth in market share, cakes baked, and occasions celebrated.
Lola’s app enables customers to design their cakes in under a minute, offering thousands of design options, colors, and customizable combinations. The startup plans to use the raised funds to enhance its platform, expand its team, optimize logistics, and accelerate its expansion across Saudi Arabia, starting with Jeddah and the Eastern Province.
Othman Janahi, the founder and CEO of Lola, emphasized that Lola is focused on “baking memories” and setting new industry standards. He expressed excitement about the strategic support and insights from the investors.
Kais Al Essa, Founding Partner and CEO of Vision Ventures, highlighted Lola’s disruptive approach to the cake ordering process, while Hasan Haider, Managing Partner at Plus VC, praised Lola’s innovation in integrating personalization and technology into the gifting experience.
