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Mezza Launches in the UAE with Seed Backing to Provide Restaurant Growth Capital

UAE-based hospitality platform Mezza has launched with seed funding to offer restaurants upfront capital in exchange for future food and beverage credits.

UAE-based hospitality platform Mezza has launched with seed funding to offer restaurants upfront capital in exchange for future food and beverage credits.

NewDecoded

Published Apr 4, 2026

Apr 4, 2026

3 min read

Image by Mezza

Funding the Future of Dining

Mezza, a new UAE-based hospitality platform, has officially launched after securing a seed funding round from a group of high-profile angel investors. The startup provides independent restaurants and hospitality groups with upfront capital between $5,300 and $2.7 million. This investment is structured as an exchange for future food and beverage credits rather than a traditional loan. Founded in 2025 by Kevin Boubil, the platform addresses the dual challenges of capital access and consistent customer footfall. By purchasing credits at wholesale value and distributing them to app members over a year, Mezza helps venues maintain steady revenue. This model allows operators to unlock cash flow without interest payments or equity dilution.

Strategic Investor Support

The seed financing round included participation from the founders of PropertyFinder and Jellysmack, as well as the chairman of Deel. This backing is intended to support Mezza's expansion efforts as it seeks to partner with more venues across the region. The startup focuses on casual to fine dining concepts with strong reputations. “Restaurants often face two major challenges: access to capital and the ability to consistently attract new customers,” said Kevin Boubil, Founder of Mezza. He noted that Mezza provides an alternative that supports financial stability while helping restaurants thrive in a competitive market. The platform ensures that customer traffic is spread throughout the year rather than just during peak times.

Empowering Independent Operators

Notable hospitality groups such as Gates Hospitality, Rosy Hospitality, Chic Nonna, and Fab Food Co. have already joined the platform as early partners. These venues benefit from immediate funding to support operations or growth while welcoming a steady stream of diners. Mezza continues to select new partners based on quality and guest experience standards. More details can be found at https://www.wamda.com.

Decoded Take

Decoded Take

Decoded Take

Mezza's entry into the UAE market signals a shift toward specialized fintech solutions within the hospitality sector. By converting future dining capacity into immediate liquid assets, the platform provides a non-dilutive alternative to venture capital or bank debt. This approach not only stabilizes restaurant cash flow but also creates a structured marketing channel that guarantees long-term customer engagement in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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