Dubai’s growing startup ecosystem continues to attract attention as food-tech venture Peekabox announced the successful closure of a $1.5 million seed funding round aimed at accelerating its regional expansion. The company is building a digital marketplace designed to connect consumers with surplus meals and grocery products from restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and retailers at significantly reduced prices.
Launched in 2025 by brothers Hasan and Omair Sarwar, the platform focuses on reducing avoidable food disposal while creating a more affordable dining and shopping experience for residents across the UAE. Users can reserve curated food packages through the app and collect them directly from participating outlets during designated collection periods. The concept offers businesses an opportunity to recover value from excess inventory that would otherwise go unused.
Peekabox enters the market with an extensive network already in place, including partnerships with more than 1,000 outlets spanning over 40 major food and retail brands. Collaborations include globally recognized names such as Carrefour, Costa Coffee, Tim Hortons, Krispy Kreme, and Eataly, alongside regional franchise operators and hospitality groups.
The funding round attracted support from influential regional investors and business advisors, with the company’s board chaired by Sameer Al Ansari. Industry leaders from technology, retail, and consumer sectors have also joined the advisory network, strengthening the company’s ambitions for long-term regional growth.
With the UAE rollout underway, Peekabox plans to deepen market penetration locally before targeting Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, where food waste and rising living expenses continue to create significant market demand for sustainable consumption solutions.