Fishing charter start-up FishFishMe has raised $200,000 in their second round of funding, including investments from founders of Dubizzle, Yadig.com, and other high profile angel investors.
The company, which helps fishing enthusiasts find and book fishing trips around the world, was founded in June 2012 by Kuwaiti entrepreneur Abdullah Alshalabi and product manager Jose Gil Zafra, raising $60,000 in order to launch.
The company, which has since grown to eight people, recently secured $200,000 from a group of investors which includes co-founder of Dubizzle, Sim Whatley; former managing partner at talabat.com, Abdulaziz B Al Loughani; founder of Yadig.com, Said Al Zarouini, and select other Kuwaiti investors.
FishFishMe also added some new names to their advisory board. Existing advisors Abrar Ahmad of Travel Capitalists Ventures and entrepreneur Mohammad Al Zubi have been joined by Whatley, Al Zarouini, and Al Loughani.
The funds will go towards strengthening the company’s position in existing markets, the UAE, Oman and Spain, as well as expanding into other global markets.
Managing director Alshalabi said: “We are so pleased and lucky to have such high profile investors and advisors that happen to be successful entrepreneurs as well.
“They not only bring money to the table, but also their knowledge and expertise on what it takes to build a successful start-up. And, most interestingly, all of them are so passionate about fishing!
“I would also like to thank In5 team and Dubai Internet City for their continual support.”
Whatley added: “I’m really excited about my investment and advisory role with FishFishMe. In a very fragmented industry I feel that this site is poised to help both sides of the business and hopefully my experience with a large C2C business can help accomplish that.”
Ahmad said: “FishFishMe is one of the most promising travel start-ups in the region and I’m equally excited for its next phase of growth.”
For more information and to book a trip, visit www.fishfishme.com.
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