Touch Innovation Program Alumni, Ecomz, Raises $4M

TIP cycle 1 alumni, eComz, announced a series A round of $4 million led by Cedar Mundi Ventures, with the joint participation from iSME and BLC Bank to expand within the MENA region and expand the platform’s reach.

Launched in 2014 by Rudy Bekerejian, eComz a smart, ecommerce website building and SAAS platform that is completely cloud hosted and all about strengthening businesses’ online presence, driving sales, and simplifying the process. With an aim to provide professional, profitable, end-to-end ecommerce services, eComz provides full customizable layouts, practical themes, and advanced up-to-date software.

Using the eComz platform to create a website is fairly simple – merchants sign up, add their products, pick a theme, customize their theme, choose a plan, add a domain and then are ready to sell. Some of the key advantages of the eComz platform include acceptance of credit card and COD payments across MENA, shipping and in-store pickup options, built-in smart marketing tools such as coupons and discounts and the ability to choose one of 20 languages and several worldwide currencies.

We interviewed eComz founder, Rudy Bekerefian, where he shared with us how TIP impacted his business, and provided new startups with advice.

How did eComz benefit from the TIP program?

The mentoring had a huge impact on ecomz; it allowed us, both founders and the team, to further perfect our skills. Touch has backed us up on many occasions by giving us credibility and promoting us. The program provided us with many networking opportunities and connected us with strategic players in the country and beyond. For instance, we received an invitation to the Silicon Valley Program by MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab which allowed us to connect with many mentors and investors as well as envision the future expansion of our startup in the North American market.

Why do you think it is important for corporate and startups to work together?

After living for more than 30 years in North America, I returned to Lebanon and founded ecomz because I was planning to be part of the new wave of startups that would bring back Lebanon as the technological hub of the Middle East as it was decades ago.

Since Touch is a corporation managed by Zain and the Lebanese Government, we believe it is imperative to get the needed support to flourish in our region. All other countries are investing in their startups, and we strongly believe that it is a must that all large corporations in all sectors contribute to the startup ecosystem since it is proven to create endless opportunities for the future. We intend on doing the same once we become a large corporation ourselves.

How would you describe ecomz’ relationship with touch now?

We have been positivelytouched by this great experience. Touch is like a big brother to ecomz. It is a long-term relation and I can describe it as strong, trustful, and mutually beneficial.

Currently, we are on the way of closing multiple contracts with Touch; we are also planning to join the Touch Partner program in the future to benefit from the Touch merchant network.

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