Lezzoo
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Digital grocery, Food delivery |
| Founded | February 2018 |
| Founder | Yadgar Merani, Rekar Botany |
| Headquarters | Erbil , Iraq |
Area served | Kurdistan Region (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Kirkuk, Zakho) |
Key people | Yadgar Merani (CEO) |
| Products | Food delivery, groceries, pharmaceuticals, water, gas, health and sanitation services |
Lezzoo is an Iraqi digital grocery and on-demand food delivery enterprise that began operations in Erbil in 2018. Originally concentrating on meal deliveries, it has since broadened its offerings to include groceries, pharmaceuticals, water, gas, as well as health and sanitation services throughout the Kurdistan Region. It holds the distinction of being the sole Y Combinator-supported startup originating from Iraq.
History
Established in February 2018 by Yadgar Merani and Rekar Botany under the name Lezzoo Eats, the company later abbreviated its brand to "Lezzoo." This name combines the Badini term Lez and the Sorani word Zoo, both translating to "Quick," symbolizing the company's commitment to rapid service.
Drawing inspiration from global delivery platforms, Lezzoo initially focused on food ordering and distribution. To overcome logistical obstacles in the area, it transformed into a digital Hypermarket, allowing local eateries and retailers to market their products via its super-app while fostering growth for smaller enterprises.
In December 2018, Lezzoo made history as the first Iraqi startup to complete the Y Combinator accelerator program, obtaining pre-seed funding. By November 2019, CEO Yadgar Merani disclosed that the platform handled a monthly gross merchandise volume (GMV) of at least $700,000 through its delivery and financial systems.
Amid the COVID-19 crisis in May 2020, Lezzoo collaborated with French retail giant Carrefour and incorporated healthcare functionalities into its application. This partnership resulted in a 25% surge in order volume relative to January figures. By June 2020, monthly orders approached 50,000, coinciding with the launch of Lezzoo Pay—a digital wallet designed to replace cash transactions and facilitate prepaid card purchases.
Funding
Lezzoo entered the Y Combinator accelerator based in Silicon Valley in December 2018, securing $150,000 in pre-seed capital and becoming Iraq’s inaugural participant in the program.
In July 2020, the company completed Iraq’s largest seed financing round to date, acquiring a seven-figure investment led by Northern Gulf Partners—operating out of New York and Iraq—and California's venture capital firm Pay It Forward.
Operation
Through its application, Lezzoo provides access to over 100,000 items sourced from upwards of 700 outlets. The platform features online menus from restaurants alongside broad selections available at grocery stores and pharmacies. Additional services include water and gas delivery, home medical examinations, laundry services, sanitation treatments, garden upkeep, and express courier options via both iOS and Android devices.
Deliveries are fulfilled by couriers utilizing cars and scooters; meanwhile, water and gas supplies are transported using heavy-duty trucks.
Geography
Lezzoo’s operational footprint covers several cities within Iraq’s Kurdistan region: Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Kirkuk, and Zakho.
COVID-19 initiative
During the March to May 2020 lockdowns imposed by KRG due to COVID-19 restrictions on movement and working hours, Lezzoo emerged as an essential supplier for groceries, water, and gas. The company adhered strictly to health protocols by equipping delivery personnel with masks and hand sanitizers while maintaining coordination with local authorities to ensure regional safety.
In April 2020, Lezzoo expanded its healthcare portfolio by adding at-home COVID-19 monitoring services alongside disinfection and sterilization offerings aimed at curbing viral transmission.