Food-tech transformation: From US startup to Middle East market expansion

Zoya Malik

Wed, Apr 30, 2025, 9:07 AM 3 min read

When a venture-backed US dark kitchen operator targeted simultaneous expansion into UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, they faced formidable obstacles. With no established regional presence and the need to grow, the stakes were exceptionally high. After evaluating several global advisory firms, including a "Big Four" candidate, they selected our boutique practice—recognising that our agility, personalized approach and round-the-clock availability would deliver what larger firms could not: speed without sacrificing quality.

The client's multi-jurisdictional entry presented intricate challenges:

• Regulatory complexity: Each country required distinct licensing structures, ownership arrangements, and compliance frameworks

• Financial architecture: No existing regional banking relationships, accounting systems, or reporting mechanisms

• Tax optimisation: Need for sophisticated structuring to manage cross-border transactions efficiently

• Operational hurdles: Essential back-office functions needed immediate implementation during critical growth phase

Rather than providing standardised services, we embedded ourselves as an extension of the client's team:

Strategic financial leadership

• Truly embedded partnership: Delivered partner-level financial leadership from day one, with 24/7 availability that larger firms typically reserve for their biggest clients

• Seamless time Zone integration: Maintained continuous operations across US and Middle East time zones, with team members working flexible hours to ensure real-time communication

• Cross-border coordination: Facilitated immediate alignment between US headquarters and regional operations through dedicated communication channels

Tax & structural optimisation

• Holding company architecture: Engineered UAE-based regional headquarters leveraging favourable treaty networks

• VAT efficiency: Implemented strategic grouping structures, reducing compliance burden

• Transfer pricing framework: Developed comprehensive documentation with practical implementation protocols

• Future-proofed structure: Incorporated contingency planning for evolving regional tax landscapes

Operational excellence

• Systems implementation: Deployed cloud-based financial infrastructure integrating US GAAP requirements with local reporting standards

• Process design: Created comprehensive financial workflows balancing control requirements with operational efficiency

• Knowledge transfer: Conducted structured training programs ensuring seamless transition to in-house capabilities