UAE-based e-commerce platform CarniStore has raised US$12.2 million (AED 45 million) through a strategic minority investment from Emirates Growth Fund (EGF).
The company will use this funding to grow and expand its premium protein business.
Since launching in 2018, CarniStore has become a strong player in the UAE’s premium protein market. It combines traditional butchery skills with a modern, online-first approach focused on customer needs.
The investment from Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) will help the company grow faster, expand into new products and categories, and scale its operations. It also aims to prepare CarniStore for larger growth and expand its presence across the region.
Khalifa Al Hajeri, CEO of Emirates Growth Fund (EGF), commented: “EGF’s investment in CarniStore reflects our mandate to support high-potential UAE businesses within the ‘missing middle’ through strategic capital and active partnership. We remain actively deploying, consistent with our long-term mandate to back strong UAE businesses, by working alongside them as they execute on their growth ambitions. Beyond just investing growth equity, we work with founders to strengthen go-to-market, governance and institutional capability. CarniStore exemplifies the entrepreneurial grit and quality standards we seek in homegrown companies with the potential to evolve into enduring national champions in their industries.”
Fikry “Fix” Boutros, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of CarniStore, noted: “This partnership with EGF feels like a natural next step in our journey. We share a belief in building strong, homegrown businesses with a long-term vision and real foundations. From day one, our focus has been on raising the standard for quality proteins while supporting the UAE’s growing food community. Together, we’re excited to keep building, to reach more people, and to shape how meat is sourced and experienced, starting here at home.”
Daniel “ Dan” Wanies, Co-CEO & Co-Founder of CarniStore, added: “EGF’s strategic backing allows us to scale CarniStore with real intention, growing our operations and developing new products while protecting the premium quality and service our customers rely on. It’s an important step forward and a reminder that a UAE-born brand can lead internationally, not simply participate.”
Founded in 2018 by Daniel Wanies and Fikry Boutros, CarniStore is an online butchery and smokehouse that wants to change how people buy and enjoy high-quality meat across the UAE. It combines expert sourcing, its own production, and online retail to improve food quality standards.
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