Ahmed Alrawi, the CEO and co-founder of Calo, is a Bahraini entrepreneur who has redefined the way people approach healthy eating. Born and raised in Bahrain, Ahmed’s journey into entrepreneurship began early, driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to solve real-world problems. Today, as the leader of Calo, a leading foodtech company, he is at the forefront of a movement to make healthy living accessible, convenient, and personalized.
Ahmed Alrawi’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. While studying computer engineering at the University of Bahrain, he made the bold decision to drop out and pursue his passion for building startups. This early pivot showcased his determination and belief in the power of technology to create meaningful solutions. At just 19 years old, Ahmed started his first business, gaining invaluable experience in the tech and startup world.
Entrepreneurial Journey: From Malaeb to Calo
Before founding Calo, Ahmed Alrawi co-founded Malaeb, an app designed to simplify booking sports venues. This venture demonstrated his ability to identify market gaps and honed his skills in developing tech-driven solutions. In 2019, after leaving Malaeb, Ahmed spent a year exploring various startups. During this time, he identified a significant gap in the market for personalized nutrition—a gap that would inspire the creation of Calo. This transition from sports tech to foodtech marked a pivotal moment in Ahmed’s career, setting the stage for his most ambitious project yet.
Founding Calo: The Idea and the Team
Calo was born in 2019 when Ahmed Alrawi, together with Moayed Almoayed, set out to revolutionize the way people eat. Initially a dedicated user of Calo’s early concepts, Moayed joined Ahmed due to his own need for personalized nutrition solutions. This partnership was a perfect blend of skills: Ahmed brought his technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision, while Moayed contributed his experience in investment and professional strategy. Together, they built Calo into a company that offers tailored meal plans designed to meet individual fitness and dietary goals. Calo’s app uses advanced nutritional algorithms to craft personalized meals, delivering convenient, ready-to-eat options to health-conscious customers.
Calo’s Growth and Expansion
Under Ahmed Alrawi’s leadership, Calo has grown at an impressive pace. Starting in Bahrain, the company quickly expanded to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, with its headquarters now based in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has become Calo’s largest market, accounting for nearly 60% of its business. In 2024, Calo achieved a significant milestone by delivering over 10 million meals. The company also raised $25 million in Series B funding, which it plans to use to enhance customization and target new markets. Ahmed’s strategic vision has been instrumental in these achievements, positioning Calo as the fastest-growing meal subscription service globally.
Calo’s success is not just about numbers. The company has introduced innovative features like Calo Kids, catering to younger demographics, and has recently expanded into Qatar. Ahmed’s ambition doesn’t stop there—he envisions Calo as a comprehensive health and wellness platform, integrating diet, fitness, and wellness tracking to provide a holistic approach to healthy living.
Vision and Future Plans
Ahmed Alrawi’s vision for Calo is ambitious and forward-thinking. He aims to make Calo one of the top 10 food brands in the world, revolutionizing the way people adopt healthier lifestyles. To achieve this, Calo is diversifying its business models beyond subscription-based meal plans. The company is now expanding into on-demand food services and retail, ensuring flexibility for a wider range of customers. Additionally, Calo is broadening its customer segments, focusing on areas like diabetes management and gut health.
Ahmed’s long-term goals include preparing Calo for an IPO. He has outlined key priorities for the next three years: strengthening the core business through enhanced personalization and operational efficiency, diversifying into new business models, expanding customer segments, and building the governance and financial discipline needed for a public listing. These plans reflect Ahmed’s commitment to sustainable growth and his belief in Calo’s potential to become a global leader in personalized nutrition.
Personal Insights: Quotes from Ahmed Alrawi
Ahmed’s passion for addressing health challenges in the region is evident in his words. He has stated, “Obesity is a global issue that is unfortunately concentrated in our region. Today about a third of the GCC population is obese, and diabetes cases in the Middle East are expected to rise by 110 percent by 2045. Our mission is to make healthy easy, and we believe the only way to do so is by making healthy food better, faster, and cheaper.” This mission drives every aspect of Calo’s operations, from its use of technology to its focus on personalization.
Ahmed Alrawi’s journey from a young entrepreneur in Bahrain to the CEO of a rapidly growing foodtech company is a story of vision, determination, and innovation. Through Calo, he has disrupted the meal subscription market and set a new standard for personalized nutrition. His leadership has propelled Calo to deliver over 10 million meals in 2024 and secure significant funding for future growth. With a focus on technology, personalization, and health, Ahmed and Calo are poised to make a lasting impact on how people approach healthy living, both in the Middle East and beyond.
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