Algeria-based traveltech startup VOLZ has raised $5 million in a Series A funding round, marking the largest startup financing round ever raised in local currency in the country and a rare milestone for Algeria’s young tech ecosystem.
The round was led by a consortium of private investors under the umbrella of Tell Group, with participation from Groupe GIBA, the Algerian industrial group best known for its Guedila mineral water brand. The deal was announced at the African Startup Conference in Algiers in December 2025.
The transaction also represents the first exit for the Algerian Startup Fund (ASF), a state-backed vehicle established in 2020 to support early-stage innovation. ASF achieved a reported return of more than 3.35x on its initial investment in VOLZ, offering a rare example of a realised venture outcome in the local market.
Founded in 2023 by Mohamed Abdelhadi Mezi and Hacene Seghier, VOLZ is building a travel booking platform tailored to Algeria’s unique market constraints. The company allows travellers to book flights in Algerian dinars, using either online payments or cash on delivery, while comparing fares across multiple airlines in one place.
Access to international travel booking platforms in Algeria has historically been limited by currency controls, payment frictions, and low card penetration. VOLZ positions itself as a local workaround to these barriers, combining digital booking with payment methods that align with how consumers actually transact.
The startup says it has grown more than 1,000% over the past year, driven by pent-up demand for accessible travel services and a product designed specifically for the domestic market. Its model blends online search and booking with offline payment options and customer support, targeting both first-time digital users and frequent travellers.
“This funding round marks a new milestone for VOLZ,” said CEO and co-founder Mohamed Abdelhadi Mezi. “It allows us to accelerate our mission to empower Algerian travellers by making travel simpler, clearer, and more accessible. We’re grateful to the Algerian Startup Fund for backing us early and proud to welcome new investors as we scale with ambition and responsibility.”
With the new capital, VOLZ plans to deepen its presence in Algeria by launching additional consumer features and rolling out a corporate travel product aimed at businesses managing employee travel. The company is also preparing to expand beyond its home market into North and West Africa, where similar payment and currency challenges persist.
