Jordanian startup, Kader, has announced the raise of a $400K seed round led by Amman-based Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF) and prolific US venture capital firm, Village Capital.

Founded in 2020 by Ra'd Al-Hassan, Kader has essentially ‘Uberised’ the gig economy in Jordan. Through its online platform and app, the startup connects pre-vetted gig-workers with businesses in the hospitality, retail and service sectors, via matchmaking tech based on location, experience, and qualifications. Still in its infancy, Kader claims to have over 1,000 active staff and 300 clients on the platform - though those numbers are expected to rise rapidly in the wake of the pandemic.

“The gig economy was already exceptionally growing prior to the pandemic,” explains CEO Al-Hassan. “However, the pandemic has truly revamped the industry and increased the demand and dependency on hourly work for both businesses and individuals. Businesses that previously thought hiring full-time workers was the only way they could conduct business had to suddenly pivot and become more open-minded and innovative about how they would interact with customers and employees.”

The startup has been hailed for providing an end-to-end solution, while utilising an instant-access market of freelance and gig workers. The new funds will be channelled into supporting and developing its tech stack as well as expanding its market reach.