A landmark 600 million Algerian dinar ($5 million) funding round has been raised by an Algerian travel-tech startup VOLZ, signalling a rare win for local-currency venture capital in the country’s growing startup ecosystem.
Led by private investors under the banner of Tell Group, a financial services company, the round also attracted participation from Groupe Industriel Babahoum Algérie (GIBA), the conglomerate behind the widely recognised Guedila mineral water brand. The announcement was made during the African Startup Conference, held in Algiers from December 6–8, 2025, where the company appeared as a champion sponsor.
The funding represents the largest startup round ever raised in Algerian dinars, a significant milestone in a market where most high-growth technology companies have relied on foreign capital denominated in dollars or euros. While Algerian-founded startups such as super app Yassir have secured far larger rounds most notably a $150 million Series B in 2022 those deals were backed by international investors and foreign currency. This raise, by contrast, underscores the growing role of domestic capital in financing innovation.
The deal also marks the first successful exit for the Algerian Startup Fund (ASF), a public venture capital initiative launched in 2020 to support local startups. ASF recorded a return of more than 3.35x on its investment, offering early proof that state-backed venture funding in Algeria can deliver meaningful returns.
“This funding round marks a new milestone for us,” said Mohamed Abdelhadi Mezi, CEO of VOLZ. “It enables us to accelerate our mission of empowering Algerian travellers by making travel simpler, clearer, and more accessible.”
Founded in 2023, VOLZ operates a travel-tech platform that allows users to compare and book flights from multiple airlines using Algerian dinars, an important feature in a market shaped by currency controls aimed at protecting the local currency.
The platform also supports online payments and cash-on-delivery, widening access for travellers who prefer or depend on physical transactions. Within a year of operation, the company says it recorded over 1,000% growth, strengthening investor confidence in its execution and market fit.
Looking ahead, VOLZ plans to introduce corporate travel services, helping businesses manage and optimise travel operations. Its broader ambition is to become a regional travel super-app, supporting travellers from flight search through to boarding.
