- The Coca-Cola Foundation partners with Lesser App, a Saudi women-led and founded tech startup
- Partnership seeks to further Lesser App's community-driven programs
- In line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for innovation and women empowerment
Highlighting the journey of women entrepreneurs in the Gulf region, the Coca-Cola Foundation has entered into a strategic partnership with Lesser App, a Saudi Arabian technology startup that has a woman founder and woman leader. The partnership was announced on August 12 in Riyadh and will drive the company's initiatives in community impact while taking forward Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions for innovation and gender parity.
Lesser App is well-known for its technology-driven social impact solutions, sustainable business solutions or digital literacy programs for the disadvantaged. As part of this collaboration, the Coca-Cola Foundation will provide support in the shape of funding, mentorship, and access to its global network, enabling the startup to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia and propagate across the Middle East.
The accord will focus on three high-priority areas: building the technical strength of the company, extending market access, and establishing more training opportunities for women and youth. It will also be expected to help generate new employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's rapidly growing technology sector.
The move is part of a regional push to empower women-owned business. Women founders have traditionally faced a tough ride in securing money and networks, but policy change and firm action are finally closing the gap. Industry insiders think that such high-profile transactions will encourage more women into tech and introduce investment into an under-invested area of the startup ecosystem.
With the support of an international corporate foundation and the energy of national reform, Lesser App is positioning itself as a template for socially motivated innovation in the Kingdom — and a driver for reimagining the role of women in the technology sector of the region.
