Egyptian entrepreneur launches i-Supply to digitise pharmacy procurement processes

Egyptian entrepreneur Mohamed Nabil, 25, launched the pharmacy technology startup 'i-Supply' to address supply chain inefficiencies and long procurement cycles within the healthcare sector. The platform, which recently secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding, aims to digitise the connection between pharmacies and wholesalers to reduce medication stocking delays. Fragmented supply chains The startup was founded after Nabil identified severe logistical gaps while working in the healthcare industry. He observed that independent pharmacies often faced wait times of up to 48 hours for life-saving medications due to a fragmented distribution network. According to data from i-Supply, the platform now connects over 5,000 pharmacies with 200 wholesalers, providing real-time inventory visibility and a 24-hour delivery guarantee. The platform operates as a marketplace where pharmacists can compare prices, check availability across multiple distributors, and manage electronic invoicing. This digital shift addresses a specific pain point for small-scale pharmacy owners who previously relied on manual phone orders and physical catalogs, often leading to stockouts of essential drugs. Regional expansion plans This development is timely as the MENA region sees an influx of health-tech investment, with Egypt's pharmaceutical market valued at approximately $6.3 billion. The launch of i-Supply follows a broader trend of B2B marketplace adoption across North Africa and the Middle East, aimed…