Malak, what first inspired the creation of Teem?
Malak Fakeih: Teem’s story really began with my own struggle as a freelance illustrator. I was drowning in the administrative side of my work, managing invoices, tracking projects, and chasing payments. It was a huge frustration. I just wanted a simple tool that could handle all of that, so I created a basic invoicing solution for myself, which eventually became the first version of Teem.
Bayan, you joined your sister later. How did your background in business shape Teem’s new direction?
Bayan Fakeih: When I came on board, I brought my experience in international management and retail. As we looked at the market, we realized there was a much bigger opportunity. We saw a “white space” in the food and beverage (F&B) industry for a simple, cost-effective online ordering solution. Many businesses were struggling with expensive, complicated platforms or relying solely on third-party apps that took a big cut of their profits. That insight was the pivotal turning point that shifted our focus from a general invoicing tool to an F&B-specific platform.
The Evolution of a Business: Teem’s Core Mission
How has Teem’s focus changed since its early days?
While we still offer our foundational invoicing solution, the core of our mission has evolved dramatically. Today, our main focus is our online ordering platform for the F&B industry. We want to make the ordering process as smooth as possible for both businesses and their customers.
Can you explain how the platform works for the end-user?
It’s all about simplicity. Customers can place an order directly from a link on social media, like an Instagram Story or a reel, without having to download a separate app. This direct-to-customer model eliminates a major barrier for customers and streamlines the entire process.
What Makes Teem Different?
In a crowded market, what truly sets Teem apart from its competitors?
We have several key differentiators. First, we don’t charge order commissions at the moment, which allows businesses to keep more of their revenue. Second, our fast payment processing means businesses get their funds quickly instead of waiting weeks. Third, there’s no app download required, which makes it incredibly easy for customers to order.
You’ve also focused on strategic partnerships. Can you tell us more about that?
We believe in working with the best. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, we’ve integrated with established services. We’ve partnered with Multiple payment gateways that include: Tap, Paylink,Tamara, PayPal and others , and with popular delivery services such as Careem and Marsool. This allows us to provide a complete, integrated solution that handles everything from the order to the customer’s doorstep.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, what’s next for Teem?
Our journey has had its share of “turbulence” and constant evolution, but we’ve now found our clear direction. We’re poised to leap forward, continuing to add more partners and services. Our goal is to empower businesses to thrive in this digital landscape by providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
You can learn more and get started at teem-app.com
