NOVEMBER 26-27, 2024
THE ARENA RIYADH


START TRACK

The Start Track offers an immersive experience into the dynamic startup scene. Esteemed tech influencers share engaging keynotes, panels, and debates, uncovering success stories, growth strategies, investment insights, and innovative startups.

What We Cover

Founders’ Focus
  • Go-To-Market strategies
  • Unconventional expansions and growth programs
  • Fundraising, cap tables and valuations
Investors’ Focus
  • Alignment with LP Co-Investors
  • Portfolio Construction Strategies
  • Cross-Border Investments
 

Start track speakers

Fahad Albassam

Soum

Fahad Albassam

Soum

Fahad Albassam, Co-founder & CGO of Soum and a former consultant at BCG, has successfully scaled Soum, growing the platform to over 5 million users, with 600,000 active monthly users and more than 250 million SAR in sales. Under his leadership, Soum has become one of the fastest-growing retail apps in the region, and his insights into growth and strategy would be incredibly valuable for the audience. He developed and executed unconventional growth tactics that enabled Soum to become the 10th most downloaded e-commerce app in 2023 with minimal marketing budget. Fahad has extensive experience as an entrepreneur, an investor, and an advisor to government entities and large public companies.

Hasan Zainal

Arzan VC

Hasan Zainal

Arzan VC

Hasan founded Arzan VC in late 2013 and it grew into one of the most active VCs in the MENA region, having made investments in 45+ startups, including Careem, TruKKer, Mejuri, iKcon and Hala. Prior to Arzan VC, Hasan used to work with Global Investment House in their Private Equity Department, and he was a member of both the transaction and due diligence teams. Hasan also co-founded different businesses and was instrumental in building the right teams to manage the growth prospects of each company. For example, he co-founded Edge Foods, an F&B operator and accelerator, and led its operations for three years. He currently sits on the boards of Al Amanah Holding and BBK Geojit Securities. Hasan earned an MBA from INSEAD and a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.

Nada Wael Farouk

Turismo

Nada Wael Farouk

Turismo

Nada Farouk is the visionary founder of Turismo, the MENA region’s leading smart tourism and hospitality platform, set to revolutionize how people experience travel and entertainment. With a proven track record in tech entrepreneurship and extensive consulting experience in top-tier firms, Nada has a unique ability to drive strategic transformation and foster innovation. Her leadership has positioned Turismo as a pioneer in the industry, integrating cutting-edge technology to deliver seamless, personalized experiences for travelers and partners alike. As a thought leader and speaker, Nada is passionate about the future of tourism, advocating for sustainable growth and the power of digital solutions to reshape the industry.

Manar Alkassar

KASO

Manar Alkassar

KASO

Manar Alkassar began his entrepreneurial journey at 16 with his first startup and hasn’t looked back. As the Co-Founder of KASO, Founder of Helpling, and Founding Partner of Qlub, he has made a significant impact across multiple industries, driving innovation and growth through his ventures.

Mohamad ElAnsari

Trendyol

Mohamad ElAnsari

Trendyol

Mohamad ElAnsari is the CEO of the Riyadh-based joint venture between Trendyol, the leading e-commerce marketplace and Cenomi Group, the leading integrated retailer in Saudi Arabia. Prior to joining Trendyol, Mohamad held leadership positions at some of the region’s most renowned organizations including Cenomi, Careem and Strategy&. At Careem, Mohamad developed valuable partnerships with financial institutions and government agencies to unlock access to financing for captains. He also created supply related platforms in key markets such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan. While at Strategy&, he co-led post-merger integrations in telco distribution and joint ventures for contact centers in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, at STC Channels, he led the corporate turnaround of a $500 million B2B telco business in Oman. Mohamad holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the American University in Beirut and an MBA from IMD in Lausanne.

Billal Yamak

The Sandbox

Billal Yamak

The Sandbox

As the Head of Growth KSA at The Sandbox, Billal Yamak is an entrepreneur at heart with over 10 years of experience in operations, marketing, and business development. An early adopter of web3 technology, he brings a forward-thinking, innovative mindset to his work. Billal is a passionate leader, known for building brands and high-performing teams in multicultural environments. He spearheads fast-moving industries while achieving brand recognition. At the forefront of The Sandbox’s expansion in KSA & the GCC, Billal leads initiatives to scale their metaverse presence. His expertise lies in developing cutting-edge strategies that resonate across diverse markets, cementing the organization’s status as a leader in the dynamic digital landscape.

Omar Al-Shabaan

The Space

Omar Al-Shabaan

The Space

Omar Al-Shabaan is an Entrepreneur, Business Developer, and a consultant with around 20 years of work experience, he is the co-founder and CEO of The Space. He was leading Partnerships at Misk Innovation, a subsidiary of Misk Foundation, as well as serving as a short-term consultant with The World Bank group on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and was an Advisor for the National Digitization Unit. He co-founded The Space, a Saudi company focused on developing and operating coworking spaces, incubators, and accelerators. Omar has worked previously in Nestle, Healthcare Development Holding group, and Tam Development where he contributed in the latest to creating multiple public engagement programs in the Kingdom and regionally. Omar has an MBA from IE business school in Madrid, and an Executive Master in Corporate Communication from the same school.

Hasan Haider

Plus VC (+VC)

Hasan Haider

Plus VC (+VC)

Hasan Haider is the Founder and Managing Partner of +VC, an early stage venture capital firm focused on investing in tech and tech-enabled startups in MENA and its diaspora. He has over 14 years of experience investing in MENA startups. Hasan was previously Managing Partner, MENA at 500 Startups and led the firm’s growth in the MENA region, turning 500 Startups into the most active VC fund in the MENA region, raising and deploying the 500 Falcons fund, building partnerships and running programs in the region to help build the regional ecosystem. Hasan has invested in around 230 startups in the region over the course of the last 14 years. Prior to 500, Hasan was the co-founder and CEO of Tenmou, the first business angel’s organization in Bahrain and one of the first in the MENA region. Hasan’s work in developing angel investment in emerging markets through Tenmou has been picked up as a Case Study by the World Bank and Harvard and was taught to Entrepreneurship Policy makers at Babson College. Hasan started off his career in finance and investment banking at Sico, before he moved to Tenmou.

Sabine El Najjar

Silkhaus

Sabine El Najjar

Silkhaus

Sabine El Najjar is the VP of Commercial and MD KSA for Silkhaus, a leading short-term property management company based in the UAE. Prior to Silkhaus, she was MD KSA for Kitopi. Prior to joining the startup ecosystem, Sabine was a management consultant for almost 8 years, with both Mckinsey & Co and Booz & Co

Said Murad

Global Ventures

Said Murad

Global Ventures

Said Murad is currently a Senior Partner at Global Ventures. Prior to joining Global Ventures, Said was COO of the e-commerce platform, Jamalon, where he led the company’s operational efforts and played a pivotal role in helping the company raise its Series B round. Prior to that, Said was COO at EFS Facilities Services leading the security services business and EFS’s activities in Jordan. Said also previously held the position of CEO of Groupon UAE, where he was responsible for managing and sustainably growing Groupon’s Local, Goods and Travel business lines’ revenue across the UAE through the acquisition of new merchants. Before Groupon, Said worked with Deloitte & Touche’s strategy consulting team, as well as SHUAA Capital as an AVP in the CEO’s Office, in addition to previously working in private equity at the firms Dubai International Capital (including Jordan Dubai Capital), and Abraaj Capital. Said holds an MBA from INSEAD, France.

Naif AbuSaida

هكبه | HAKBAH

Naif AbuSaida

هكبه | HAKBAH

Naif AbuSaida is a seasoned Senior Executive with over a decade of experience in Strategy, Communications, Marketing, and Business Development. He has successfully led Corporate Communications, Public Relations, and Brand Management across various industries, including Energy, Telecom, Aviation, and Healthcare. Naif’s notable achievements include executing GE’s $1 billion investment plan in Saudi Arabia, launching the first National Breast Cancer Screening Program in partnership with the Ministry of Health, and managing GO Telecom’s IPO. He also brings 11 years of media experience as a journalist, reporter, and TV anchor for major outlets. Known for his results-driven approach, Naif has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, contributing to both start-up and established organizations across the Middle East.

Sion Hau

Plug and Play

Sion Hau

Plug and Play

Sion leads the ventures and investment activities at Plug and Play Abu Dhabi. From direct investments in early stage startups, to technology sourcing for corporate and government partners, Sion has interfaced with entities across the fintech, healthtech and industry 4.0 verticals. She led Plug and Play’s investments into Ciba Health and Wellx, and hopes to build a thriving local ecosystem for startups of all stages.

Mohammad AlRazaz

OTO

Mohammad AlRazaz

OTO

Mohammad AlRazaz is a seasoned entrepreneur and the visionary Co-founder & CEO of OTO, the leading shipping gateway for online businesses and omnichannel brands across the MENA region. At just 22, he launched Jeeny (formerly EasyTaxi) in Saudi Arabia under Rocket Internet, becoming the youngest Country Manager in the global EasyTaxi network. A graduate of MIT’s prestigious Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, where he was selected from over 800 applicants, AlRazaz has since founded multiple successful ventures in transportation, e-commerce, logistics, and technology, demonstrating his passion for innovation and transformative leadership.

Qais Ammori

Almosafer (Part of Seera Group)

Qais Ammori

Almosafer (Part of Seera Group)

As Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Almosafer, Qais Ammori leads a multifaceted team responsible for driving the company’s digital strategy and technological innovation. With over 15 years of experience in the digital & tech industry, Qais oversees digital products, user experience & design, software engineering & architecture, DevOps, cloud operations, data and AI, ensuring that his teams have the resources and support necessary to deliver scalable and innovative products that enhance the customer experience across Almosafer’s brands. Qais is known for his passion for technical excellence and his commitment to leveraging state-of-the-art technologies. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of major technology initiatives, including the development of platforms like “STC TV”, which have become one leading digital platforms in the region. In his role, Qais is not only focused on technology but also on the strategic direction of Almosafer’s digital product portfolio. He plays a critical role in defining and executing the company’s product roadmap, ensuring that each product aligns with the overall business objectives and meets the evolving needs of customers. Under his guidance, the product teams are empowered to innovate and create solutions that drive customer satisfaction and business growth. Qais continues to drive Almosafer’s digital agenda, with a focus on creating dynamic and collaborative work environments that foster innovation. His extensive expertise in solution design, software architecture, and cloud computing, combined with a proven track record in building and scaling technology teams, makes him a pivotal figure in Almosafer’s ongoing success. Moreover, Qais is deeply involved in crafting the company’s digital strategy, ensuring that it remains agile and forward-thinking in a rapidly changing market. He is adept at anticipating industry trends and integrating cutting-edge technologies into Almosafer’s offerings, helping the company stay ahead of the competition. Qais’s dedication to achieving exceptional results and his ability to inspire and motivate his teams make him a valuable leader, committed to delivering measurable outcomes and driving Almosafer’s digital and technological vision forward. His strategic insight and hands-on approach to product development ensure that Almosafer continues to innovate and deliver market-leading solutions.

Salman Butt

Salla, KnowledgeX

Salman Butt

Salla, KnowledgeX

A Saudi Unicorn(s) builder, a winner of self-made entrepreneur of the year 2021 in Saudi Arabia, with more than 22 years of experience in information technology, research and innovation, and digital transformation. Built himself a unicorn that’s the MENA region’s leading e-commerce platform “Salla”, and an Angel Investor in 5 more MENA Unicorn(s)

Hussein Attar

Tech Invest Com

Hussein Attar

Tech Invest Com

Hussein Attar is the CEO of Tech Invest Com, a 1Bn SAR saudi investment firm that invests in MENA-based growth-stage tech startups and private equity investments in technology companies. He founded a tech startup that was selected as one of the top 50 Arab startups by Forbes. He sits on the board of several tech companies and a member of Oqal and Falak angel investment groups. He is also a board member of the Saudi Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

Ambar Amleh

Ibtikar Fund

Ambar Amleh

Ibtikar Fund

Ambar Amleh is Founder and Managing Partner at Palestine’s only venture capital firm, Ibtikar. Ibtikar has two funds under management, its current fund (Ibtikar Fund II) is targeted at USD 30M. Ibtikar fills a critical funding gap faced by Palestinian entrepreneurs between seed and later-stage regional VCs. Portfolio companies include Alma Health, Mashvisor, Coretava, Verity, and Mental. Ambar is a member of the 23rd class of Kauffman Fellows, and was named as one of the “50 Most Influential Women in the Arab World” by CEO Middle East Magazine and “20 Women VCs of MENA” by MENAbytes. Ambar has an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Marketing degree from Arizona State University.

Natalia Sycheva

Integra Seven LLC-FZ

Natalia Sycheva

Integra Seven LLC-FZ

NATALIA SYCHEVA Senior Partner and Researcher Digital Economy Expert Fulbright Fellow A researcher, policy advisor, and educator, Natalia Sycheva is synonymous with her innovative approach to strategy, program, and policy design, as well as her impeccable track record in nurturing digital economy ecosystems. She has played a pivotal role in supporting the establishment of new private and public sector entities and building their capacity. As a partner of Integra Seven, a policy advisory firm, Natalia leads a consortium of venture capitalists, policymakers, and researchers in conducting work focused on assessing the state and challenges of tech talent access and retention for the competitiveness of nations. The first public report on Dubai was launched in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Wamda earlier in 2023. A Fulbright Fellow with extensive experience in research and academia in international trade, trade diversification, and decision-making, Natalia has been instrumental in shaping the digital economy landscape. Today, Integra Seven proudly partners with the International Chamber of Commerce on a mission to drive the digital transformation of Chambers of Commerce globally. Recognized as the Woman of the Year by Entrepreneur Middle East magazine in 2019, Natalia has been a key influencer in shaping the digital economy in Dubai. She spearheaded policy advocacy work on behalf of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, focusing on critical issues such as tech venturing in the Emirate and capital fundraising. Natalia’s deep passion for supporting youth is evident through her regular mentoring of young talent and her involvement in projects like the Youth Career Guide program and Youth Advocacy Series. Her regular engagement at universities demonstrates her commitment to nurturing the next generation.

Ahmad Atef

Kenzz

Ahmad Atef

Kenzz

Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Headed the commercial department for Vodafone Romania and played leading role in turning around the business there from a declining YOY to grow by 13% and was the most growing Vodafone OPCO for that year. Led the Growth team in Vodafone Egypt building & growing one of the most famous telecom services in Egypt – 365 PROGRAM – which was the foundation for offer Personalization in the whole Egyptian telecom market.

Mercedes Cebrian

Parkron

Mercedes Cebrian

Parkron

With more than two decades of experience in leadership roles across the globe, Mercedes has cultivated expertise in strategic management, high-performance environments and international leadership. She seamlessly succeeded in implementing her knowledge towards founding Parkron, an innovative smart parking solution in the social and sustainable ecosystem. Her expertise lies in leveraging resources within to achieve success. Mercedes is a visionary tech founder in the dynamic world of technology and innovation. With a relentless passion for pushing boundaries, Mercedes is reshaping the landscape of smart cities and the tech industry with profound curiosity and a determination to create transformative solutions.

Mubariz Siddiqui

Carbon Law

Mubariz Siddiqui

Carbon Law

Mubariz is a seasoned legal expert specializing in tech startups and investors. He’s the founder of Carbon Law and a prominent startup lawyer in Pakistan. With vast experience, he’s advised on over USD 250m in deals for startups, venture capital, and angel investors. Mubariz collaborates with regulators to boost foreign investment and innovation in Pakistan. His work with the State Bank of Pakistan, allowing Pakistani founders to establish foreign holding companies, has been pivotal in driving startup investments in recent years. Mubariz also supports founder education on governance and fundraising through various initiatives.

Ibrahim Abe Seksek

Startupbootcamp MENA

Ibrahim Abe Seksek

Startupbootcamp MENA

A serial Entrepreneur with multiple exits Ibrahim “Abe” Seksek is the current CEO of Rainmaing MENA and Africa. Before joining Startupbootcamp he Co-Founded a couple of companies such as ZenHR Solutions, which addresses the entire HR cycle, and Crystel, Jordan’s first business process outsourcing (BPO) provider. Ibrahim also worked as Head of Global Operations Support for Naspers, the parent company of dubizzle and OLX, which oversaw the operations in 70 countries.