Sandpit Startups

Join us for an engaging conversation with Robert Kupstas, co-founder of Pure Harvest Smart Farms, one of the Middle East’s pioneering agritech startups having raised $300M and is redefining sustainable food production.

Robert breaks down the realities of scaling asset-heavy ventures, offering rare insights into fundraising, building in emerging markets, and navigating investor expectations in a rapidly evolving ecosystem. We also explore the MENA startup landscape, the region’s shift beyond oil-driven economies, and what it takes to create long-term value in capital-intensive sectors.

He also shares candid reflections on founder resilience, decision-making under pressure, and how entrepreneurs can strike a balance between ambition and execution in high-growth environments.

In this episode, we speak with Mary Ghobrial who is the former Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer of Souq.com, Mary launched White Friday, drove regional retail strategies, and led Souq.com to its landmark acquisition by Amazon in 2017. Mary also played a key role as Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at Anghami, leading its historic NASDAQ launch. Join us as she shares insights on scaling businesses, fostering local brands, and thriving in the competitive tech and e-commerce landscapes of the MENA region.

In this episode, we engage with Khaled Talhouni, the Managing Partner of Nuwa Capital. Nuwa Capital has successfully backed several innovative startups, including Eyewa, Seez, Silkhaus, Calo, and many more. Khaled’s extensive experience in leading Nuwa Capital and other VC funds allows him to offer invaluable insights into identifying standout founders and analyzing pitch decks. Together, we delve into the thriving startup ecosystem of the Middle East, particularly focusing on entrepreneurs in the UAE and KSA. We tackle pressing questions, such as the existence of a funding winter and the key traits that define a compelling founder, making their startup a prime candidate for investment.

In this conversation with Andrew Kabrit, Co-founder of Seez—a resilient startup backed by Nuwa Capital—he shares how Seez navigated the pandemic and adapted to survive when other startups struggled. Hear how Seez evolved its model, pivoted multiple times, and found different product-market fits to stay strong in a rapidly changing market. With Andrew’s background as CPO  you'll gain valuable insights on strategic pivots, achieving product-market fit, and building resilience in shifting industries and how to guide/hire the team from a startup to scaleup.

In this conversation with Ajinkya Tanpure, also known as AJ, the Founder and CEO of CrossVal, we dive into essential topics every entrepreneur needs to master to become investor-ready. We'll explore how to justify valuations and effectively manage finances, making your startup more attractive to investors. CrossVal is a powerful tool designed to help founders gain a clear understanding of cash flow management and prepare for the tough questions VCs and investors ask. With AJ's background in Venture Capital and Private Equity, you'll get valuable insights on how startups are leveraging CrossVal to sharpen their financial strategies

With Dr. Brandon Guthrie, General Partner at Shatranj Capital, we explore the strategic world of Private Equity. Dive into the intricacies of how PE firms help global enterprises like YUM Brands expand internationally, and learn when they consider investing in venture-backed startups. This episode is packed with expert advice on market commercialization, brand essence marketing, and the key differences between Private Equity and Venture Capital. Don't miss out on this masterclass in scaling businesses globally!

In an engaging session with Bunty Monani, Founder & CEO of Zofeur, we unravel the journey of Zofeur's meteoric ascent. From its humble inception to securing customer funding and navigating rapid expansion, every facet of Zofeur's growth story comes to light. Bunty emphasizes the pivotal role of resilience as the cornerstone skill in entrepreneurship. Discover the strategies and insights that propelled Zofeur to success, offering invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to chart their own path to greatness.

In this podcast episode with Walid Mansour, Co-founder of Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), we explore the journey of the first and now one of the largest Venture Capital firms in MENA. Since its inception in 2008, MEVP has built an impressive portfolio, including stellar names like Anghami, Invygo, Fresha, and MamoPay. Join us as we delve into how venture capital is akin to a startup constantly raising funds, the essential checklist for startups applying to VC firms, and how VCs identify promising opportunities. We also discuss why the UAE and GCC are hotspots for startups. This enlightening conversation offers a deep dive into the VC world with Walid.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Atul Bansal, co-founder of Livlyt, a cutting-edge IT platform designed to help companies optimize their tech spending. Atul provides valuable insights into how Livlyt tracks SaaS usage, manages device inventory, secures devices, and offers on-demand IT support to streamline operations and save costs. We also explore how his experience consulting with McKinsey and working in a Unicorn (or Unicamel in MENA) influenced his entrepreneurial mindset. Additionally, Atul shares personal reflections on the entrepreneurial journey and the crucial role of family as an asset rather than a liability. Don't miss this deep dive into the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

We have a deep dive discussion with Obediah Ayton, Director Dhabi Holding Company and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Family Office Summit. Obediah shares his experience on the rise of the new investor class that many startups aren't aware of. We also understand how 2 different emirates although in one country behaves as a different hubs for startups. Also we discuss the investor's mindset and what startup entrepreneurs should keep in mind when they engage with such investors. Get ready for a crash course in family offices think and invest. Use these tips and leverage this information while engaging with this new investor class of Family Offices.