Sandpit Startups

Join us in this exciting episode as we sit down with Siddiq Farid, the co-founder of SmartCrowd, a revolutionary real estate crowdfunding platform in the UAE! Discover how you can now turn property investment into a hassle-free, stock-like experience with as little as 500 AED. Own properties, enjoy rental returns, and watch your investments grow from the comfort of your own home. Don't miss this episode to unlock the world of real estate investing like never before!

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Raja Abuljebain, the CEO of Essentially Juices, an innovative F&B startup dedicated to health and wellness. Dive into the fascinating journey of "Essentially" as we discuss the challenges and growth strategies in a competitive F&B industry with a limited product shelf life. Whether you're in the F&B business or dreaming of launching your own, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. Get ready for a nourishing discussion that could change the game for your startup!

In this episode we are with Elliott Denham the Program Manager at SandBox,  a groundbreaking program from Dtec. This startup program is designed to help founders unlock their full potential and guide them on their 0 to 1 journey, providing all the essential support and tools needed along the way. The program provides the guidance, resources, and connections to take your startup from concept to investment-ready. If you have a startup idea and want to join a program to realize your dreams, tune in to this episode as we go behind the scenes of what a startup program offers.

In this episode with Asher Siddiqui a General Partner at Sukna Ventures, an early stage VC firm . He is a seasoned investor, mentor that has led deals over $15 Billion. Asher has established himself as a trusted advisor to numerous VC firms in MENAP and has also been an entrepreneur. He was a partner at 500 startups in Silicon Valley, which is a global venture capital firm. We talk about the dynamic relationships of VC mindset and funding strategies. So, keep a pen and writing pad handy as we dive into this supercharged conversation 

In this episode we are with Bianca Gracias the managing partner at Crimson Legal, a smart legal services firm providing legal solutions to help startups, SMEs and family offices achieve their business goals in the UAE . We talk about corporate governance, term sheets, NDAs and other important aspects with respect to Startups and SMEs. Subscribe now for more such legal clinics where we talk about startups and legalities !

Join us for an incredible episode featuring Steve Drake and Paul Donnely from Middle East Advisory Partners who are the masterminds behind a boutique consultancy startup for SMEs. With over 100 years of collective experience, including Big 4 consultancy backgrounds, they're ready to share their inspiring journey from corporate to startups. Don't miss this episode for invaluable insights and entrepreneurial inspiration!

We are joined in this episode by Saleem Bhatti who co-founded Starz Play Arabia. In this episode we find out the origin story of Starz Play and how they prepared themselves to go toe to toe with the likes of Netflix. Brace yourself for a dynamic conversation as we delve into Saleem's vast expertise and uncover new angles into the world of streaming services.

On this podcast episode discover the captivating journey of Hamples or "Happy Samples", a digital sampling platform founded by Husband and Wife, Gaurav and Aditi Oberoi. Join us as Gaurav shares his experiences from idea to seed funding, navigating the challenges of early-stage entrepreneurship. Learn how his past ventures with his wife influenced the shaping of Hamples and gain valuable insights for your own startup journey. Subscribe now for an inspiring conversation that will ignite your entrepreneurial spirit!

In this episode, we interviewed Shyam Visavadia, the co-founder of Wasta.ai – they build your professional network through video. Join us as Shyam shares his remarkable insights on the journey from corporate to startup. He shares the challenges of Wasta and the power of connections in today's business landscape. We delve into the intricacies and lessons learned as Shyam discusses the realities of starting, re-starting and finding his feet in the MENA region. This candid conversation provides a unique story of Shyam's experiences and gain valuable insights into network effects of Wasta.ai and its impact on business connections.

In this episode, we host Aman Singh, an Entrepreneur in Residence at Urban Company. Join us as Aman shares his valuable insights on the journey and challenges of entering a new market, with a mention of Urban Company's expansion into KSA. Discover the intricacies and lessons learned as Aman discusses the realities of navigating new territories for business expansion. This candid conversation provides a unique opportunity to learn from Aman's experiences and gain valuable insights into the world of business expansion.