Join us on a scintillating discussion with Aayushman Dalmia, Founder & CEO of Zoftware, an AI-powered software discovery platform that serves MENA-based SMEs.

Zoftware makes it easy for non-technical founders to find and implement the right software for their businesses. Listen in as Dalmia highlights the importance of trust-building for software companies in the MENA market and the key factors SMEs consider when purchasing software. He also shares insights on the sales cycle for software purchases and offers advice for prospective founders in the building in the MENA region.

Riveting discussion with Onur Elgun, co-founder and CEO of CarbonSifr.

Learn how CarbonSifr is empowering businesses and individuals to take tangible climate action with its innovative climate tech solutions. From measuring carbon footprints to reduction strategies and carbon removal, CarbonSifr is paving the way for a sustainable future.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(01:31) Inception of CarbonSifr

(05:25) CarbonSifr's Tech Solution

(09:10) Customer Segmentation

(13:52) Case Study: CarbonSifr in Action

(19:34) Future Goals

(21:08) Learning from the Global North while creating hyper-localized solutions

(26:33) Business-to-Government Partnerships and the MENA Market

(29:55) Advice for Prospective Founders in the MENA Region

Embark on an enlightening journey with Muhammad Lila, Founder and CEO of Goodable, as he shares his compelling transition from war zone correspondent to pioneering the positive news movement.

In this episode, Muhammad delves into the transformative power of positive news content and its profound impact on mental health. Discover how Goodable, a clinically backed solution, provides uplifting stories to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms.

Learn about Goodable's innovative media delivery model, seamlessly integrating into existing behavioral habits to reach a wide audience, including individuals, enterprises, and organizations with high stress levels. Tune in now to hear Muhammad's insights and wisdom on fostering a positive news culture and building a purpose-driven business!

In this episode we hear from Jason Stewart, Head of Product at Beehive.

Beehive, an e& enterprise company based in Dubai, is the first peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform in MENA to be regulated by the DFSA. As a leading Fintech pioneer, they use innovative technology to directly connect businesses seeking fast, affordable finance with investors who can help fund their growth.

Delve into Beehive's expansion into new markets, the strategic importance of the UAE for MENA market entry, and how they overcame challenges faced during the COVID-19 era as a lending business. Explore the recent majority acquisition by e&, and the significance of building meaningful partnerships in FinTech.

---

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(04:11) Overview of Beehive

(07:41) Expanding into New Markets

(13:17) The UAE as a Starting Point for MENA Market Entry

(17:17) Navigating the Challenges of COVID-19

(21:59) The Majority Acquisition by e&

(27:12) Engaging in Meaningful Partnerships as an early stage FinTech

In this pilot video episode we hear from Khalil Osman, who is both Head of Growth & Operations at Elevate (YC W22), and Investor at Byld Ventures (Africa Head).

Elevate is a Y Combinator backed FinTech platform that allows remote workers to open USD bank accounts. Byld Ventures is an institutional venture capital firm focused on early-stage FinTech investments in the Middle East and Africa.

Discover Khalil's compelling journey bridging American and Sudanese roots, from Division 1 football to a career in NYC finance. Uncover his pivotal shift into the dynamic landscape of MENA startups and venture. Join us on ViaDubai as we explore the unique intersections and transformative moments that have shaped Khalil's exceptional narrative!

In Episode 5 we hear from Purvi Munot, Co-Founder & CEO of Sav, an app-based personalized money management ecosystem that makes saving money convenient, accessible, and rewarding for consumers.

Listen in as we discuss Purvi's journey from the relatively stable corporate world of Citi and Mastercard to launching her first venture. We learn the importance of B2G ("Business to Government") relationships, and how platforms like Hub71, the Mohammad Bin Rashid Innovation Fund, and DIFC FinTech Hive make the UAE an ideal launchpad for MENA businesses!

https://sav.money/

In episode 4 we hear from Jazel Oommen, Founder & CEO of Bankr, a FinTech company that utilizes Artificial Intelligence to analyze borrower's documents and provide an instant underwriting decision to lenders.

Listen in as we discuss his unconventional path to becoming a founder, making pivots, and taking full advantage of the UAE startup ecosystem by engaging with accelerators like DIFC Innovation Hub and Dtec Sandbox.

Website: https://www.bankrsolutions.com/

In episode 3 we hear from Ben Bolger, Co-Founder of Squirrel Education, an EdTech platform that gamifies financial literacy for students.

Listen in as we discuss Ben's journey from professional athlete to startup founder, the importance of financial literacy for children, and advice for building ventures in the UAE!

In our second episode we hear from Deepak Mishra, Co-Founder and COO of Sterve, a full-suite business management platform for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Ever wondered what your neighborhood grocery store, nail spa, or flower shop uses to run their business? With 7000+ merchants and counting, in the UAE this platform is likely Sterve! Listen in as we discuss their journey from business inception during peak covid, pivoting business models, and regional expansion plans. 

https://www.sterve.shop/

In this week's episode we hear from Ajinkya Tanpure, Founder & CEO of CrossVal, an AI enabled financial modeling platform. Listen in as we discuss his journey, traction to date, and advice for starting a venture in Dubai!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajinkyatanpure/

CrossVal: https://www.crossval.com/