Amr Talaat has been appointed the Minister of Communications and Information

Technology since June 2018, to the Cabinet of the Prime Minister Dr. MostafaMadbouly.

Talaat possesses over 30 years of solid experience in communications and information technology areas, with a wide experience in developing and implementing strategies across a vast spectrum of activities in Egypt.

Talaat joined IBM-Egypt in August 1988 and held various managerial positions. On May 23 rd , 2010, Amr Talaat held the position of the Country General Manager of IBM, and also served as IBM Egypt Territory Manager since 2005.

He held various managerial positions within IBM Egypt including Business Partner Organization (BPO) Manager as well as Systems and Technology Group Manager.

During his tenure, his scope transcended financial goals to strategic and operational elements such as building human capital, fortifying customer loyalty, corporate social responsibility and employees’ Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

He also sought to establish relationships with key officials and executives of various sectors, both at the national and international levels, to attract major investments, and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) deals.

In addition, Talaat was an adjunct professor at Cairo University; teaching marketing and & sales strategies and tactics, organizational behavior and strategic management. He was, also, an honorary member at the ICT Board at Cairo University and member of the ICT Board of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) and the Chairman of ICT Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).

Talaat graduated in 1983 from the Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, completing his undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering at Cairo University.

He earned his PhD or doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Paris - Paris School of Business (PSB) and Masters of Science in Computer Science from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), in addition to an MBA from Paris ESLSCA Business School, France.

Ahmed Hassan Elzaher is the Acting CEO of Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA). He also holds the position of Assistant Minister for Ecosystem Development at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).

Elzaher has over 27 years of experience in the Information Technology industry across different countries including Egypt, UAE, Kenya & Algeria across different domains such as IT Services, go-to-market strategies, leadership and business development.

Elzaher has a strong track record in building and expanding organizations, spearheading growth, and developing talents, at local and regional levels.

Elzaher spent most of his professional career at IBM where he held several executive positions and leadership roles. His last position at IBM was the Vice President of IBM Cybersecurity Business for Middle East and Africa, located in Dubai, UAE. He led a large team to establish & structure the organization, and deliver strategic Cybersecurity Solutions for the clients across the region.

Previously, Ahmed served as Director of Sales for Central, East & West Africa, located in Nairobi, Kenya, where he was responsible for the overall go-to-market strategy for the region.

Elzaher’s prior responsibilities include different management roles at IBM Egypt including the Head of the Global Technology Services where he oversaw the delivery of all IT infrastructure projects for the clients. He also served as the Head of the overall Sales organization for IBM Egypt.

Prior joining MCIT, Elzaher held the position of Chief Commercial Officer at the Abu Dhabi-Based Digital14; the official Cybersecurity Provider for Expo 2020 Dubai.

Ahmed holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering; Communications and Electronics, from Ain Shams University. 

Public Office

·      Chairman, IT General Division, Federation of the Egyptian Chambers of Commerce (ITFEDCOC), since 2001

·      Board Member, Federation of the Egyptian Chambers of Commerce (FEDCOC), 2015-2019

·      Chairman, IT Division, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, 1992-2006

·      Board Member, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, 2002-2015

·      Board Member, Food Industries Chamber, Federation of the Egyptian Industries (FEI), 1986

·      Head of Development Committee, FEDCOC

·      Member of the Head Committee, PC4Egypt

·      Member of the IPR Head Committee

Private Business

·      Charmai,Masjidco Computer center since 1986

·      Chairman, Winner Trade for Imports and Agencies since 1996

·      Managing Director, Winner Brands since 2015

Major Public Activities

·      e-Alexandria Project for eradicating digital illiteracy in Alexandria

·      PC4EachHome National Initiative with Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT)

·      Economic GIS Project, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce   

·      Articulation of Tax system for the IT industry

·      Tanweer National Initiative with Ministry of Education (MoE), for availing technology for Educators and Students 

·      Tawteen Initiative for Retailer

Serial entrepreneur, 13 years of experience in business development, CEO & Co-founder of Elmawkaa Company LLC one of the best-growing startups in the construction industry in Egypt. Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Diploma in Programming from ITI, "6 times founding team member, 5 times I participated in an accelerator and a business incubator, Mentor in three business incubators, Mentored over 100 startups, Twice the head of student activity", I worked with several businesses as a Product and Growth Manager, providing training and consultation to support their growth

Mostafa Gabr is a productivity consultant and the owner of the documented methodology from the Ministry of Culture under the field of psychology, trained many companies and trained more than 250 people in MENA on a journey of be productive over 3 years. Productivity consultant for company owners, and coaching such as SUTRA, CURVA, GIB GAS, ZADA, GLORIA and others. Provide consultation advice to more than 80 people on providing productivity and changing the way of thinking. Presented as a lecturer in productivity in some events (Cairo Techne summit, Missing point, and Youth Activities Hub).

A results-driven Product Portfolio Manager with a proven track record of translating organizational goals into actionable plans at Edventures & Nahdet Misr Group. Excels in innovative thinking and customer-centric strategies, achieving remarkable business growth. Expertise in product management and strategic partnerships showcases a blend of exceptional leadership and data-driven decision-making skills.

Mohammed has an extensive management experience of over 5 years across governmental and private sector. During his studies at the American university in Cairo he had the chance to be exposed to a wide diverse community. He had several leadership positions among several student organizations along with being the youngest advisor to the dean of students and the president of the university. He was also in charge of restructuring AUC student life the chance that gave him a great experience in organizations restructures and change management. After graduation He started his political career by joining the presidential campaign of the current president of Egypt. This experience gave him the chance of working of wide national projects along with a wide network of national and international officials. He then joined Shezlong as the strategy and growth director to oversee the strategies and the business development activities of the company. He then gets appointed to be the CEO of the company responsible of developing and executing the company’s business strategies along with leading the company growth. During his term he managed to fully restructure the company, define clear business goals and hit a high growth rate. He also was recognized as a national and regional sports champion in Swimming and archery which turned into strengthening his personality. Mohammed holds B.A form the American university in Cairo with a major in computer engineering. He holds a project management diploma from Riti institute.

29 years of brand building, development and transformation. Worked with more than 400 brands. Serial Entrepreneur, Business Transformation consultant Founder of Cairo Business Community and Business Bullets and Business Combo.

Shehab comes with 17 years of extensive experience in customer happiness & operations management, customer journey design & implementation, strategic planning & execution, business transformation & governance model, people Management, talent management & leadership.

Shehab is experience of global leadership at scale in different industries (Telecommunication, Logistics , Supply chain, E-commerce & Fin-Tech, focus on the whole customer life cycle.

Shehab joined Vodafone Group Shared Services in 2007 where he had different roles among which was leading scaled operations, Vodafone AUS, NZ, Qatar & UK Offshore operations and partner management.

Shehab joined Aramex Egypt Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage in 2018 managing the whole customer life cycle for B2B & B2C since the on-boarding until churn by building a contact strategy which includes all the stakeholders applying the RACI model with agreed service level for each stage in the customer life cycle generating multiple continuous improvement & cost optimization initiatives and ensuring tangible savings from operational plans as multiskilling. 

Shehab joined Homzmart E-commerce a One-Stop-shop platform specialized in home goods and furniture sector through visual content technologies in 2020 as VP of customer operations.

Shehab joined Moneyfellows Fintech company trusted & convenient Money Circles in 2021, his role entailed being the primary responsible all customer journey design for our strategic objectives with full accountability of performance management, people management and customer experience, overall relationship to ensure the implementation of the B2B & B2C customer happiness strategy, also design and implementation of a clear top level engagement and governance strategy including regular partner review forums. offer first class communication skills and ability to translate strategy into actions, change operating models and improve overall customer experience.

Karim Othman has over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship and supply chain management, with a strong background in leading ventures across logistics, food, real estate, and sports management sectors. He holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Business Management from UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia and a Project Management diploma from The American University in Cairo, complemented by a certification in corporate governance.

As the leader of Global Chains, Karim spearheads a dynamic team focused on revolutionizing fleet operations, logistics, and supply chain efficiencies through innovative solutions. His role as Vice Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Committee at the Egyptian Junior Business Association reflects his dedication to nurturing the growth of startups and SMEs in Egypt, fostering an ecosystem where innovation and smart business practices collaborate and thrive.

Karim's career is driven by a passion for innovation and excellence. He is committed to discovering and leveraging new business opportunities, optimizing decision-making processes, and contributing to the sustainable development of the industries he engages with.

With twenty years in ICT and a Doctorate in Business Administration, my journey across public and private sectors fuels my expertise in digital transformation, project management, and governance. As an agile transformation expert and arbitrator, I use my comprehensive knowledge to champion strategic innovation and success, establishing myself as an impactful expert within Egypt's and the GCC's dynamic business landscapes

Hani W. Naguib is an avid Evidence-Based Entrepreneurship advocate and author of the highly anticipated new book titled Mindset To Startup. With an MBA from the prestigious SDA Bocconi school of management and a career spanning over a decade, Hani has collaborated significantly with influential organizations like IFC, the Global Entrepreneurship Network, EIT Climate-KIC, and Plug'n'Play.

Recognized as the African Ecosystem Hero of the Year in 2023 at the Global Startup Awards, Hani's commitment to nurturing startups shines through his contribution of over 10,000 mentoring hours, emphasizing his passion for fostering entrepreneurial talent worldwide. 

His dedication extends beyond mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, having served as a lecturer on Evidence-Based Entrepreneurship at ESLSCA Business School, as a frequent guest speaker at The American University in Cairo, and as a contributor to the EU MC2 Project think tank. Hani also shares his insights as a keynote speaker at events like TEDx, Lean Startup Night, Startup Grind, and GEN Week.

Amr, born in Egypt, studied Mechanical Engineering, ERP systems, and database analysis. He worked with multiple companies across 15+ countries, which broadened his perspective and introduced him to diverse cultures. Settling in Egypt, Amr founded GoodsMart, aiming to simplify the daily hassle of grocery shopping. His attention to detail, calm approach in crises, and decisive nature have been key to his success.

John Saad is a seasoned executive with in-depth industry expertise in telecom and ICT. John is the CEO & Co-Founder of AIM Technologies.

With more than 15 years of regional experience, John Saad boasts a track record of accomplishment; advancing to Executive Committee level in integral commercial and marketing leadership roles for telecoms leader Vodafone, and latterly Mobily in the MENA region. John held several C-level roles in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar. He also led several turn-arounds and launches in the region, with extensive experience in pre-launch/launch phases and fund-raising. 

John also played an integral role in shaping and delivering transformational change programs, business plans, consumer marketing strategies and proposals, which delivered market share growth, competitive advantage and profit uplift amidst aggressive competition.

John holds an BA from the American university in Cairo in Mass Communication with a specialization in Integrated Marketing and a minor in Economics.

With over 15 years of experience leading digital marketing across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, Amir is a visionary in the fields of AI & digital transformation, content marketing and marketing automation. Amir has a proven track record of elevating brands to new heights, leveraging innovative strategies that integrate data, media, performance marketing, and customer relationship management (CRM).

CEO of Sal7lyy Company 5 years of experience in facilities management and maintenance with 10 years of work in development work for more than one development charitable organization. during my journey, I help young people and startups learn from each other's journeys through coaching and mentoring.

Tarek is a Career Coach & Personal Branding Strategist - Positive Psychology Coach - Talent Development Expert- Dynamic Leadership Development Consultant who dreams to Grow and help others; Grow as they Go. He is the 1st Arab and Egyptian to join the stage with Global Gurus and International Thought Leaders as: Ken Blanchard, Marshall GoldSmith, Gretchen Rubin, Patrick Lencioni during one of the Biggest International Summits: World Business and Executive Coaching Summit (WBECS).  

In 2017, Tarek founded "Grow as you Go" to boost the personal and professional growth of fellow humans.

Tarek has served as a project advisor and consultant for Organization and Leadership Development projects with high level governmental entities including: The Prime Minister’s Office of the UAE.

He brings solid experience in corporate sales in some of the top 10 Pharma Multinationals. As well as his work as Marketing Supervisor with some of the Fortune 100’s including Global FMCGs and Tech. Giants. He was also selected as one of the Executive coaches serving the Leaders of the INC 5000, the fastest growing companies in the US chosen by Inc Magazine.

Abdelghaffar Ismail. Founder and Chief of products officer at A-eye Tech Manages Ai products for high profile companies and banks.  A-eye Tech was founded in 2018 and secured 2 investment rounds in Egypt and Ireland.  AUC Venture Lab Alumni Computer Engineering, Cairo University.

Yasmine has over 10 years of experience managing teams and programs. She is currently the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at ElGameya, where she oversees the collection, customer service, risk, back office, tech, and product departments, ensuring smooth operations and that customer needs are met.

Before joining ElGameya, Yasmine was the Acceleration Manager at AUC Venture Lab, Egypt's first university-based startup accelerator and a leading program in Africa and the MENA region. There, she worked with over 300 companies, helping them launch and grow their businesses.

This experience gave Yasmine deep insight into Egypt's startup scene and the challenges entrepreneurs face in accessing finance, managing operations, and scaling growth. She also developed a strong understanding of the needs of early-stage startups and how to accelerate their success.

An Entrepreneur | A Psychology in Business consultant | A Strategy & Social Entrepreneurship advisor | A Women Empowerment Expert| A jury | A Board Member I A Director | A Mentor | A Trainer | A DBA holder | Multiple  award winner nationally & internationally | Top 50 influential women “22.

Sandra Farid is the Founder and CEO of Acumen Consulting , Egypt’s first boutique management consulting firm. She also served as the Economic Advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities from 2020-2023 . She earned a dual B.A. in Economics and Business Administration from the American University in Cairo in 2010 and later completed an M.A. in Middle Eastern Economics from Philipps-Universität in Germany in 2013. 

With over 12 years of professional experience, Sandra has established herself as an expert in Management Consulting, Financial Planning, and Economic Policy in Egypt and the broader Middle East. She has successfully led multidisciplinary projects across a diverse range of sectors, including strategy development, strategy implementation, Project Management Office setups, organizational development, financial planning, and business planning. Sandra also has a strong connection to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Egypt, having trained and mentored more than 400 entrepreneurs through various acceleration and incubation programs in Egypt. Her extensive experience spans both public and private sector projects, with a focus on industries such as agribusiness, financial services and fintech, manufacturing, real estate, tourism, education, healthcare, and labor market development.

Mai Gamal is a seasoned marketing and communication professional with over 12 years of extensive experience in the field. With a strong background in marketing, Mai has honed her skills through various roles, including a significant tenure at the Ministry of Telecommunications for six years. She has collaborated with renowned multinational corporations such as Vodafone, WHO, UN COP27 (USAID), and Intel Corp., where she made impactful contributions. In addition to her corporate experience, Mai has also dedicated herself to mentoring and coaching aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses. She served as a professional mentor for prestigious organizations such as The World Bank's Wefi program, Afrilabs, Women Entrepreneurship Network, GIZ SAIS Germany, Entrepernelle, Startups WithoutBorders, VC4Africa, and Eslesca Incubator. Her guidance has helped numerous startups and entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the business world. Moreover, Mai has shared her expertise as a professional trainer in social media and digital marketing for TDRA (UAE) and AUC School of Continuing Education (SCE). She has also provided consultancy services for Hatla2ee App, specializing in LinkedIn Marketing, and Giza Systems, focusing on Internal Communications. Mai's passion for empowering others and her wealth of knowledge make her an invaluable asset in the marketing and communication industry.

With over 15 years of extensive and diverse industry experience, I am a seasoned marketing professional who excels in marketing research, sales, advertising, digital marketing, marketing management, and mentoring. Throughout my career, I have achieved success and fueled growth across a wide range of sectors, including information technology, furniture, education, real estate, advertising services, software solutions, restaurants, cosmetics, pharma, and investment. As a dedicated marketing mentor, I have collaborated with more than 100 local and international companies, successfully delivering over 100 diverse projects. I take pride in having founded two business correction and mentoring companies, utilizing my expertise to guide companies, individuals, startups, and university students. Backed by a strong management background and an American Marketing Institute-accredited marketing certificate, I am committed to attaining my goal of becoming the youngest and most skilled marketing mentor in the Arab world by the age of 40.

I am also an author, having written "Marketing Note" guides and published over 200 articles on marketing, showcasing my knowledge and thought leadership in the field. With a track record of conducting over 250 marketing mentoring groups and working with more than 2,500 individuals, I firmly believe in the power of experiential mentoring and teamwork for effective skill development. My career is driven by a mission to transfer experience and foster direct engagement, recognizing it as a fundamental catalyst for marketing success. Let's connect and explore opportunities to collaborate on innovative marketing initiatives! mahmoudqolqala.com

Margreet Magdy is a prominent figure in the startup development field. As Co-founder of the Youth Entrepreneurs Network and Head of Partnerships at Exits MENA, she plays a key role in fostering young talent and driving business growth. Margreet's 13+ years of experience have seen her work closely with over 5000 entrepreneurs, offering guidance and support across various sectors. 

A passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs and gender equity, Margreet is a certified Egyptian equity seal auditor, ensuring fairness within the entrepreneurial landscape. Based in Cairo, she collaborates remotely with regional organizations, extending her influence beyond her local community. 

Margreet's leadership is evident in her management of six EU-funded projects worth €40 million, contributing significantly to robust startup ecosystems. She is committed to building sustainable entrepreneurial environments, actively participating in round tables, conferences, and research projects. Her dedication is further reflected in the various support programs she's developed and implemented, including capacity-building initiatives, boot camps, and matchmaking events, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge to succeed.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Margreet is a skilled networker, fostering connections and creating synergies among individuals in her vast network. She identifies mutual interests and complementary skills, facilitating collaborations and support among like-minded individuals.

Mostafa Gamrah is an accomplished entrepreneur and engineer who has built successful start-ups and opened new markets in the Middle East. He graduated from the American University in Cairo in 1987 with a degree in engineering. With over 12 years of experience working with NCR/AT&T in various roles across the region, including National Marketing Manager for NCR/AT&T Egypt and General Manager for AT&T Oman and Qatar, Mostafa has a proven track record of building start-ups and opening markets for them. He then founded TechnoFann company, which produced popular shows like Mo3’amreen khamssa and Essam wel mesba7. He also founded TechnoWireless, the largest wireless application service provider in the Middle East, specializing in value-added services . Mostafa has also written two books of poetry and drama for M5 animation and many articles in print media and on the web. He believes that our fair share of innovation and untapped reservoir of fantasy have not yet been discovered. Mostafa has created a creative process for both work and art.

You can find more information about Mostafa’s work at these websites:

www.bigbrotheranalytics.com

www.technowireless.me

Seif is an accomplished professional with over 10 years of experience in Wealth Management, Finance, Marketing, Media Production, Project Management, and Program Management. He has been instrumental in leading and shaping several high-impact programs. Currently, Seif manages the first-ever Govtech Program in Egypt, showcasing his ability to drive innovation in the public sector. He has also successfully designed and managed a range of other programs, including Makers, focused on Construction Technology; Ebtekar, dedicated to Agri-tech; and Intilaaqah by Shell, centered on Sustainability.

Seif’s role extends beyond program management to building strong relationships with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Corporates, ensuring the success and sustainability of these initiatives. His extensive experience and diverse skill set make him a key player in his field, with a strong reputation for managing and designing programs that make a meaningful impact.

Dr. Mohamed Kholief is a senior consultant specialising in innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and strategy. With a profound foundation in agile methodologies and various certifications (EFQM, COBIT, ITIL), he has extensively contributed to digital advancements across diverse sectors, particularly government, startups, manufacturing, cultural and financial sectors. As a board member and lecturer, Dr. Kholief influences digital culture and transformation on national and international platforms. His impactful work includes leading strategic initiatives in Egypt and the Middle East, enhancing digital ecosystems and fostering international tech collaborations. Experience with international organisations like the UNDP, USAID, and GIZ underscores his ability to navigate and lead complex projects on a global scale. His academic credentials include a DBA from the Maastricht School of Management, enhancing his leadership in digital transformation strategies.

Akram worked across ecosystems on a mission to develop and guide entrepreneurs. He joined VC4A on the quest to support startups, entrepreneurs and programs. He has engaged with over 1000 startups in different sectors providing mentorship, accessibility, and training. Started as a young entrepreneur, Akram founded 3 ventures, worked with Flat6labs, GIZ, IFC, DEG, ABAN and many more.

Experienced Project Manager with a Master’s degree (MBA) focused in International Business. With over 12 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, I have successfully managed numerous complex Network and IT projects within multinational organizations such as Vodafone and Orange. I’m currently leading the Project Management Office (PMO) in Majid AL Futtaim Global Solutions reporting directly to the VP of Transformation and Customer Excellence.

Nada is a Senior Investment Manager at EVCC, with 15 years’ experience performing full financial & operational assessment to determine the proper plan for distressed company, proposing a financial structure whether equity or debt, conducting sensitivity & stress analysis. She is also experienced in due diligence, portfolio company valuation & deal execution. 

Having 14 years’ experience in the academic field, she taught various courses in finance & investment specialization and is a published scholar on in international peer-reviewed-journals in the field of Finance, Investment & Political Economy. Furthermore, she tailored & conducted training courses in the same area to factories & companies in different governates in Egypt. 

Accompanied with her academic experience Nada was working as an access to finance & training expert at IMC preparing financial model for distressed companies, performing financial consultation to companies and more importantly performing feasibility studies to companies planning new projects or expanding in their production line. 

Nada’s experienced in managing relations with different parties such as portfolio companies, consultants, banks, leasing companies, asset evaluators and others.

Sharia Auditor & Corporate Zakat Trainer| Islamic Finance Consultant |Reviewing contracts legally and financially for companies, banks &insurance companies|15+Years Exper Helping Businesses Achieve Sharia Compliance

"📍26 years of experience in the banking sector, starting from 'Barclays Bank, Arab African International Bank, and Bank Audi.' Holds a Master's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Customer Service from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport. 12 years of experience in training at the Egyptian Banking Institute, affiliated with the Central Bank. Chairman and founder of the Banker's Lounge Academy. Also an economist, journalist, and broadcaster, with numerous articles and interviews with leading banking experts and economists."

Engineer Ahmad  is a Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of  (ANF Al-Ahram For Non-Woven Fabrics) . The first Spunlace Non Woven Fabrics Manufacturer in Africa and the Middle East. 

Ahmad also is the Consulting director of Ajax Training and Consulting Company specializing in Consulting, Project Management. Where he helped a wide range of companies in Egypt & Gulf to reduce their losses and improve productivity.

Ahmad is also a Certified Positive Psychology Coach from International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Ahmad delivers training at the The American University in Cairo (AUC) in Project Management also in The Canadian International College School of Business, teaching a variety of programs and courses covering topics in Management, Marketing, and Personal Development. 

Ahmad held various roles in Operations Management and Projects Management. He worked as Projects Manager for Procter & Gamble Dry Laundry, Home Care, and Warehousing Projects. Before that, he was a manufacturing leader for P&G Egypt Dry Laundry Packing lines. 

Ahmad Co-founded Spark Egypt Training Agency and was its Marketing director. 

His Engineering background is that he is a Telecommunications Engineer graduated from the Faculty of Engineering - Alexandria University. 

Ahmad is a to go person in the field of public speaking and storytelling, where he helped numerous individuals and professionals to hack their speeches and deliver stunning speeches. Helped CEOs and Senior Managers as well as startup owners. He is an expert in this.

Ahmad is a certified Advanced Trainer from City College Oxford - UK with 14+ years of experience as professional Trainer & Consultant in the Fields of Soft Skills & Business Skills, raising the capabilities of individuals and organizations to its maximum.

Manal Youssef is one of Egypt's pioneer women in the area of entrepreneurship, start-ups, and e-commerce businesses. She accumulated experiences in several fields such as pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and FMCG throughout the years. As soon as she graduated from IGCSE then the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University in 2007, she went to work in the field of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. 

Ever so eager to learn and widen her horizon, Manal foresaw the growing importance of the internet and e-commerce in daily life, it is at that point that she decided to shift her career to work at one of the pioneering companies in both Egypt and Africa, Jumia, which officially entered the Egyptian market in 2012.

Manal quickly rose to her current leadership position as Head of Public Relations and Communications at Jumia Egypt.

Through her time with Jumia, Manal has led several local initiatives related to small projects and the development of entrepreneurs and handicraft owners, which was positively reflected on many companies, translating to increased customers interest and demand for local products manufactured by Egyptian hands. One such initiative was the success in devising a project idea to export Egyptian products to African countries through the Jumia's e-commerce platform, which had a very positive impact on project owners and also a positive impact on many people in  the African market. 

Manal contributed through her accumulated experiences to raising awareness and educating those using the Internet about the importance of e-commerce and the positive impact it can have on the lives of citizens and what its potential in contributing to the national economy and contribution to improving the GDP.

Serial Entrepreneur | Business Designer | Market Launcher

Ahmad Zalat is a visionary entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in innovation, strategic planning, and market introduction. As the CEO of Tahdir Information Technology Company, Ahmad has consistently driven transformational growth and efficiency across various industries. He is renowned for his ability to craft future-ready strategies that align with business objectives and market demands.

Ahmad’s career is marked by significant achievements, including guiding over 200 startups in the MENA region, completing 20+ successful investment rounds, and earning the title of Best Entrepreneur of 2023 by Al-Watan. He has played pivotal roles in several high-profile ventures, such as co-founding Stint in Egypt and the USA, and leading UVAII Tech’s expansion in Egypt and Bahrain. His strategic acumen extends to advisory roles, where he has mentored and consulted for numerous startups, focusing on idea evaluation, financial modeling, pitch decks, and market launch strategies.

With a solid educational background that includes a Bachelor's in Engineering from Cairo University, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship from IBSS, Denmark, Ahmad is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from AUC, underscoring his commitment to operational excellence.

Ahmad's leadership has been instrumental in reengineering business models, driving marketing and sales growth, and establishing strategic partnerships. His roles as a Jury Member for the Startup World Cup and board positions in companies like Boon Arabia and Kora Bora reflect his deep commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In every endeavor, Ahmad Zalat combines his extensive knowledge, strategic foresight, and passion for entrepreneurship to deliver exceptional results, making him a key figure in the business world.

Mohammed Al Rasbi is a leading Omani entrepreneur with a rich history in the IT sector since 2003. His expertise has driven significant digital initiatives in Oman.

At Oman Technology Fund, Mohammed has invested and accelerated the growth of over 140 startups in the Middle East.

Currently, he manages a portfolio of 90 startups with the Fund and leads R&D Labs and is setting up R&D Capital, aiming to boost early-stage startups in the global arena. 

He collaborates with both public and private sectors to enhance regional startup ecosystem. A George Washington University graduate in Mechanical Engineering.

Dalia Sharaf, PhD, MSc, Finance and Investments

Dalia Sharaf is currently the Director of Applied Research and Analytics at the Entrepreneurship Center at AASTMT, which gives her hands-on experience with startups and the entrepreneurship ecosystem. She also mentors startups of different stages in pitching, in addition to early stage startups in finance and overall business. She is also conducts trainings for startups and corporates. 

Additionally, Dalia is an Associate Professor who specializes in Finance. She has taught a wide range of Finance Courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students for the past 14 years. She is currently an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of London at AASTMT under the Academic Direction of the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is also teaching postgraduate finance courses at Cardiff Metropolitan University. 

Dalia earned her PhD in Finance from DeMontfort University (UK), specializing in Venture Capital Funding and Entrepreneurship. 

Dalia is also the founder of the Training of Trainers Program launched in collaboration between University of London at AAST and the Egyptian Exchange (EGX), in effort to spread financial literacy to youth in Egypt. This program was awarded by EGX as the most active and effective financial literacy program in Egypt in 2023. She is also the head and founder of the CFA Ambassador Program at the University of London, which is a program that prepares students from the beginning of the university years to prepare for the CFA research challenge and the CFA mindset. This involves setting curriculum and supervising trainers to deliver them in different areas of financial analysis and valuation. Dalia is also a faculty advisor to the CFA Research Challenge Team. 

Dalia’s long teaching career in Finance and her passion for entrepreneurship support is surely to yet have a great impact on the start-up scene.

Early Hustles & Career Glow-Up

Hazem kicked off his career as a telemarketer, showing off his epic skills in talking and selling.  He quickly climbed the ladder, becoming an account exec and producer, mastering the art of management and creativity. His career kept soaring as he became a creative executive, perfecting his content creation, branding, and marketing game. 

Entrepreneurial Vibes

Not just a corporate dude, Hazem’s got that entrepreneurial spirit! In 2015, he co-founded BÖWE - Middle East, proving he’s got what it takes to dive into new markets and crush it.  He’s also into cool tech like digital twins, always thinking ahead and innovating. 

Leadership Goals

As the Managing Director, Hazem leads a squad of talented artists, photographers, videographers, and editors. His leadership style? All about commitment, precision, dedication, and creativity, making work fun and productive. 

Content Creation & Digital Wiz

Hazem’s a pro at content creation, digital marketing, social media, and brand showcasing. His company offers everything from digital marketing strategies to social media campaigns and epic content for all platforms. 

🎙️ Podcast King

Hazem is super into podcasting, hosting shows with entrepreneurs, successful folks, and startups in prop-tech, lifestyle, and design. His podcasts are the go-to for industry insights, interviews, and chill discussions. 🎧🎤

🎨 Creative Soul & Personal Passions

Outside of work, Hazem’s a jack-of-all-trades: modeling, acting, singing, and all kinds of adventurous sports. 🌟 He loves cooking (especially Asian and gourmet cuisine) and traveling, adding a personal flair to his creative lifestyle. 🌏🍣

🌟 Future Dreams

Looking ahead, Hazem’s all about expanding his horizons and teaming up with big-name multinational companies. His ambition and vision for the future are just next level. 

Follow Hazem’s journey as he blends creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership into an inspiring story of success and innovation!

A 27 year old Entrepreneur with an experience in areas within Fashion, Ecommerce, Growth Hacking & Online Identity.

Co-founder & Managing Partner at In Your Shoe, a direct to consumer brand focusing on creating colorful & statement fashion items allowing people to express who they’re.

Ahmed Rashad is a transformation & change management consultant, and executive coach. He is also a contributing writer for Entrepreneur and Think Marketing Magazine; And founder of Business Bel Arabi podcast. Ahmed helps fast growing organizations and leaders unlock their growth potential by leading organizational change, and executing their strategies throughout the organization, and develop leadership capabilities. Ahmed's focus is helping Senior leaders in Mid-size, and large organizations businesses kick their growth initiatives in high gear by having a leading change & transformation strategy, clear communication plans, and sound leadership to sustain continuous growth.

Ahmed has extensive experience in the Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices, Manufacturing, healthcare, ERP Systems, E-commerce companies, Software & Digital Transformation companies, Both on the operational and commercial side in the United States, North Africa and the Middle East.

Ahmed holds a Bachelor and Master degree in Plastic and Biomedical Specialization Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, has multiple certifications in General Management and Leadership. Has dual citizenship American and Egyptian

Amr Kawashti is an Egyptian Entrepreneur with an experience in areas within Fashion, Growth Hacking & Ecommerce.

While earning his BSc. in Engineering at the German University in Cairo (GUC), Amr cofounded In Your Shoe in 2018 with Ezz his partner as a direct to consumer streetwear brand with a mission of allowing new generations to express themselves through fashion. Amr believes that the idea of being from the same generation & speaking the same language as their customers is the main reason why In Your Shoe is recognized as one of the top leading homegrown brands in the region. In Your Shoe was also recognized as The Fashion Brand of The Year in 2022 by Egypt’s Entrepreneur Awards.

Hossam Ezz – Biography

Chief Commercial Officer - Enterprise Services – Fawry

CEO Fawry FMCG

CEO FawryPlus.

Experience

Hossam Ezz Joined Fawry since September 2019 to date, bringing revolutionary and diversified knowledge and revival for the Corporate & Consumer markets. Stated as Chief Executive Officer in  FawryPlus, Chief Executive Officer for  Fawry FMCG and then Chief Commercial Officer - Enterprise Services – Fawry.

Earlier in 1997, Hossam Ezz started his career in RAYA where he occupied several positions therein Since September 1997 until January 2019, establishing and turning around businesses in FMCG, Consumer Electronics, IT & Telecom industries.

Ahmed comes across with + 21 years of combined experiences between banking & telco industries with Commercial International Bank (CIB) as head of digital products & Orange Egypt as Head of mobile money setting related strategies in serving corporate and retail segments by developing a customer centric approach grounded in business realities, to deliver digital services that are relevant, affordable and accessible to the end user and penetrate the un-banked segments. While Ahmed was head of Financial Inclusion @ Arab bank (Egypt) to establish a new department and to set the strategic objectives to reach to new target segment with having significant experience in digital payments along with a wide knowledge in establishing payments propositions, processes, partnerships and awareness of the wider payments market including alternative payments, wallets, mobile payments, and act as an industry expert from being exposed to the best practices to always meet customer expectations.

Samer Gharaibeh: Is the founder and CEO of www.mylerz.com, a last-mile delivery and fulfillment innovation company with branches in north Africa & Jordan. A last mile technology startup, Mylerz was born with its own state-of-the-art platform, own Fleet and Fulfillment Centers, delivers with unprecedented service that fills today’s voids and is fully equipped with all the tools needed to cater for the logistics of tomorrow, a technology driven company centralizes its focus around a service that is merchant and consumer centric, aiming to move the offline shopping experience to customers doorstep.

former Chief Executive Officer in Africa for www.aramex.com, from 1996-2019. He expanded Aramex operations in the African continent, was an active member of the Aramex's Global Management Team, offers an extensive knowledge of the logistics and transportation industry, and a deep understanding of current and future markets trends. 

Completed several executive development and management programs including a Master of Science in International Transport and Logistics and completed, executive development and management programs from the Business School of Wharton University of Pennsylvania, USA, and Singularity University at NASA. Gharaibeh is a finance graduate from the faculty of Economy and Administrative Science Yaromouk University in Jordan.

Also actively involved in community and NGO work in Egypt and African countries, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Ruwwad Al-Tanmeya Egypt, a mentor at Endeavor Egypt, served on the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt as committee Chairman and, serves on the Advisory Board CxO Forum, AUC School of Business, Member of the board of the Egyptian Clothing Bank

Heba Co-founded and serves as the Deputy Director at the AAST Entrepreneurship Center, alongside her role as a marketing and entrepreneurship lecturer at the College of Business Administration within the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, University of Hull, and University of Cardiff. Previously, she led as the Head of Operations and Digital Marketing at the AAST Strategic Marketing Center. Heba is recognized as a Certified Trainer in Entrepreneurship by Babson College and a certified mentor by Universitas Ciputra Surabaya. She is also a proud alumnus of the International Visitors Leadership Program. Holding a Master's Degree in Digital Marketing from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, she is now pursuing a Ph.D. focusing on AI-enabled Digital Marketing for Startups. Heba's expertise extends to providing consultation and mentorship in entrepreneurship, marketing communication, and social media marketing. Additionally, she has been actively involved in civil work and currently holds the position of CEO at ElAbrar orphanage, which cares for 30 girls aged 19-25.

Mahmoud Hamouda is a visionary and dynamic leader who drives strategic initiatives at Banque Misr, Egypt's second-largest bank, as the head of strategic initiatives. With over 19 years of experience in the technology industry, he combines his technical and business acumen to identify new market and growth opportunities, craft go-to-market strategies, and lead transformational projects. He holds a  Master of Liberal Arts and Management from Harvard University.

Mahmoud is passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship and has been instrumental in introducing the start-up community to cutting-edge technology through the Dell for Entrepreneurs program in Egypt, which he has led since 2014. As a Harvard Business Review Advisory Council member, he contributes to the global discourse on management and leadership. He has received multiple awards and patents for his creative and impactful ideas, such as a centralized employee data analytics IoT platform and a machine learning technique for detecting physical anomalies in a computing environment.

Youssef Kamal is a dynamic data and AI innovator with over five years of experience leading high-performance teams in fintech, e-commerce, and supply chain sectors. Currently serving as the Director of Data at @advaegypt and an AI Tutor at @udacity, Youssef is passionate about leveraging artificial intelligence for healthcare and social impact. He founded the People of Data community, connecting over 1,500 AI engineers and data scientists. With three master's degrees and pursuing a fourth in AI, Youssef combines academic excellence with practical expertise. As a consultant for startups and SMEs, he drives data-driven transformation across industries. Committed to empowering the next generation of data scientists in the MENA region and beyond, Youssef continues to push the boundaries of what's possible with data and AI.

Ezz Damak is a regionally awarded brand strategist, recognized internationally for his expertise and holding an academic foundation from Bayes Business School, London. As the principal of DAMAK, he directs a consultancy known for its cohesive and strategic collaborations with its success partners. Ezz has worked with more than 50 brands from Multinational companies like Cocacola to Egyptian brands like Tabali. Leveraging a dynamic network of researchers, strategists, and creatives, Ezz's leadership fosters the creation of robust brand presences that endure and form the cornerstone of market-leading brands.

Taha Gazzaz joined RasMal in 2022 as a Business Developer, tasked with establishing the company's presence in the Egyptian Startup Ecosystem. He played a key role in forging strategic partnerships with prominent entities such as MINT, Acasia Group, Dar Ventures, MQR, The Greek Campus, Arewqah, and others. Prior to RasMal, Taha served as a Business Analyst at Glint Ventures, contributing to their Fund 1 activities, with a focus on Iqraaly and Darwinz AI.Taha is a graduate of the British University in Egypt, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with a major in Accounting & Finance.

Mohamed El Khatieb is a mechanical engineer who Co-Founded Seqoon and took on the COO role. Before starting Seqoon, Mohamed attained a Master's Degree from the University of Cambridge in Industrial Systems, Manufacture, and Management. This is where he began working in the operations and consulting fields. While he was there, Mohamed worked with UK companies on developing their market penetration strategy, shopfloor optimization, adoption of lean principles, and new equipment investment justifications. Recognized by Forbes 30 under 30 and now with Seqoon, he’s on a mission to democratize real estate ownership globally.

Ahmed graduated with a BSc in Architecture from Helwan University in 2001. He gained invaluable experience in various key positions within leading architecture, real estate development, and communication firms. This led to his decision to specialize in managing a consultancy office.

In 2014, he founded ICONIC Engineering Consultancy to showcase his unique vision for engineering services, known for its modern style and practical designs. Under his leadership, the company has gained widespread recognition in the Middle East for its innovative public buildings, especially office space designs. In 2021, his achievement of the LEED Gold Certificate for the Schneider Electric HQ building demonstrated the company's unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental studies.

Meet Dr. Sally Elakkad, the dynamic president of Abjjad Ltd. She’s not just setting the strategic direction—she’s redefining it. With a laser focus on innovation and high performance, Sally oversees business operations, driving Abjjad towards its most ambitious goals yet.

A Legacy of Excellence

Before joining Abjjad, Dr. Sally Elakkad spent nearly two decades making waves in multinational corporations. Specializing in marketing and e-commerce, she consistently delivered results that were nothing short of transformative. Sally has a knack for enhancing online sales, optimizing customer experiences, and executing successful digital and integrated marketing campaigns. Her expertise has sparked significant growth and success across various industries, proving time and again that she’s a force to be reckoned with.

The Architect of High-Performing Teams

Sally is celebrated for her exceptional leadership skills. She’s a master at building 'A' teams and creating environments where individuals don’t just work—they thrive. Her deep understanding of people and her ability to foster collaboration are the cornerstones of her leadership style. Under her guidance, teams are not only high-performing but also deeply engaged and motivated.

The Chronicles of a Thought Leader

Sally is also the distinguished author of the acclaimed Chronicles business series, which includes "The Chronicles of Leadershit," "The Chronicles of Dysktopia," and "The Chronicles of Storyselling." Through her books, Sally shares her profound insights into leadership, organizational dynamics, and the power of storytelling in business. Each page invites readers to explore the depths of effective leadership and the art of inspiring teams.

Dr. Sally Elakkad’s journey is a testament to what’s possible with visionary leadership and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She doesn’t just lead; she inspires, challenges, and transforms. Dive into her story and discover the secrets behind her remarkable success.

Mohamed Elshabrawy is a physician with over 12 years of experience in the NHS England, UK. Driven by a passion to innovate healthcare, he co-founded SehaTech, a health insurtech startup where he now serves as CEO. SehaTech is focused on transforming the healthcare insurance landscape in Egypt and Africa by leveraging technology to make insurance more affordable and accessible. Mohamed's vision is rooted in his experiences in the NHS and his commitment to improving healthcare systems in his homeland and beyond.

Nominated for Forbes 30 Under 30 and featured in the World Economic Forum, Laura is a 2 x solo female founder, having bootstrapped and built through revenue both of her businesses. CONCAT Tech is an award winning design and development company run by refugee and female developers since 2021. Then in 2024, Laura founded CONCAT Recruit, the new go-to tech talent community in the Middle East with over 300 developers. CONCAT Recruit works with leading businesses in the UAE and beyond and links them to the best, untapped developers in the Middle East. 

As a tech enthusiast, Laura has been invited to speak / participate at all of the world’s leading tech events from London Tech Week to STEP in Dubai. She is at the forefront of linking marginalised tech talent in the Middle East to corporates around the world. She regularly breaks down stereotypes surrounding women and refugees in the Middle East as well, and has helped more than 300 refugees into employment from Palestine, Syria and Lebanon through CONCAT’s network.

Laura is a mentor and trainer for many leading accelerators and programmes such as Hub71, Numo and others. Focussing on helping elevate founders personal brands and how to build successful communities around businesses.

Dr. Waleed Sadek is the Founder & CEO of PaySky, a leading digital payment solutions provider established in 2017 with the mission to democratize and redefine the digital payment ecosystem. Under his leadership, PaySky has expanded its operations internationally, establishing a presence in over 10 countries across the Middle East and Africa, including Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and more. The company has formed strategic partnerships with banks, central banks, financial institutions, and telecom operators, offering cutting-edge technology to enhance the region’s financial services.

With over 20 years of experience in digitizing the financial services sector, Dr. Sadek is a serial entrepreneur who has successfully founded and led several fintech startups. Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, he held key leadership roles at Visa from 2004 to 2008, including Head of Innovation and New Technologies for the MENA region and Manager of Global Strategy for CEMEA.

Dr. Sadek has also served as a Board Member for BITEL EMEA and Wind Technologies. As a respected expert in digital financial services and payment systems, he has contributed to the development of technology standards and market regulations in the electronic payments domain. Despite graduating from Ain Shams University’s Faculty of Medicine in 2009, Dr. Sadek chose to follow his passion for information technology, focusing on creating innovative fintech solutions to empower individuals and foster economic growth.

Ambitious digital and marketing lead in the pharmaceutical industry with a track record of success driving new launches, new ideas, and crafting digital strategies either in Egypt or international assignments in Asia cluster and Global functions.

Passionate about leading business transformation through innovation, resilience, and customer-centricity.

Ahmed Abdelalim, a distinguished professional with extensive experience in taxation, has held pivotal roles within the Egyptian Tax Authority, showcasing his expertise and contributing significantly to tax administration advancements.

Currently, as an E-Commerce Tax Inspector, Ahmed delves into investigating new e-commerce business activities, playing a vital role in collecting e-commerce data and fostering international collaborations with advanced tax administrations. He focuses on crafting innovative solutions, efficient instructions, and new tax treatments to tackle the challenges presented by the dynamic e-commerce landscape.

In parallel, Ahmed serves as a Transfer Pricing Specialist, ensuring adherence to Egyptian transfer pricing regulations and conducting detailed examinations of corporate transactions. His proficiency lies in analyzing companies' functions, risks, and assets to grasp their business models and roles within their groups.

Previously, Ahmed excelled as a Tax Officer, meticulously reviewing taxation files for corporations and individuals, analyzing financial statements for compliance with Egyptian Tax Law, and estimating taxes for taxpayers lacking financial documentation. His meticulous approach and profound grasp of tax laws have been instrumental in evaluating tax compliance and identifying potential irregularities.

With a strong academic background in economics, taxation, and international studies, Ahmed is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Euro Mediterranean Studies at Cairo University, building on his Master's degree in International Studies, Tax Policy, and Finance from Korea University.

Ahmed Abdelalim is an experienced tax expert with a proven track record in government administration, excelling in taxation, international tax matters, and fiscal policy. His expertise includes strong accounting and auditing skills.

Nawar Abdelrahman is a Business Development Trainer and Mentor. She is passionately helping startups in the ideation stage and how to start their process into the market, through validation of the idea, address their plans and building their Business Model Canvas, and building an agile team with a strategic look ahead.

Nawar is a consultant in the construction field with more than 20 years of experience, she is graduated with civil engineering bachelor’s degree, supported with a master’s in construction managements for SMEs, a diploma in construction contracts, an MBA in strategic management, and a DBA in Business Administration, a professional strategist who in addition to Arabic; speaks English and French fluently.

Nawar Currently working at NilePreneurs as a business development coach and mentor, and for different local and international NGOs helping entrepreneurs and startups to grow and scale. 

Nawar’ had successfully prepared and delivered a variety of training topics for different audience in marketing, business development, pricing, and target cost management. Nawar is very enthusiastic about empowering young men and women specially those who are located at Upper Egypt.

Rafeh is an experienced executive, founder, management consultant, and venture capital professional.  He is the founder of Cubit Ventures, a North Africa focused venture capital fund, and SNF Ventures, a sports-tech focused investment syndicate.

With over 20 years of experience in marketing and communication in the paint industry, working for one of the top multinational paint brands. He has led the brand identity transformation of GLC Paints and is thoroughly involved in product research and development within the organization.

As an Interior Architect, Mohamad has an expansive knowledge of color, color forecasting, color design and architectural coatings. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of art focusing on Color, at the American University of Cairo

Digital Marketing Expert with over 15 years of experience.

Founder & CEO for Freenity Advertising agency.

Digital Marketing Instructor

Holds a Bachelor degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering, in addition to 3 Diplomas in Digital Marketing.

Worked as a Marketing Manager for 400+ Clients in different industries.

Marketing Influencer since 2017.

Conducted 50+ workshops on becoming an influencer, focusing on marketing strategies, building a social media presence, community building, and photography/videography tips.

Founder and CEO of Self since February 2020.

Self has distinguished itself in the social commerce space by addressing market gaps and delivering a comprehensive lifestyle experience—from packaging to delivery. The brand’s social media presence is thoughtfully curated, maintaining a unique character and style while effectively driving engagement through subtle calls to action.

Both self the brand and the blog are branches under SELF, there is so much more under development and the concept of "SELF THE"

Consultant, Author, Content Creator, Investor and Entrepreneur.

Amr Shalan, CEO of TileGreen, embodies a multidisciplinary and goal-oriented approach, fostering business growth through innovative solutions. Forbes has recognized his Startup TileGreen as one of the top 10 Sustainability startups in the Middle East.

Amira is CEO/Principal Architect of D_Dialogue, a boutique architecture and interior design studio, based in Downtown Cairo since 2016. With the aim of breathing life into existing buildings and spaces, renovating them to accommodate moder-day use, she went on to launch KENNAH in 2021. A tech-enabled hospitality brand that refurbishes and operates under-utilized properties for the purpose of short-term rental, KENNAH provides an innovative working model of Adaptive Reuse, a fundamental principle of Sustainability in the built environment. 

Winner of DarE Incubator for Startups in ACE grant, and Tatweer Misr Innovation in Real Estate Competition for Startups, in addition to graduating from AUC VLAB Cycle 20, KENNAH is on a trajectory of growth as a high-potential startup that combines technology with relevant engineering expertise to address a real urban problem.   

Amira obtained her BSc in Architecture from Ain Shams University in Cairo in 1999, then her MFA in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. Prior to launching her own practice, she spent more than 15 years exploring the different aspects of the design and construction industry in Egypt, through positions in both local firms and multi-national corporates. The diversity of experiences proved invaluable when setting up her own enterprises.

Nouran Khedr, an architect who studied Architecture and Environmental Design at AAST in 2008, discovered her passion for historical heritage during her education. Her dream is to design products, spaces, or buildings that blend Middle Eastern identity with modern contemporary lines, reflecting both traditional roots and current lifestyles.

In 2014, she launched her project, MAQAM, focusing on designs that embody cultural identity using natural materials crafted by Egyptian artisans. Her brand exemplifies a modern approach to reviving heritage, emphasizing originality, quality, and simplicity.

I am a seasoned finance professional with more than 18 years of experience in investment, credit analysis, SME financing, corporate banking, financial modeling, and financial literacy.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with SMEs and startups across diverse sectors, including industrial, commercial, agribusiness, and services. This diverse experience and my deep understanding of development finance principles make me a strong candidate to contribute valuable insights and guidance.

I hold an MBA in Banking and Finance from the Arab Academy for Science & Technology (AAGSB), as well as a Venture Capital Diploma from the University of California-Berkeley, a Corporate Credit Certificate, SME financing Certificate, and a Private Equity Diploma from the American University of Cairo.

Egypt born turned global citizen having visited 30 countries, lived in 4 (Germany, UAE, Bahrain & China) and worked directly with +75 nationalities. My life motto is to continuously learn and be a person of use for good.

My mission is to help create economic opportunity for as many people possible, At Careem, i contributed to +100K driver jobs and built a 10K fleet at Glovo under 12 months with a team of 4.

At Fincart, I help e-commerce SMEs grow their business by providing best-value shipping service and access to working capital all in one dashboard. My dream is to do that for 1M merchants.

Aly Elazhary brings 8+ years of experience in the startup ecosystem in Egypt, and is now focused on supporting ScaleUps through his role at Endeavor Egypt, a mission-driven organization focused on supporting high-growth companies in 42 emerging and underserved markets. As Entrepreneur Experience Manager at Endeavor Egypt, Aly works closely with companies who are in the process to join Endeavor’s network, or receive investments from Endeavor’s fund, and manages a portfolio of 16 companies across 5 different verticals/industries. Aly’s portfolio includes companies like MaxAB, MNT-Halan, Taager and Dsquares. Aly ElAzhary graduated cum laude in Mechanical Engineering in 2015 from The American University in Cairo. He also studied abroad for a year on exchange at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Mohamed Hany, an accomplished freelance filmmaker with eight years of invaluable experience in the industry and a content creator delivering captivating content across various platforms.

With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for visual artistry supported by hard work and strategic thinking, Hany has honed his skills over the years, turning his passion for storytelling through film into a thriving business at a young age. Dive into the world of filmmaking with Hany, where creativity knows no bounds.

Ahmed Morshed is an Investment GURU in Egypt. Born in March 1987 in Cairo, Egypt. He graduated from commerce from Cairo University. He is now head of financial advisory at Azimut Egypt Fund and asset management since October 2020, Arab Republic of Egypt.

He is also a technical advisor to the USAID United States Agency for International Development in Egypt since August 2022.

He served as manager of Private Banking Services at Ahli United Bank in Egypt between 2019 and 2020, Relationship Manager for Premium Banking Services at Egyptian Gulf Bank between 2017 and 2019, and retail - head of Sales and Services at Mashrea Bank in Egypt between 2015 and 2017.

He also worked as relationship manager at Commercial International Bank during 2015, responsible for branch's sales and services at the same bank between June 2011 and December 2014, and a technical support advisor at Exceed Company between 2009 and 2010. He has 10 years of experience in the banking sector. He holds a Bachelor's degree in accounting in 2010 from Cairo University.

As a passionate HR Entrepreneur with 15+ years of experience, I'm driven by the mission of empowering both people and organizations to thrive. 

 I leverage my expertise in Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Business Acumen, and Entrepreneurship to deliver impactful HR solutions.

Achievements I'm proud of:

Founded and lead Hired HR, a leading recruitment and HR agency in Egypt, consistently ranking among the top in the region.

Successfully connected around 400 companies across 6 countries with top talent, meeting & exceeding their hiring goals.

Empowered thousands of job seekers and trainees to land their dream jobs through personalized career coaching and skills development programs.

Delivered keynote speeches and training sessions at prestigious organizations like TEDx, ILO, GIZ, and the US Embassy in Cairo, influencing HR practices across various industries.

"I graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at Cairo University in 2015 with a major in Industrial Engineering. I began my career as a Supply Chain Engineer at Philip Morris, later transitioning to Business Development at KarmSolar. In 2019, I joined Valu and have since held several positions, eventually becoming the Head of E-commerce and Payments."

Sara Enan, a Principal at Oryx Fund. Previously. With 13+ years of Venture capital & consulting experience, Sara lead North Africa investments at VentureSouq (VSQ), worked at Global Ventures and Flat6Labs. She started her career in economic consulting, working as an analyst focusing on antitrust litigation in Washington, DC, until moving to Egypt and joining Rocket Internet's e-commerce platform, Jumia.com. Sara holds a BA from Brandeis University with a triple major in mathematics, economics, and business. She is an avid climber, hiker, and diver.

Hilda Louca

Founder and CEO

MITCHA

Awarded by TOP 50 Women Forum among the most Influential Women of 2021 and Forbes

Middle East 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2023 & 2024, Hilda Louca is the first woman

entrepreneur in Egypt to create an online shopping platform dedicated to homegrown fashion

designers.

Hilda started her career at the early age of 18, gaining experience in sales, marketing and public

relations spanning many industries. In 2018, she brought her dream to life by launching

Cairo-based MITCHA, igniting the spark for the thriving local fashion scene in Egypt. Hilda

wanted to bring awareness to up and coming designer labels, thus redefining the e-commerce

landscape for online shoppers seeking quality, affordability, and convenience.

Today, MITCHA is the leading multi-brand hub supporting more than 200 brands through a

seamless ecosystem, providing a premium shopping experience. Hilda continues her steady

steps towards pursuing her dream to empower Egyptian designers to reach regional and global

markets powered by MITCHA.

In 2023, Shark Tank Egypt selected Hilda as one of the Sharks for its first season. Moreover,

ranked among Forbes Middle East 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2023 and 2024.

Awards:

- Top 50 Women Forum: Women Fashion Empowerment Award 2021

- Top 50 Most Influential Women 2022

- Forbes Middle East 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2023

- Forbes Middle East 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2024

Craig Mullett is President of Branison Group (M&A advisory firm based near New York City) and also an active angel investor with Angel Investor Forum (member of the Angel Capital Association - ACA). 

Craig is a founder of AngelHub, Africa's first angel group and helped in establishing SA Business Angels Network as well as Trident Angels, the first Caribbean angel group. He is a founding limited partner of Launch Africa and also has many direct active seed stage investments that include artificial intelligence, agritech, insurtech, cloud computing software and medical devices. Craig has been interviewed on startup investing by the New York Times, Forbes, Financial Mail, Authority and Inc. Craig was previously Director of Corporate Development for Amphenol Corporation (at the time a KKR portfolio company) and following this he was a non-executive director of Volex Group. In South Africa, Craig founded and sold HomeWorths and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte. 

He is a Venture Mentor at Yale University and has an MBA from Nyenrode (Netherlands), a BCom(Honors) from the University of Cape Town (South Africa) and is a graduate of the International Leadership Academy of the United Nations (Jordan).

Karim's six-year career has seen him delve into many industries, gaining invaluable insights and experience.

His journey across sectors like pharmaceuticals, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), real estate, logistics, retail, and fintech has equipped him with a multifaceted understanding and a rich knowledge base. This diverse exposure was garnered through his dynamic roles in various prestigious institutions, including investment banks, private equity firms, investment management companies, and corporate banks.

Throughout his career, Karim has demonstrated exceptional prowess in executing both Equity Capital Market (ECM) and Debt Capital Market (DCM) transactions, with an impressive cumulative value exceeding EGP 1 billion. His expertise is not just confined to identifying and capitalizing on lucrative investment opportunities but also encompasses the holistic process of deal completion. His significant contributions include the successful launch of the first Egyptian-based SME Fund, an ambitious project with a capital of EGP 500 million, marking a milestone in the regional financial landscape.

Moreover, Karim's advisory role in guiding multiple fintech startups has been instrumental in their successful market entry and operational scaling. This endeavour has further broadened his professional horizon, adding a cutting-edge fintech perspective to his extensive financial expertise.

Academically, Karim is a distinguished alumnus of the American University in Cairo, Egypt, where he graduated cum laude. He majored in Finance and minored in Economics, laying a solid foundation for his commendable professional journey.

In summary, Karim's multifaceted experience and academic background position him as a versatile and insightful finance professional. His achievements reflect his deep understanding of diverse financial sectors and his ability to adapt and excel in various corporate environments.

Ayman stands as a trailblazer in the world of finance, holding the prestigious position of Co-founder and Managing Director of Exits. Me. Before starting this entrepreneurial venture, he honed his skills as the head of transaction advisory services. Ayman's impressive ten-year tenure in investment banking saw him working with some of the most esteemed financial institutions globally and regionally, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of The World Bank Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD), and the Arab African International Bank. Ayman has also worked as a Climate Finance Advisor to the Egyptian Ministry of Environment during the preparation of COP27.

During his expansive career, Ayman has skillfully navigated and advised on investment and debt deals that cumulatively surpass USD 1.5 billion in size. His advisory roles have been pivotal for governments and multinational corporations, showcasing his acumen in handling high-stake financial transactions.

Ayman's expertise is not confined to a single industry. He boasts a versatile background, encompassing pivotal sectors such as fintech, telecom, broadband, renewable energy, oil and gas, green hydrogen, healthcare, microfinance, FMCG, fertilizers, and social infrastructure. This diverse exposure underlines his ability to adapt and excel in various market conditions and sectors.

Academically, Ayman is as accomplished as he is professionally. He holds an MBA from the University of Warwick, a Bachelor of Accounting from the American University in Cairo, and a specialized certificate in project finance from Harvard University.

Ayman's combined academic achievements and professional experiences paint the picture of a finance professional who is not only profoundly knowledgeable but also immensely versatile and capable of leading in the ever-evolving world of finance.

Ismail Sarhank is a professional with a diverse background in the financial services and media industries. As the Co-founder and COO of Menthum, a dynamic fintech startup, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategy, overseeing operations, and driving its rapid growth. With extensive experience in the financial sector, he also serves as the Deputy CEO of IBAG-Western Union, where he is responsible for managing money transfer operations and corporate business. During his tenure, he forged strong partnerships with the Central Bank of Egypt and other industry players. Before his role at IBAG-Western Union, Ismail held the position of Director of Operations at IBA Media, where he orchestrated a transformative shift from an Ad-based model to a copy sales and cash flow positive model. 

Ismail’s dedication to innovation and leveraging technology for business advancement was evident in his role as Director of Business Development for IBAG-Western Union, he introduced AI and machine learning models, resulting in a substantial 15% annual revenue increase and improved business cycles. 

Passionate about empowering individuals to achieve financial security and independence, Ismail co-founded Menthum with the vision of providing innovative financial solutions. He continues to drive the company’s mission to revolutionize the way people save and invest, ultimately improving their financial well-being.

Ismail earned a BA of business administration with a minor in economics from The American University in Cairo.

Ayman Ismail the Abdul Latif Jameel Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship and Associate Professor at AUC School of Business and the founding director of AUC Venture Lab and AUC Innovation Hub. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Egypt Ventures and PayMob, and a co-founder, angel investor or board member in several fast-growing tech-startups and financial institutions.  Previously, he was a research fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, a consultant in McKinsey & Company’s New York office and the World Bank, a co-founder and managing partner at Enovio Consulting, and a Young Global Leader (YGL) at the World Economic Forum (WEF). He received his PhD in International Economic Development from MIT.

Zeyad Zein is the co-founder and driving force behind LAYN, a trailblazing startup revolutionizing construction with 3D concrete printing technology. A visionary entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, Zeyad is leading the charge to disrupt traditional building methods, focusing on speed, sustainability, and scalability. With his leadership, LAYN is emerging as a key player in the global construction tech space, blending cutting-edge solutions with a deep understanding of market needs. Poised to make an impact, Zeyad is at the forefront of shaping the future of construction.

Results-Driven Business Professional | Strategic Leader | Innovation management | Integrated Marketing communication professional | DBA | Entrepreneur.

Ahella El Saban is currently Co-founder/ Vice Executive Chairman of Exits, an investment banking platform that offers buyers, Sellers’s and intermediaries access to an online and offline deal making system for Fundraising, Mergers and acquisitions. Ahella has years of experience in tech, marketing, consumer behaviour and startup/ SME investment readiness. Previously, Ahella founded a Market Research and customized training business -Lumas, that partnered with multiple international, regional and local entities like Google, TikTok, the ILO, Ministry of Investment of Egypt (GAFI), which she helped to disseminate national programs that help youth, entrepreneurs and SME's digitally transform their businesses. Today, Lumas has already reached over 150,000 individuals trained and 14+ research projects related to consumer online behavioural studies completed. Before Lumas, Ahella worked at Google MENA. She was responsible for managing projects that help businesses in digital transformation and leading tech-based research programs that help uncover consumer behavioural insights, assisting global brands in transforming their storytelling and advertising strategies to impact growth indicators. During her time, she was also responsible for working with startups and small and medium businesses to help them become digitally ready, build their pathway to investment readiness, and develop tech-related products that helped reach users across the MENA region.  Ahella also has years of academic experience teaching consumer behavioural studies and marketing. She has an MA  from Durham University in consumer behaviour and marketing and is currently a PhD researcher on consumer behaviour. She specializes in helping startups and businesses elevate and create sellable stories for their companies to present to potential investors or buyers locally or globally. She has also completed multiple degrees, including the CXO Academy program by Google and INSEAD.

Alia Sherrah is an experienced “Head of Risk Management” with more than 16 years of experience in the Risk Assessment field between Banks & Startups.

Since acquiring her bachelor’s degree in commerce (Business administration) from Ainshams University in 2008, she has served multinational & local banks such as QNB (Qatar National Bank of Egypt) as well as EBANK (Export development bank of Egypt) then moving to “El Gameya for Information Technology “under the supervision of CBE & Alex Bank heading the Risk Management Dept.  

Her extensive experience focuses strongly on Retail Risk Assessment & enlightening top management about key risks, as well as diverse knowledge in Training, Coaching & Mentoring. Ms. Alia has diverse academic studies in Risk Management, Human resources Mgt., Project management & Entrepreneurship & Financial Inclusion. 

She is also McKinsey & Co. Fellow accredited in July 2024 in McKinsey Forward Learning program.

She is also a Trainer , Mentor &  guest speaker responsible for preparing Egyptian youth for the employment market, through giving sessions about Banking sector, Entrepreneurship & Innovation , Financial Inclusion, Business Model Canvas , Business Plan  through several entities such as the “Egyptian Banking System Model” (EBSM) under the supervision of “Egyptian Banking Institute “(EBI) & CBE , AMIDEAST “HEI scholarship” under the supervision of USAID , UCCD ( University center for career development under  Ain shams University supervision with the collaboration of USAID , AmCham , the AUC , TIEC /ITIDA under Ministry of Communication & Information Technology , SITA incubator  , ASU  Career Center ( Ainshams University) , AUC Center for Entrepreneurship  & URI ( Under graduate research initiative ) In collaboration with Innovators support fund  صندوق رعاية النوابغ , FA Model under Ministry of Agriculture& FAO & Alashanek Ya Balady ( AYB) Ainshams university.

Muhammad is a social entrepreneur with a passion for sustainability. He is a graduate of the American University in Cairo ('04), carrying 20 years of professional experience in both local and multinational companies, for Egypt and GCC markets in smart and sustainable infrastructure developments and implementations. Muhammad structured engazaat’s sustainable solar and water utility portfolio as one of the fastest-growing private developers and operators. engazaat is Egypt’s first Independent Power and Water Producer (IPWP) with more than 63 MW of developments and implementations, 15 million m3 of water produced and managed annually, an investment portfolio size of USD 45 million, and a pipeline exceeding 350 MW, in Egypt, and MEA region.

Basem Elsherbiny is a versatile professional who has made remarkable strides across various industries. With an academic background in chemistry, he initially established himself as one of Egypt's pioneering Oracle computer programmers. However, driven by an insatiable curiosity, Basem ventured into the dynamic world of media, gaining valuable insights into the art of communication and storytelling. 

It was during his foray into the world of media that Basem discovered his true passion for marketing. Recognizing the potential to combine his technical expertise with his creative instincts, he embarked on a new career path that drove him to create influential and unforgettable marketing campaigns. Today, Basem is renowned as the CEO & Founder of ETQAN Business Development, where he leverages his multifaceted background to drive business growth in the sphere of real estate, foster innovation, and empower organizations and individuals to reach their full potential.

Basem's journey exemplifies the transformative power of following one's passion. With a diverse skill set, technical prowess, and a strategic mindset, he continues to make significant contributions to the business and marketing landscape in Egypt. His unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit have solidified his position as a respected leader and visionary in the industry.

Coming with more than 20 years of experience in HR, Yasmine is very skillful in everything people development. She is a Corporate Trainer since 2011, a certified employer & personal branding expert from Sweden, ICF certified life, career & leadership coach and a former ICF Egypt board member. Yasmine teaches unique strategies to Personal Branding for different target audiences from students to executives & entrepreneurs.

Shosha is an Egyptian based designer and artist, known for her Egyptian inspired designs and philosophies. Since she joined the design field, she’s been devoted to reviving the ancient Egyptian art and heritage and introducing it to the modern world Very early in her career, her work has been recognized globally. Her famous Wing Sofa was named the best sofa design worldwide for the year 2016 by the International Product Design Awards, London UK. She was named an A’ Design Award Winner three consecutive times for the years 2014, 2015, and 2016, Milano, Italy. She was named by the same entity in the year 2016 as a “Design Hero” for her efforts in making the world a better place through good design. In the year 2017, her continuous efforts in reviving the Ancient Egyptian great heritage across all design disciplines were recognized by his Excellency the President of Egypt, Mr. Abdelfattah El Sisi in the Youth Conference, Alexandria, Egypt. It’s worth mentioning that her chairs were gifted to the United States first lady by the Egyptian President, and is now part of the White House furniture collection. Her various designs have entered homes in more than 8 different countries across the world.

In 2013, Shosha founded the field “Fundraising Design”, a new design discipline aiming at helping NGOs and humanitarian entities fundraise donations. Since then, her company has been helping many entities raise donations through good design. Shosha is also the founder of Annure, a lighting fixtures brand that helps light African homes with every piece sold. She continues adding to the design world in the fields of Exterior Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Public Design, Green Design, and Fundraising Design. Regardless of the nature of every project she works on, her ultimate goal is using design in favor of humanity.

Ahmad BAYOUMI is a seasoned Strategy and Marketing professional with over two decades of experience across various industries, including Industrial, B2B, Distribution, Sports Marketing, and NGOs. He holds a Masters in Strategic Management and Marketing from the German University in Cairo and has demonstrated expertise in driving business growth and exceeding performance standards. 

Currently serving as the Industrial Sector General Manager at WADI Group, Ahmad oversees four operational facilities, achieving significant milestones such as a 2.5-fold increase in EBITDA within a year. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in market penetration, product diversification, and establishing strategic partnerships. 

Previously, Ahmad was the Marketing Senior Manager at Egyptian Steel Group, where he doubled the market share amidst the challenges of 2020. His role involved developing comprehensive marketing strategies, enhancing customer engagement through digital initiatives, and spearheading business development efforts. 

Ahmad also played a pivotal role as the Marketing Director for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, successfully bringing the event to Egypt and exceeding financial targets. His extensive experience includes senior marketing and business development positions at Wadi El Nile Cement, Lafarge Ready Mix, and Zamil Steel Co. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Ahmad is a certified Positive Psychology, Career and Executive Coach, contributing to personal and professional development through training and advisory programs.

Social EdTech entrepreneur, CEO and Co-Founder. Hussam Allaham grew up in Damascus and started a successful profession as a teacher. In 2013, he had to leave to Lebanon. Soon he started volunteering with local and international organizations like World Vision, UNESCO to support refugees. in 2014, he founded an NGO and built in-camps education centers to enable Syrian children to return to education. End of 2015, his journey of finding a new home brought him to Switzerland where he was a participant at Powercoders – a coding academy for refugees in January 2017 before he joined the founding team in this impactful journey. After Powercoders, he co-founder Remotecoders to support vulnerable unemployed youths to integrate into IT jobs locally and remotely. Hussam lives with his wife and his two daughters in Bern, Switzerland.

Deena El-Mahdy is an Associate Professor in the Architectural Engineering Department at the British University in Egypt. She is a co-founder of Cairo Heritage School. She holds BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees from Cairo University, in addition to a postgraduate degree from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) related to 3D printing with Earth in 2021/2022. Her research interests are digital fabrication processes, 3D printing, robotics, parametric design, computational design, and additive manufacturing techniques in both education and construction. She was awarded many grants and lately was awarded several awards as; the BIM Africa award under the category of "Best Woman in African Construction" in 2023, and shortlisted in the Tamayouz award in the category of "rising star, women in Architecture and Construction" in 2018 and 2019.

Magdy Shehata is a serial entrepreneur, a board member, and an angel investor. He founded Söderhub, a Swedish boutique consultancy that connects fast-growing Nordic companies with business opportunities in the MENA region. Magdy is also the CEO and Co-founder of FunRock, a Swedish mobile gaming company, and the Vice President and Co-founder of Fragbite Group, a publicly traded company since 2021 focusing on M&A in gaming and e-sports.

Magdy is an active angel investor and a mentor to several startups in Europe and the MENA region, serving on the boards of companies including Recoma, a company innovating in circular construction solutions, and advising various companies and VC funds. He is a member of the Swedish Institute Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL) and the Alexandria Angels Network.

He is a Ph.D. candidate in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm. He holds an MSc degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management from KTH and a BSc degree in Computer Engineering.

Nada Helmy is a professional with more than 8 years of experience in entrepreneurship. She graduated from the American University in Cairo (AUC) with a major in Integrated Marketing Communications and a minor in Business Administration. She is a business content creator, mainly known on TikTok, a business mentor and entrepreneurship expert. She won the award of Business Advisor of the Year (2023) by Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders. She is currently the Value Creation Manager at HALA Ventures, a Saudi- Based VC, creating projects and initiatives that bring value to the company, portfolio startups and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Before that, she was the Incubation & Acceleration Program Manager at EdVentures, an edtech VC. Nada worked at the Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC), a joint venture between the Egyptian Ministry of IT & Communications and The United Nations. Nada has also worked as a Project Manager at Vflock Co. where she supported the launch of Athar Accelerator and was a co-founder of an educational startup called Journey of Entrepreneurship (JOE) which has succeeded in growing internationally. She has first-hand experience in building and scaling businesses and has served as a mentor and trainer for startups in diverse industries.

Basmah Osman is a seasoned leader, serial entrepreneur, and certified Corporate Director with over three decades of diverse industry experience spanning textiles, entertainment, education, and consultancy. Her international exposure has shaped her into a recognized empowerment expert, providing unique perspectives to corporate and developmental engagements.

As Managing Partner at elleKhan Division of FekrKhan, Basmah specializes in Diversity & Inclusion, business development, and coaching. She designs and implements empowerment programs across the Middle East for corporate, NGO, and individual development. Since 2020, she has contributed to UNLOQ’s network as an executive coach and facilitator for international UN agencies.

During her impactful tenure as Senior Advisor at the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI), Basmah led institutional reforms and shaped national strategies in collaboration with UN agencies, donor agencies, and government entities. Her entrepreneurial background includes roles with the Egyptian Exporters Association and the Egyptian Foundation for Technological Education and Development (EFTED), focusing on multi-stakeholder engagement and international initiatives.

Basmah co-founded the Women Entrepreneurs Network (WEN) and served as its President from 2019 to 2022, enhancing support for women entrepreneurs through strategic partnerships. She also played a pivotal role as a Founding Member of the Board at KEY Career Development Center (CDC), establishing CDCs in national universities to empower undergraduates.

With a global coaching background and expertise in governance, leadership, and organizational performance, Basmah contributes uniquely to empowerment initiatives at all levels. Her dedication to advancing psychological and structural empowerment underscores her role in driving economic and social progress.

A creative who finds passion in anything related to ideation and digital content. With over 9 years in the business; the core belief is that creativity is king in any business and lies at the core of any sector.

Maram Mohamed is the Founder of Ladies Arena, a successful company dedicated to empowering women in the esports scene.

Additionally, she serves as the Head of Operations at Virtual Quest, a cutting-edge gaming company that constantly pushes boundaries and creates innovative experiences for gamers.

Karim Wally is an Egyptian interior designer started his career after graduation from 'faculty of fine arts class 2007' to gain different experiences in design and execution since that time until he started his own business "The Studio" in 2014 to put his own fingerprint and his own identity using his past experience.

Karim was working in parallel in different channels of design beside the main stream of business, such as Fashion trials, jewelry trials and furniture trials. Moreover building his passion in giving design related lectures and sessions in different entities and channels such as ITI, Studio34, DeForum, Higher institute of applied arts and GUC.

Karim Wally's work related activities:

•        Founder – chief designer of The Studio.

•        Partner at Kairos.

•        Instructor at Cairo Design District.

•        Mentor at SITA.

I’m the Founder of Unica Research agency, the first market research agency that serves startups, SMEs and entrepreneurs. The passion that urged us to start this, is the existing gap facing startups, either due to their lack of affordability or due to their very special needs. All of this urged us to partner with management consultancies, marketing agencies, field agencies and supporting organizations to fill this enlighten startups’ and SMEs’ path, providing best research, training and consulting practices, locally, regionally and globally.

Regarding my experience, I’ve 9 years of experience in market research and consulting in the Arab markets, & in African markets such as Tanzania, as well as American and Western European markets.

I’ve conducted consulting & market research for startups, governments, private sector and international organizations as GIZ, UNICEF & UNIDO. 

Regarding macroeconomic strategies, I had the honor of coworking on updating Egypt's 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy. I also had the honor of developing an Export Strategy Roadmap for Egypt in the Tomato Concentrate industry. 

I’m also the Head of Exploration at UNDP Accelerator Lab, that’s part of a global network of 91 labs, where I explore sustainable development challenges using collective intelligence, systems thinking, future thinking and uncommon data sources.

For my education, I’ve a Dual MA in Law & Economics from Hamburg & Cairo Universities, and BS in Economics and Statistics from Cairo University - English Section.

Amr Elharony is a seasoned business data analyst, digital transformation specialist, and certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with over a decade of experience in banking and fintech. He is also a certified Professional Data Analyst from DataCamp, offering advanced expertise in data-driven decision-making. With an MBA in Entrepreneurship and a DBA in Digital Transformation, Amr combines strategic planning, project management, and data analytics to guide startups through scaling and growth challenges.

Amr mentors entrepreneurs on personal branding, business model innovation, and leveraging technology for success. As a speaker and panel moderator at events like Techne Summit and Seamless North Africa, he provides actionable insights on fintech, digital transformation, and sustainable finance.

Committed to fostering innovation in Egypt’s startup ecosystem, Amr helps entrepreneurs build resilient, scalable businesses. In his role at Banque Misr, he drives digital transformation while offering mentorship to early-stage ventures.

My name is Abdulrahman

I have a YouTube channel with 4 million followers where I create content about video games especially football

Marwan El Messiry has a unique set of experiences & talents due to the diverse clients base he has consulted across over 25 years. His consultation/management practice ranging from small business to public organizations developed strong insights & experiences in marketing, branding, strategy/policy formulation, long range planning, project management, teams/function establishment, change and culture transformation, international context sensitivity and awareness. 

He successfully consultant organizations such as MSC, Majed El Futtaim, E-Aswaaq Misr, ETISAL Association, IKEN Technologies, Information and Decision Support Center, In Fort, Mansi Eyewear, Alexandria Businessmen Association, Unilever, AIMEX, Microsoft, Silicon Vision, and others.

His educational practice as a lecturer and university professor in more than four universities in Egypt enabled him to actively participate in different capacity building programs for public and private organizations. He also worked as a trainer/coach for donor organizations (such as USAID, GIZ, and JSI) and more than forty corporate organizations in areas such as marketing and selling, strategic management, policy making, and cultural development. 

Marwan El messiry was also the executive secretary for INSCA (5 Years term), which is an international not-for-profit association and was able to increase membership, funding volume, and performance of internal committees in favor and benefit of its members. He also worked as a consultant for Information & Decision Support Center (IDSC) under supervision of the prime minister of Egypt and submitted more than six key reports regarding governmental practice and contemporary marketing channels.

أستاذ مساعد دكتور بكلية التربية الرياضية ، جامعة حلوان

•        محاضر معتمد ومدرب دولي بالمركز الثقافي البريطاني التابع للسفارة البريطانية ضمن برنامج الإلهام الدولي الخاص بإعداد الكوادر الرياضية الشابة في الفترة 2012 إلى 2015، مما ساعد على مشاركتي في تنظيم وإدارة العديد من الأحداث الرياضية والاجتماعية مع مختلف الفئات العمرية.

•        الحصول على دعوة رسمية لحضور عيد ميلاد ملكة بريطانيا (الملكة إليزابيث) 2014 ، وواحد من ضمن 50 مصري تم ترشيحهم لحضور عيد الميلاد نظراً لما حققناه في دورة الألعاب الأوليمبية لندن 2012 وعملي مع المركز الثقافي البريطاني بمصر

المعد النفسى الحياتي فريق رعد للالعاب الاليكترونية

•        المعد النفسي الحياتي لبعض اللاعبين المشاركين في أولمبياد باريس 2024.

•        المعد النفسي الحياتي لفريق الفراعنة الأوليمبي المشارك في أولمبياد طوكيو 2020 الأوليمبية والبارالمبية.

•        المعد النفسي الحياتي لبعض لاعبي منتخب مصر للجمباز الإيقاعي المشارك في أولمبياد طوكيو 2020.

•        أول مصري وعربي وأفريقي يحصل علي عدد 5 ميداليات أوليمبية في دورة أوليمبية واحدة "طوكيو 2020".

•        المعد النفسي الحياتي للعقيد الدكتور "محمد عبده أبو ستيت" الحاصل على الميدالية الذهبية في بطولة العالم للكيك بوكسينج Air force one  المقامة بالقاهرة 2021.

•        المعد النفسي الحياتي لمنتخب مصر لكرة القدم سيدات بتصفيات أفريقيا المؤهلة الي كأس العالم 2022.

•        المعد النفسي الحياتي لمنتخب مصر الأول للباليه المائي المشارك في أولمبياد لندن 2012م.

•        مسجل بالاتحاد الدولي للتايكوندو ( ( psychologist 

•        المعد النفسي الحياتي لمنتخب مصر للسباحة في البطولة العربية بجمهورية مصر العربية 2017م.

•        المعد النفسي الحياتي لمنتخب مصر الأول والناشئين كرة سلة (كأس العالم للناشئين بالأرجنتين – تصفيات كأس العالم للكبار 2017، 2018).

•        المعد النفسي الحياتي للاعبي كرة السلة الفريق الأول (نادى الزمالك المصري – النادي الأهلي المصري – نادي المصرية للاتصالات) الفترة من 2015 إلى 2018م. 

•        المعد النفسي الحياتي لبعض لاعبي منتخب مصر للسباحة في بطولة العالم بكوريا الجنوبية 2019م.

•        المعد النفسي الحياتي لبعض لاعبي منتخب مصر (للجمباز – الترامبولين) بطولة العالم روسيا 2019م.

•        محاضر للإعداد النفسي الحياتي بأكاديمية جولدز جيم – مصر.

Hossam Taher, a father, serial entrepreneur, and a doctor, leverages his expertise in product management and business strategy in venture building and business growth. As the former CEO of Orcas, which he successfully exited in 2023, he expanded the company's regional presence, built an international team, and secured over $4 million in funding. Hossam now offers consultancy and mentorship in venture building, digital transformation, product strategy, and business strategy, while exploring angel investing, with a preference for tech startups.

Karima joined Algebra Ventures as PR Manager in 2021. Over the past three years, she has effectively built the PR and communications department, boosting the fund’s visibility both locally and internationally. She played a key role in launching Algebra’s $100M second fund, overseeing everything from press outreach and interviews to organizing a major event at the stunning Khufu’s, which overlooks the Great Pyramids of Giza.

In addition to her work at Algebra, Karima supports the fund’s portfolio companies by acting as their press office and helping them connect with the right PR agencies. She has developed strong relationships with important media outlets in the local, regional, and international VC and startup scenes, organizing educational and networking events to engage these communities.

With over seven years of experience in the PR field, Karima previously spent four years at Hill and Knowlton Strategies, managing notable accounts such as Twitter, Intel, Amazon, Google, Spotify, Coca-Cola, and Emirates Airlines. She also contributed to the first two editions of the El Gouna Film Festival, taking on various roles from pitching and staffing to managing the red carpet and media relations.

Karima earned her B.A. in Multimedia Journalism with a minor in Business Administration from the American University in Cairo in 2015, graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors.

a software engineer with a diverse background across various workstreams, I thrive on solving complex challenges and designing efficient, scalable solutions. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to support startups in validating their ideas and transforming concepts into reality. Whether it’s designing innovative systems or providing strategic guidance, I focus on helping startups build sustainable solutions that meet real-world needs.

Mohammed Assem is the founder and CEO of Dimensions Games, Egypt’s leading board game company. Combining his engineering background with technical experience, Assem has tackled major challenges in the Egyptian gaming market.

Dimensions Games provides a complete range of services within the board game industry, including design, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution, all through a single entity.

I am Saif Aglan a 22-year-old CG Generalist interested in digital artwork. co-founder of Al-Arcade Studio, an official partner of MSI, I worked closely with such companies as Riot Games, Cooler Master, Redbull, WE telecom, Egypt Foods, V7, and Crossfire. Studying, I was able to attend prestigious schools such as Rebelway and Gnomon, which allowed me to develop a unique approach to the creation of stunning television commercials, films, and video games

Ahmed Najeeb, a gaming enthusiast since the era of "LionKing.exe [Enter]"!

With a decade in the game development industry, Ahmed has contributed at Appsinnovate and Instinct Games. Currently Co-founder at 2024 Studios and Game Development Lead at Appsinnovate (a Naseej company), he's been involved in over 15 small to mid-scale games across platforms. Ahmed aspires to give back to the community through mentoring, lecturing, and speaking at public events.

📍CEO Oligence AI 

📍 Founder IMFND 

📍Growth Hacking & AI Marketing Expert 

📍eCommerce & AI  Consultant at Abo Dhabi Government @ Mawaheb Project

With over 20 years of diverse business experience, I have journeyed through various fields, culminating in my roles as a Co-founder of SETC Training Solutions and Consultancy, a professor of Marketing, Branding, and Entrepreneurship at MIU and AAST, and a Learning and Development expert.

Karim Helal is a successful entrepreneur, mentor and angel investor, having been involved in the Entrepreneurship ecosystem for over 15 years.

As the Founder and CEO of ProTenders, the leading ConstructionTech platform in the MENA region, Karim has helped streamline the way 30,000 companies working in the Construction Industry get found, connect, source new opportunities and manage over $50B worth of bids - all while being bootstrapped.

Karim has also been an ardent member of the UAE Entrepreneurial scene by actively mentoring in over 50 startups, including at incubators & accelerators such as Seed Startup, Startup Weekend, Flat6Labs and Founders Institute.

He was recently named as on the Top 50 Construction Tech Entrepreneurs by US-based Builtworlds.

David Anton holds 16+ years of experience across Governance, Risk, Compliance, Cyber Security,

Information Security, Data Protection and Privacy fields, in various roles:

• Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

• Group Data Protection Officer - Interim

• Head of Governance, Risk, Compliance Information Security

• Business Development Manager & Security Solution Architect - Sales / Presales

• Managed Security Solutions Expert – Service Ownership and Product Engineering

• Information Security Consultant – Control Design, Implementation, Support, Security

Operation Centers, and Incident Response

As well as across different industries:

• Banking/Financial Services.

• Fintech.

• Technology Distributors.

• Managed Security Services.

• System Integrator.

• Telecom Service Providers.

David currently serves as the Chief of the Risk and compliance division at Taly, overseeing Infosec,

Operational Risk, Businesses Continuity, Regulatory Compliance & Legal functions. Ensuring that Taly

is conducting its operations with proper risk management program and in full compliance with all

laws and regulations that pertain to its mandate, as well as applicable professional standards,

accepted business practices, and internal policies and standards.

Since joining Taly 1st September 2022, David has successfully achieved new 3 PCI certifications (DSS,

3DS & SPIN) in 5 months period and has well maintained recertification for the 2nd year in a row. PCI

standards and certifications are one of the most difficult to achieve in banking and payments

industries, especially in such short time. In progress to achieve ISO27001, ISO27701 & ISO22301 and

many more certificates to come to demonstrate a resilient and agile information security

management system.

Through previous roles, David succeeded to lead Group GRC, data protection and privacy programs

across multiple countries and regions across UK, KSA, UAE, DIFC, Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

arwa is a software delivery expert and a passionate leader with more than 14 years of experience in IT Demand, Delivery, and Digital Transformation

Marwa is a Co-Founder at TechLine and currently serves as the chief delivery officer responsible for all customer relationships engagements, and overall delivery.

Prior to TechLine, since 2011, Marwa started her journey at Etisalat Misr as a CRM platform owner, a business analyst responsible for managing the systems delivery and all vendor management activities, moving to the centeralized demand and solution architecture team. In her last stage at Etisalat Misr journey, she headed the corporate demand and delivery department, managing more than 10 members of business analysts, solution architects, and project managers, owning the enterprise and ICT segments products, and solutions products and projects delivery.

Marwa holds a Bachelor of Computer Science from Ain Shams University, and MBA from German University in Cairo

VAT Expert with 22 years of extensive experience in the government sector, particularly in the VAT Administration Division at the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), Ministry of Finance. Currently a VAT group leader at E-Commerce and Digital Economy Unit (ETU), I possess a strong combination of academic knowledge and professional practical Experience in VAT researches, policy development and administration.

Keynote Speaker, Author, Professional Coach, Mentor, Facilitator & Trainer, who was elected as ICF-Egypt Chapter President. After 25 years of DEIB, People and Culture, Communication, External and Internal Relations, 3 years in the Academic Life, 13 years in Corporate, Management, Administration, Translation, and PR fields, 11-years journey at NGOs, Feminism, Gender, Women Human Rights and Proposal Writing, and decades of experience with national, regional and international entities, 7 years of Coaching and Self-Care,13 years in Training, Mentoring and Facilitation, she decided to grab her professional experience, integrate it together with her dream to create a HUMAN SAFE SPACE for WOMEN and YOUTH to THRIVE and start her own business as CEO and Founder of Dream Catcher, looking forward to have a significant impact helping and supporting WOMEN and YOUNG LEADERS to find out their best version, maintain their mental health, prioritize self-care, be authentic, be more connected to themselves, reach their goals, improve their relationships, and have better lives. She's for her distinguished contribution as Speaker and selected as one of the Egyptian Inspiring Women, one of the 2024 Top Influencers for her impact and contribution to Empower Coaching in Egypt and an International Female Voice of A New Era of Leaders

Aya Rizk Elmasry is a Development Coach dedicated to empowering clients, including fresh graduates, middle management professionals, and working moms, to navigate their career journeys and achieve their full potential.

Aya's career journey demonstrates her ability to help others succeed. She started her career as a pharmacist but discovered her passion for learning and development. With a combination of academic knowledge and practical experience, Aya successfully transitioned into the field of learning and development. She now works as a Learning and Development Professional with over 9 years of experience.

Aya's expertise goes beyond her professional experience. She holds the NCDA FCD plus ICF certificates and has completed over 500 coaching hours, guiding and empowering corporate teams and individuals to achieve their career goals. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and wealth of experience make her an invaluable resource for clients looking to advance their careers.

A Senior Executive Strategist with massive leadership exposure at different banks among Strategic Planning, SME & Retail, Change Management, Transformation, and Sustainability. He started at the Ministry of Investment, Egypt, then Barclays Bank, Egypt passing to his previous position as the head of strategy and change management in the second largest bank in Egypt “Banque Misr”.  Wassim currently is the Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at AlBaraka Bank, Egypt whereas he is ultimately responsible for providing the strategic direction for the bank by developing, owning, and managing the overall bank’s strategy and its Sustainability journey. Additionally, Wassim is a part-time professor for Business, Economics and Finance at several well-known universities in Egypt.

Strategic Planning professional with 3 years of experience in the senior positions and over a decade of professional experience in different fields. Proven track record of success in developing and managing high-performing businesses and executing successful strategic plans. 

I have a diverse background in management, human resources, and business administration acquired through self-learning and hands on application on different businesses.

I have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and I am currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport.

I am an excessively ambitious entrepreneur with a growth mindset, and I am passionate about creating value and impact in businesses I take part in.

In addition to being the CEO Of Lynkrs Marketing Agency, Mohamed Abdelgawad is also an angel investor, business mentor, and marketing consultant. 

He owns an extensive, diverse work experience, which has been spanning for over 20 years, in the fields of Advertisement, Marketing, Communication, and Business Development. 

Furthermore, during his journey at Coca-Cola, he has been able to handle major award-winning campaigns, as well as product launches in several markets across Egypt, Libya, Sudan and Yaman

Later, he expanded the scope of his expertise by joining Vodafone Egypt as Marketing Communications Manager, where he managed the communication for several consumer sectors and campaigns.

In April 2020, Abdelgawad successfully joined Dsquares as a Marketing Director. Ever since his appointment, he has been shouldering the responsibility for creating opportunities at all levels of business at the company.

It is noteworthy that Abdelgawad has earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing, from the University of New Brunswick, Canada.

A filmmaker, Producer, and a Youtuber

With a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Electronics awarded from Cairo University, and an MBA in Banking and Finance awarded from the Maastricht School of Management, the Netherlands, Wael has more than 30 years of experience in different roles in the IT, Telecommunication and Automation industries. Wael started his career in ORASCOM Technology Group, where he held many positions in the sales department and ended his career leading the Business Development function for ORASCOM Technology Group. After 6 years in ORASCOM Group, he moved to the Telecommunication sector and was one of the start-up team of the regional mobile leader, Mobinil, where he had led different functions, Business development, Finance, Transformation & Quality. During his presence in Mobinil, he had played a strategic role behind the success of Mobinil as one of the executive and leadership team. After 13 years in Mobinil, he took a new challenge in his career as an entrepreneur, establishing “Sphere Smart Solution”, an entity that provides smart and innovative technologies to homes, buildings and offices. Sphere is considered after five years of its operations as one of the reputable and credible brands in the automation, audio/visual industry within the Egyptian market in the residential sector. Wael’s ambition is to make Sphere a leading entity delivering the highest SMART Homes customer experience and at the same time play a big role in the coming three years to increase the SMART Home penetration rate in Egypt through SMART Communities and Cities. Continuing the ambition and with a business and community development focus, Wael launched SITA Incubator (Supporting Innovation & Transformation Academy) in 2021 as a “Youth Incubator” that supports youth’s business ambitions and entrepreneurship ecosystem by enabling young entrepreneurs to build or transform their start-ups as well as accelerate SME’s businesses through different entrepreneurship programs developed and managed by SITA Incubator.

Laila Helmy is the Egypt Head of Digital, IT & Innovation at AstraZeneca. In her role, Laila orchestrates the Digital innovation agenda in Egypt, driving Digital Health innovations, business solutions and technologies and integrating it with the country’s strategy by fostering growth through innovation and partnering with all functions and therapy areas to drive impact. The Digital innovation function is instrumental in supporting patients, society, and the planet by deploying innovative solutions and fostering meaningful engagements with patients and healthcare professionals.

Laila joined AstraZeneca in 2015 as an IT business partner and took on different Digital roles before heading the function in 2021 and becoming a member of the Egypt senior leadership team.  With a focus on business analysis and driving digital transformation using Cloud technology, Laila has 14 years of experience in business transformation through innovation  fostering a culture that appreciates the transformative power of digital advancements in healthcare, academia and beyond.. Laila holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computers and Information Technology at Cairo University, year 2010 and holds multiple certifications including Digital marketing from Google and Udacity and certified OKR Coach

I am a passionate programmer with a strong background in software design, development, and integration. I have extensive experience in project management and game development, where I leverage my logical thinking, professionalism, and excellent problem-solving skills. As a professional indie game developer and the founder of SpaceMore Games, I am dedicated to creating unique and engaging gaming experiences that combine creativity with technical expertise. I am constantly exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in game development.

A passionate and experienced gamification entrepreneur with a strong understanding of the gamification market. I am the founder of AL-Arcade, a startup that provides gamification solutions to businesses of all sizes. I am committed to helping businesses improve their engagement, productivity, and profitability through gamification.

online gamer since 2006, started streaming /content creation 2016 and now community manager.

Ahmed Mahmoud Abdeen is an accomplished engineer, project manager, and entrepreneur, who exemplifies the spirit of achievement. His professional journey began at just 14, working in his family’s business. Despite starting young, he excelled academically, achieving an impressive 99.6% in his high school exams. He pursued a degree in Communications and Electronics Engineering at Cairo University, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University in the UK.

Throughout his career, Ahmed has been involved in significant collaborations with renowned organizations such as the British Council and IBM. His expertise extended to the Saudi market, where he successfully managed "Watheq," an electronic archiving company, securing key deals with the Saudi Ministry of Economy and the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, "Etidal."

Ahmed’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found "ElGameya," a financial technology company that has become a major player in the Egyptian and regional markets, attracting both local and international investments. He also formed a notable partnership with Alex Bank, part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group. His achievements earned him a spot on Forbes’ 30Under30 list, which highlights young visionaries in the Middle East making an impact across various industries.

Beyond his professional success, Ahmed has dedicated over 15 years to philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in organizations such as "Life Makers Egypt," the "Risala Charitable Association," and IEEE, leading to him receiving the prestigious Prince Philip Award. He achieved Bronze in 2016 and Gold in 2018, eventually becoming the honorary director of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award in Egypt.

Ahmed's story is one of vision, perseverance, and a commitment to giving back, serving as an inspiration to those aiming to make a lasting, positive impact on the world.

24 years i the  Cyber Security field 

Mostly in both Telecommunications and Fintech sectors 

Currently assuming the role of CISO for FAWRY Banking Technology and Electronic Payments

Exerting all efforts with amazing Cyber team for better and secure services to Fawry Customers 

Previously, I was assuming the role of Cyber Security strategy, Planning & Design Sr. Manager in Vodafone

Ahmed Adel is the visionary Founder and CEO of CardoO, a leading IoT and consumer electronics brand revolutionizing smart living in the MENA region. With over a decade of experience in the tech sector, Ahmed has positioned CardoO as a key player in making innovative, affordable technology accessible to the middle class in emerging markets. Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 innovator, he combines a strong background in computer science, quality control, and full-stack development with an MBA, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen.

Under Ahmed’s leadership, CardoO has rapidly grown, launching successful products like smartwatches, earbuds, and other IoT devices tailored to regional needs. He has secured significant funding, formed strategic partnerships, and driven CardoO’s expansion efforts, making it the go-to brand for localized tech solutions in the MENA market.

Ahmed is a passionate advocate for leveraging technology to solve regional challenges, and he actively contributes to the tech ecosystem as a mentor, speaker, and thought leader. His commitment to innovation, customer-centric design, and market-specific solutions continues to inspire the next generation of tech entrepreneurs in the MENA region.

Ahmed Adel is the visionary Founder and CEO of CardoO, a leading IoT and consumer electronics brand revolutionizing smart living in the MENA region. With over a decade of experience in the tech sector, Ahmed has positioned CardoO as a key player in making innovative, affordable technology accessible to the middle class in emerging markets. Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 innovator, he combines a strong background in computer science, quality control, and full-stack development with an MBA, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen.

Under Ahmed’s leadership, CardoO has rapidly grown, launching successful products like smartwatches, earbuds, and other IoT devices tailored to regional needs. He has secured significant funding, formed strategic partnerships, and driven CardoO’s expansion efforts, making it the go-to brand for localized tech solutions in the MENA market.

Ahmed is a passionate advocate for leveraging technology to solve regional challenges, and he actively contributes to the tech ecosystem as a mentor, speaker, and thought leader. His commitment to innovation, customer-centric design, and market-specific solutions continues to inspire the next generation of tech entrepreneurs in the MENA region.

Experienced Data Science and AI professional with a strong track record in geopolitical, macroeconomic, and risk management modeling and implementation. Passionate about driving data-driven solutions that address complex challenges. I bring deep knowledge of business and government landscapes across North America and the MENA region, combined with a proven ability to rebuild teams, establish strategies and processes, and optimize resources for maximum impact.

Karim El Hayawan – Bio 2023

Karim El Hayawan cofounder of Design Point studios Interiors & Architecture alongside Nehal Leheta. Priding itself on its multidisciplinary nature, immersed in diverse aspects of design, art, cultural and social engagement.

Design Point has collaborated and engaged with well respected designers, artists, artisans and institutions both regionally and internationally to produce an array of projects, products and installations.

The studios’ diverse design ethos stems from the diversity of the founders interests, in addition to founding Design Point Studios-in Cairo in 2002, El Hayawan is continuously inspired by his hometown Cairo, relentlessly seeking visual vocabulary that defines the complexities of the ever-expanding urban metropolis; His work has been exhibited at the “Contemporary Arab Photography Biennale” at the Institut Du Monde Arabe inParis,  The Grid Cape Town Biennale in South Africa, the off-Biennale in Cairo titled “Something Else”, Abu Dhabi Art at Hafez Gallery, Cite Internationale Des Arts Paris, Art D’Egypt and Darb1718 in  Cairo, in  addition  to the Egyptian pavilion at Dak’art Biennale and CNN international. His work has been featured in numerous publications throughout the region.

Co-founder of mrkoon ,Egypt

Master of Industrial Engineering, Poland 

team leader of Mahle Behr for Automotive,Germany

Yehia Ashour – Co-founder & CEO:

Over 19 years in IB, Corporate Finance, and most importantly SME Financing. Prior to establishing INVIA, Yehia was the co-founder and Managing Director of Beltone SME the first Revenue Based Finance provider in Egypt, he was also Country Director at GroFin – a specialized SME financing company for 5 years. Yehia also managed The SME Equity Fund at Arab African Investment Management.

Yehia holds a BS in Accounting & Finance from Faculty of Commerce, Cairo University and is an Accredited SME Consultant “ASMEC” – Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants – USA.

An experienced and passionate professional in the gaming industry, with a proven track record of success in project management, product placement, and vendor management. Possessing a deep understanding of the esports and gaming community, I am dedicated to fostering its growth and expansion through strategic initiatives and effective collaboration with stakeholders.

Ahmed Shoala is a highly experienced Learning and Development (L&D) professional, Executive Leadership Coach, and Culture Transformation expert with over 18 years of experience. He has worked with multinational companies in Egypt and internationally, guiding the development of over 15,000 individuals by helping them understand how psychology, behavior, and team dynamics impact performance. His flexible coaching style helps organizations enhance their human capital by improving the capabilities of executives, managers, and employees, fostering better team structures, and enhancing communication.

Shoala has worked across diverse industries, including FMCG, media, banking, real estate, NGOs, automotive, hospitality, and finance. His ability to connect with individuals at all levels has allowed him to facilitate immediate and long-term organizational changes. Whether guiding executives or frontline employees, Shoala’s coaching creates a lasting impact by addressing the human factors behind success.

In his career as a Training Manager, Consultant, and Technical Development Consultant, Shoala has excelled in managing teams, identifying training needs, and designing tailored development programs. His psychological insights when working with trainees have earned him recognition throughout his career.

He holds a master’s degree in training techniques from Purdue University, is a COPC-certified trainer, an AT&T Master International Trainer, and a United Quality Management Institute (UQMI) member. Additionally, he is a certified Executive and Leadership Coach by Marshall Goldsmith and holds certifications from Harvard Manage Mentor in Leading Others, Coaching, and Strategic Planning & Execution. Shoala’s commitment to leadership development and human potential has made him a sought-after expert, in transforming regional teams and organizations.

Magnus brings more than 15 years of experience in the sustainability field, having coached over 50 startups. He launched Stockholm Cleantech Venture Day, held from 2007 to 2012 and initiated Sweden Sustaintech Venture Day in 2019 still active. With over 25 years of prior business experience, Magnus has served in various roles including co-founder and CEO of TagMaster AB, a global company specializing in RFID technology. His previous expertise spans across marketing, sales, and CEO positions in industries such as banking technology, telecom, smart manufacturing, technology trading, security, and software solutions. With extensive international exposure in Europe, North America, and Asia, particularly in China, India, and Japan, Magnus is an active investor and currently holds the chairmanship positions at Reliefed AB, iPercept AB, Biorestore AB and Building Global Innovators SA, Portugal as well as being a board member of Ignitia AB with operations in Africa and Latin America.

Mostafa graduated from the GUC in 2012. He worked in multiple jobs before starting Palma, a womenswear everyday fashion brand that mixes local art with international fashion trends. Palma has a big presence online and offline in the Egyptian market, and recently they started working in the GCC, Morocco, and Europe to try and sell their products all over the world.

Carole graduated from Saint Joseph’s University (Lebanon) in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and went ahead to pursue her master’s degree in Industrial Technology and a second master’s degree in Business and Health Management from Université Denis Diederot (Paris). Having worked across renowned institutions within the UAE, like PwC, and Munich Re the thought of launching her very own mochi ice cream café struck Carole in 2016, during a holiday back home, in Beirut.

It was during her visit to Beirut that Carole tried the mochi ice creams for the first time ever at a Japanese restaurant, and instantly fell in love with everything about it – the flavour, the play of textures and the concept of transforming a traditional mochi cake into a unique dessert. It was after her delightful first encounter with the Japanese delicacy (and because of her love and passion for food) that she decided to launch her very own mochi ice cream café in the city, that would be the UAE’s first (and continues to be the only) local mochi ice cream manufacturers in the UAE. It was after her delightful first encounter with the Japanese delicacy (and because of her love and passion for food) that she decided to launch her very own mochi ice cream café in the city, that would be the UAE’s first (and continues to be the only) local mochi ice cream manufacturers in the UAE.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt, and soon to expand into the rest of the GCC and Europe. In Egypt, M’OISHÎ now has 14 shops in Cairo and soon to expand to the rest of Egypt. In addition, a supermarket brand was recently launched, Yumochi, as the more affordable mochi ice cream offering.

The brand further extended its reach into supermarkets with a new product line called Yumochi, making mochi ice cream more accessible to a broader audience. Carole’s vision is to make M’OISHÎ a global leader in Japanese confectionery.

Physical therapist, content creator with over 1.8 M subs, Founder of The Diet Masters

Haytham joined Avanz Capital Egypt as a Managing Director. Haytham has more than 23 years of experience in the Egyptian financial sector including private equity, direct investing, and banking. He joins us from Growth Partners, which he founded to launch a series of PE funds focused on impact investing. His prior roles investing in SMEs include as Country Investment Executive: Egypt for GroFin, CEO & Managing Director for Delta Inspire and Managing Director and member of the Investment Committee for Arab African Investment Management. Haytham also served previously as the Head of Direct Investment Department at Banque Misr. 

Haytham is an instructor at the American University in Cairo, School of Business on private equity, a founding board member and Vice Chairman of the Egyptian Private Equity Association, and qualified by the International Association of Consultants, Valuators and Analysts (IACVA) as an International Certified Valuation Specialist (ICVS). 

Haytham holds an MBA degree in Finance and Banking from Maastricht School of Management (MSM) and a Bachelor of Commerce from Ain Shams University, English Section.

Ahmed Naguib is the CEO of food-focused media company HUMM Network, which was incubated by regional accelerator Flat6Labs in 2022, and currently stands at 2M followers and subscribers. He’s also the General Manager of Bubblegum Factory, the newly-formed digital arm of Bubblegum Advertising.

MBA Holder

17+ years of global experience in Financial Services Digital Transformation

Ms. el-Shenoufy has 20 years of financial services experience managing venture capital and investment portfolios in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).  Prior to joining Flat6Labs- the leading startup accelerator and seed funding organization in MENA, from 2009-2011 Ms. el-Shenoufy worked as a Senior Analyst for Al-Ahly Capital Holding, where she was responsible for managing the Oil and Gas portfolio valued at over $200 million, as well as representing the company on the board of Egypt’s biggest producer of essential mineral oils, AMOC. Before that, Ms. El-Shenoufy held the position of Portfolio Manager at Beltone Asset Management, where she co-managed the MENA regional portfolio, valued at $28 million, acquiring great insight into the GCC, Levant and North African markets and business habits.

Proud father of two daughters,people oriented and sports addict. More than 18 years of experience in FMCG, Ex Coca-Cola and Clorox helding regional mangerial positions. Founded Illa 2019 offering integrated supplychain solutions, now the group has 3 companies and 6 business lines

An investment professional with more than 19 years of proven track record in investment management and innovative SME financing.  

Committed to nurturing the growth of small businesses. With a strong financial background and a strong belief in the power of entrepreneurship, specializes in providing tailored financial solutions to small businesses.

At INVIA we work closely with business owners, offering strategic advice and funding to fuel their need for expansion . Beyond just providing capital, we serve as a mentor and guide, helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses. Our mission is to empower small businesses to thrive, driving economic growth and fostering innovation within local manufacturers.

Global Head of Finance at Noon - Social learning platform. A certified public accountant (CPA) Guam board of accountancy (USA) with one year of experience as a regional Finance Director at Majid Al Futtaim. Three years and half as a CFO of Jumia Egypt (E-commerce, JumiaPay and Jumia food), three years as a Statutory and tax regional leader at GE (General Electric) and seven years of experience with the big four audit firms (Ernst & Young 4 years – KPMG 3 years) specialized in assurance services across a variety of industries including the Manufacturing, utilities, NFP (Not for profit organizations) transportation and logistics. Hold two qualifications from Harvard Online Business School in FinTech and lead by Finance.

Jeffery Potvin is an investor in ESG, climate, and green tech, with close to 100 companies in his portfolio and nearly 10 successful exits, including Flow (public), Enthusiast Gaming, and Rover (sold). A global traveler to 100 countries, he is also a property investor managing 15 doors.

As the founder of Hardboot, OPN, and general partner of the Supporters Fund, Jeffery is currently raising a $50 million USD third fund, focusing on the regenerative and circular economy. He has hosted 171 podcasts, engaging with investors from around the world.

Abdelrahman Abdelmoneim is a Technical Founder, Entrepreneur, and Software Engineer. As the founder of SkylineDOOH, A digital marketplace for outdoor advertising with budget-friendly analytics, Abdelrahman is transforming how businesses approach outdoor advertising by providing a data-driven platform that simplifies campaign management.

With experience working in an innovation lab at a Fortune 500 company in the USA, Abdelrahman brings a wealth of expertise in developing cutting-edge software solutions. His skills span data engineering and full-stack development, enabling him to build scalable, user-centric systems that solve real-world business challenges.

As a Software Engineer, Abdelrahman is recognized for assessing business needs and architecting streamlined solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity. His experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings allows him to create products that balance technical sophistication with market demands.

Abdelrahman’s entrepreneurial journey is driven by his vision of disrupting traditional industries with technology. His work with SkylineDOOH reflects his commitment to innovation, from building the MVP to scaling the platform across multiple markets. He excels in guiding technical teams, managing product development, and fostering collaboration, while focusing on business growth and customer satisfaction.

In addition to his technical and entrepreneurial accomplishments, Abdelrahman holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Michigan. This strong academic foundation, combined with his real-world experience, positions him as a leader who is both technically proficient and strategic in his approach to problem-solving and business development.

Nasser Ebrahim is a distinguished Brand Architect and Chief Marketing Officer with over 14 years of extensive experience, currently leading Sigma Fit's marketing transformation. He excels in digital transformation and brand strategy, having led transformative projects across various industries. Nasser also serves as a marketing advisor and business consultant, providing expert guidance to large corporations, SMEs, and startups, particularly during their initial phases. His commitment to innovation is evident in his use of AI to drive business growth and enhance market presence, showcasing his ability to adapt and succeed in diverse business environments.

Sabrina is the Head of MENA Partnerships at Seedstars, working towards impacting people’s lives in emerging markets, through innovation and technology. Her everyday job consists in creating partnerships with the most relevant actors supporting entrepreneurship in the regional ecosystem, to create sustainable impact.

Sabrina believes in the power of entrepreneurship as an answer to today’s challenges and the power of cross-border knowledge transfer. She has a real passion towards working on initiatives supporting entrepreneurs in their growth journey, especially women entrepreneurs.

Prior to working in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, she worked as a Policy officer at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She currently lives between Paris and Cairo and also lived in the UK, Morocco and Qatar.

Jennifer is ESG & Impact Partner at the Cairo based VC firm Sawari Ventures. Her focus areas include ESG integration in the investment process, ESG risk assessment and capacity building for emerging market venture capital, as well as impact monitoring and reporting.

Prior to working with Sawari Ventures, her career included positions at the Egyptian Junior Business Association, Transparency International, and HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform in  Berlin, where she worked in the fields of business integrity, anti-corruption, and SME capacity building.

Jennifer studied in Hamburg/Germany and Sevilla/Spain and holds an M.Sc. in Social Sciences from the University of Hamburg.

Rasha serves as the Chief Marketing & Communication Officer in ABU AUF since September,2021. During the last 3 years, Rasha is a key member in the management team leading the due diligence for the Acquisition Deal  by AGHTIA that successfully materialized by end of 2022.

Re-crafting the brand platform, driving category growth via growing new consumption occasions, innovating and renovating core for higher conversion & channel penetration are among the key highlights for Rasha’s years at Abu Auf. 

Prior to her current role in Abu Auf, Rasha had held various positions at MARS WRIGLEY, the most recent being Chocolate Category Director – Developing Middle East & Africa region including markets like Egypt, Levant, Kenya & Morocco.

Rasha is a results driven marketing executive with a passion for creating value through brand building & business development with more than 20 years of diverse experience within the CPG space on Snacks (MARS) and Beverages (HEINEKEN & most recently ABU AUF). 

Rasha holds expertise in business planning, market & consumer insights analysis, brand building & communication, category & portfolio management, pricing & channel strategies, media planning, trade marketing & brand activations, new product development, innovations and white space expansions in wide spectrum of market models (direct coverage, distributor markets and hybrid).  

Graduating with High Honors from the American University in Cairo, Rasha holds a Bachelor Degree of Arts in Business Administration. Aside from her mother tongue, Arabic, Rasha speaks English and German fluently. 

Rasha is married and is a mother of 2 young boys.