Sandpit Startups

Join us for an engaging conversation with Robert Kupstas, co-founder of Pure Harvest Smart Farms, one of the Middle East’s pioneering agritech startups having raised $300M and is redefining sustainable food production. Robert breaks down the realities of scaling asset-heavy ventures, offering rare insights into fundraising, building in emerging markets, and navigating investor expectations in a ra...

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

In this episode, we engage with Khaled Talhouni, the Managing Partner of Nuwa Capital. Nuwa Capital has successfully backed several innovative startups, including Eyewa, Seez, Silkhaus, Calo, and many more. Khaled’s extensive experience in leading Nuwa Capital and other VC funds allows him to offer invaluable insights into identifying standout founders and analyzing pitch decks. Together, we delve...

In this conversation with Andrew Kabrit, Co-founder of Seez—a resilient startup backed by Nuwa Capital—he shares how Seez navigated the pandemic and adapted to survive when other startups struggled. Hear how Seez evolved its model, pivoted multiple times, and found different product-market fits to stay strong in a rapidly changing market. With Andrew’s background as CPO  you'll gain valuable...

In this conversation with Ajinkya Tanpure, also known as AJ, the Founder and CEO of CrossVal, we dive into essential topics every entrepreneur needs to master to become investor-ready. We'll explore how to justify valuations and effectively manage finances, making your startup more attractive to investors. CrossVal is a powerful tool designed to help founders gain a clear understanding of cas...

With Dr. Brandon Guthrie, General Partner at Shatranj Capital, we explore the strategic world of Private Equity. Dive into the intricacies of how PE firms help global enterprises like YUM Brands expand internationally, and learn when they consider investing in venture-backed startups. This episode is packed with expert advice on market commercialization, brand essence marketing, and the key differ...

In an engaging session with Bunty Monani, Founder & CEO of Zofeur, we unravel the journey of Zofeur's meteoric ascent. From its humble inception to securing customer funding and navigating rapid expansion, every facet of Zofeur's growth story comes to light. Bunty emphasizes the pivotal role of resilience as the cornerstone skill in entrepreneurship. Discover the strategies and insig...

In this podcast episode with Walid Mansour, Co-founder of Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), we explore the journey of the first and now one of the largest Venture Capital firms in MENA. Since its inception in 2008, MEVP has built an impressive portfolio, including stellar names like Anghami, Invygo, Fresha, and MamoPay. Join us as we delve into how venture capital is akin to a startup constantl...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Atul Bansal, co-founder of Livlyt, a cutting-edge IT platform designed to help companies optimize their tech spending. Atul provides valuable insights into how Livlyt tracks SaaS usage, manages device inventory, secures devices, and offers on-demand IT support to streamline operations and save costs. We also explore how his experience consulting with McKin...

We have a deep dive discussion with Obediah Ayton, Director Dhabi Holding Company and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Family Office Summit. Obediah shares his experience on the rise of the new investor class that many startups aren't aware of. We also understand how 2 different emirates although in one country behaves as a different hubs for startups. Also we discuss the investor's mindset and wha...

Join us in this inspiring session with Tarek Ghobar, co-founder of Paymennt and recognized as a Forbes Top 20 FinTech Entrepreneur. Discover how Paymennt is is transforming digital payments for micro and small businesses handle online payments by offering a quick, secure, and cost-effective solution. Tarek shares his experiences from managing FoodPanda in Saudi Arabia to spearheading Paymennt&apos...

In this episode, we have a food chat with Benjamin Mouflard, the co-founder of Chatfood. ChatFood offers restaurants a commission-free platform for online ordering and sales via social media and websites, with integrated payment and logistics solutions. We talk to Benjamin about his entrepreneurial journey from selling golf balls in his youth to getting Chatfood acquired by a global scaleup Delive...

In this squeaky clean episode we sit down with Jad Halaoui, the co-founder of Washmen, a digital laundry and dry-cleaning service in the UAE. We talk about Jad's journey from working in Canada one day for an Oil & Gas giant to take the leap of faith to fly to UAE and work with his co-founder Rami on Washmen. He talks about the highs of receiving multiple rounds of funding and being mentor...

In this startup forensics episode, we discuss with Ahmed Arif, the co-founder of Clara. Clara simplifies the intricate legal procedures of starting, expanding, and selling a startup in the UAE with their cutting-edge legal software. With Ahmed, we discuss how startup founders struggle to consolidate all their legal requirements especially when it's on a shoestring budget, but with Clara, it s...

In this episode we are with the operations director of Astrolabs Lukas Krejca, Dubai-based digital capability building company. Astrolabs supports expansion of startups and scaleups to UAE and Saudi Arabia. It's a startup community where entrepreneurs leverage from resources and the network within UAE and KSA. Astrolabs helps with building sustainable ecosystem and act as an accelerator to th...

In this episode we drive down memory lane  with Claudio Esposito-Aiardo co-founder of Carasti, Dubai-based car subscription start-up. From starting with a prototype to raising $5M and also expanding to Saudi Arabia. We learn the do's and don'ts of getting into a business and also how to manage customers in the early days. A really insightful story of starting a car subscription platform...

In this community-focused episode, join us with Cameron Lee Roberts, Founder of DYP Club (now YP Club), as we explore the incredible evolution of UAE's premier hub for aspiring young professionals. From its humble beginnings as a monthly gathering to becoming a powerhouse for thought leaders and innovators, YP Club unites ambitious minds, fostering connections and impactful discussions. Disco...

In this super charged episode with Talal Thabat the Cofounder of Haltia we discuss all things AI which includes Sam Altman and ChatGPT to data and privacy issues. We talk about how Haltia will change the life of people with this AI super app making one not only more productive and efficient but most importantly giving you time to do the things that you love. Get ready for this AI powered episode a...

In this unique episode with 'Tech Angel' and Founder of Inheaden, Dennis Kohl. We discover the new form of investment, unlike the venture studios, rather the tech angel concept is a new and unique take on investment that combines the VC business model but with a Tech Enabler concept. We talk to Dennis about how it all started, their growth in Europe and now their expansion to the UAE. Ex...

Join us in this exciting episode as with 'The Dubai Matchmaker' and Founder of the Maxion app. Her journey from a Teacher in Abu Dhabi to a Tech founder is inspirational and her matchmaking app is set to change the conventional dating app landscape in UAE and beyond. Bringing compatible connections via a convenient concierge to make sure you can focus on the things that really matter i.e...

Join us in this exciting episode as we sit down with Siddiq Farid, the co-founder of SmartCrowd, a revolutionary real estate crowdfunding platform in the UAE! Discover how you can now turn property investment into a hassle-free, stock-like experience with as little as 500 AED. Own properties, enjoy rental returns, and watch your investments grow from the comfort of your own home. Don't miss t...

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Raja Abuljebain, the CEO of Essentially Juices, an innovative F&B startup dedicated to health and wellness. Dive into the fascinating journey of "Essentially" as we discuss the challenges and growth strategies in a competitive F&B industry with a limited product shelf life. Whether you're in the F&B business or dreaming of laun...

In this episode we are with Elliott Denham the Program Manager at SandBox,  a groundbreaking program from Dtec. This startup program is designed to help founders unlock their full potential and guide them on their 0 to 1 journey, providing all the essential support and tools needed along the way. The program provides the guidance, resources, and connections to take your startup from concept to inv...

In this episode with Asher Siddiqui a General Partner at Sukna Ventures, an early stage VC firm . He is a seasoned investor, mentor that has led deals over $15 Billion. Asher has established himself as a trusted advisor to numerous VC firms in MENAP and has also been an entrepreneur. He was a partner at 500 startups in Silicon Valley, which is a global venture capital firm. We talk about the dynam...

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