AI-Driven Travel and UX Excellence with Christian Almurr
Discover how Christian is shaping the future of travel tech through his startup, Jedo, and contributing as the senior product designer to the temp work landscape at Temper in Europe.
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We spoke with Christian Almurr, CEO and Co-founder of Jedo and Sr. Product Designer at Temper
What are you currently working on? (this can be job(s), projects, startups, etc)
I’m working on an exciting new iteration for my travel tech startup Jedo, an AI engine that enables easy planning, instant booking, and self-guiding trips. We are soon releasing two new IPs in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, the war forced us to close operations in Lebanon. I’m also focusing on UX operations and design at Temper in the Netherlands. Temper is a leading temp work platform in the Netherlands, UK, and France.
What led you to work on this? What's the "origin story" behind your current job?
During my master's studies, I researched the impact of excessive social media usage on behaviour patterns and attitudes. That sparked my passion for digital products that reconnect users with the physical world and foster deeper connections, which I hold as a principal in my career.
Why are you interested in connecting with MENA's 'global startup community'?
The MENA startup community is dynamic and full of potential, but sustainable growth and global reach are ongoing challenges. I’m here to find people who share a spirit of continuous experimentation and thirst for innovation to drive real change.
What's your favorite part of the Viaka Network thus far? Do you have any memorable experiences or helpful connections made that you can share with me?
I love the team’s efforts to keep everyone updated and connected. It was surprising and delightful to discover many of my past connections are also part of Viaka.
How can members of the Viaka Network (and beyond) be most helpful to you and your work right now?
I’d appreciate insights from various industries and more networking opportunities. Facilitating both cold and warm introductions can significantly drive growth, especially for expats from the MENA region looking to network in their country of residency.
Bonus: favorite dish from the MENA world?
I can eat fasoulia w rezz (Rice and beans with tomato) every day for the rest of my life.
Below is a list of upcoming events from the Viaka Network & beyond over the next couple of weeks:
Decentralization: A Catalyst for Lebanon's Progress - (Virtual), June 11th. A “Viaka Sessions” event in collaboration with Razor Capital
Viaka Network Mixer in Toronto- June 13th (In-person, Toronto)
Broader Community:
Fintech Future Summit - June 4th (In-Person, Riyadh) TOMORROW!
Fintech Summit Middle East - June 5th (In-Person, Amman, Jordan)
Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards 2024 - June 6th (In- Person, Dubai)
Founder & Investor Eid Mixer - June 13th (In- Person, NYC, US)
Join DLA Piper’s Washington, DC office for an evening reception co-hosted
with the U.S. Commercial Service alongside the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2024 - June 23rd (In-Person, DC, US)
The Leading Summit on Financial Services Innovation and Excellence- June 25th- 26th (In-Person, Doha, Qatar)
If you’d like to share an event in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
Recent job openings from the Viaka Network & beyond. If you apply, let us know so we can also make a personal introduction.
Cercli (YC S23) are looking for a: Senior Backend Engineer (Dubai, remote)
Lazarus is looking for a FT: Visual Designer (Boston, MA, US)
Ripple is hiring a FT: Business Development Manager (NY, US)
Flutter is looking for a FT: Mobile Engineer (SF Bay Area, US)
If you’d like to share a job posting in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
Check out this episode of the Design Review (Y Combinator production), a series where startups get their mobile apps reviewed by experts, is back with a mobile-focused episode! This episode dives into how seemingly small design details can make a big impact, covering topics like user context, user experience optimization, and the power of good design.
If you are curious about the travel industry's latest trends check out Phocuswright. A one-stop shop for insights on travel, tourism, and hospitality. They're the world's leading source of travel research, empowering professionals with data, analysis, and forecasts to stay ahead of the curve.
That’s it for this week. Thank you! 👋
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