From Freshman Inspiration to MENA Startup VC with Nour Allam
Discover how Nour's passion for startups led her to Plus VC, where she invests in early-stage tech ventures and fosters a thriving portfolio community.
Join Intersect Advisory LLC at Wamda offices in Dubai, hosted by Fares Ghandour, to explore LINK Insourcing Solution. Discover diverse talent, exceptional service, and tailored solutions for your business. Don't miss out—click here to register now for May 8th, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM, Dubai Design District.
Our weekly newsletter shines a spotlight on members of our Viaka Network. Plus, you'll find relevant job postings, upcoming events, and reading materials. Subscribe below!
We spoke with Nour Allam, Investment Association at Plus VC
What are you currently working on?
I'm currently an Investment Associate at Plus VC, where my role involves screening, sourcing, analyzing and taking investment decisions on early stage tech and tech enabled startups. I'm also responsible for any perks offered to the portfolio as part of our +Perks program.
What led you to work on this? What's the "origin story" behind your current job?
During my freshman year, I got exposed to what turned out to be "the entrepreneurial ecosystem" especially that of Egypt, which apparently was a whole world on its own. I got hooked, and suddenly felt the urge to shift to working with startups which I've managed to do through a series of internships and integrating myself in the entrepreneurial world within University. I did try my luck in the corporate world, but I always felt like I had some sort of impact working in VC or working with startups in general, especially within emerging markets.
Why are you interested in connecting with MENA's 'global startup community'?
I believe that the talent pool that the startup community has unlocked in MENA is exceptional. Along with plenty of room for disruption, the MENA startup ecosystem is one that, personally, brings a lot of inspiration.
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?
To me, Viaka provides a rare opportunity to connect with like-minded people from different areas of the world bringing in a lot of insights from other markets. It also creates a familial feel to the MENA diaspora community, making those that are based abroad less home-sick and feel more rooted.
How can members of the Viaka Network (and beyond) be most helpful to you and your work right now?
The beauty of the Viaka network is that whenever you need something, you will find it! With a demanding job like a VC, one can only have so many skills and understand only so many topics. Having access to that wide network acts like an external DD source for me :)
Bonus: favorite dish from the MENA world?
Tough tie between Koshary & Shawerma!
Below is a list of upcoming events from the Viaka Network & beyond over the next couple of weeks:
Viaka AI Demo Day - May 2nd - THIS THURSDAY - (Virtual)
Coffee Meetup in Boston - May 13th (In-Person)
Evening Mixer in NYC - May 16th (In-Person)
Broader Community:
Prosperity through Entrepreneurship Conference - April 30th (In-Person, Boston)
Creative Entrepreneurship: The Journey to Launching and Growing a Business - May 4th (In-Person, LA)
Dubai FinTech Summit 2024 - May 6th & 7th (In-Person, Dubai)
Acquiring Talent Without Hassle - May 8th (In-Person, Dubai)
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 me know so I can also make a personal introduction.
The 2048 Foundation is looking for a head of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships.
Pragmatike is hiring a Senior Technical Product Manager. (EU timezone).
BONUS: Exceptional talent for anyone hiring engineers in Europe.
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!
That’s it for this week. Thank you! 👋
Like what you see? Here are some things you should do: