Innovating the Gig Economy: Rami Djebari's Journey from Freelancer to Founder of Sorbet
Explore Rami's journey in building Sorbet, a platform revolutionizing financial management and gig discovery for Web3 freelancers, inspired by his personal challenges and journey.
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 Rami Djebari, Co- Founder of Sorbet
Current Work
What are you currently working on? (this can be job(s), projects, startups, etc)?
Currently, my primary focus is on building and refining the Sorbet platform, which aims to empower Web3 freelancers with an all-in-one solution for managing finances, discovering gigs, and facilitating borderless payments using USDC stablecoins. We're continuously working on improving the user experience, adding new features, and fostering partnerships within the ecosystem.
The Story Behind the Venture
Can you share the story behind your current venture or role? What motivated you to pursue this path?
The inception of Sorbet was deeply rooted in my personal experiences as a freelancer collaborating with clients across borders. The challenges I encountered, such as difficulty accessing traditional financial services, unreliable payment methods, and the complexities of finding gigs in a global market, made me realize the need for a comprehensive solution that could address these pain points.
Simultaneously, my involvement in the Web3 space exposed me to the potential of stablecoins as a secure and efficient cross-border payment method. Witnessing the transformative power of these innovations firsthand inspired me to combine my personal experiences with my passion for Web3 technology, leading to the creation of Sorbet.
By establishing a platform that empowers freelancers with seamless access to financial services, borderless payment solutions, and a streamlined gig discovery process, I aim to help others overcome the obstacles I faced as a freelancer and create a more inclusive, interconnected, and efficient gig economy for independent professionals worldwide.
Connecting with the MENA Startup Community
Why are you interested in connecting with MENA's 'global startup community'?
My interest in connecting with MENA's global startup community is deeply rooted in my personal background and the region's burgeoning startup scene. Having grown up in Saudi Arabia, I feel a strong sense of belonging and affinity for the Middle East. Witnessing the tremendous growth of the Middle Eastern market, particularly in the blockchain and Web3 space, has been truly inspiring.
The startup ecosystem in the MENA region is gradually expanding, and I believe that fostering connections with other founders and entrepreneurs is crucial for driving innovation and growth. Collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a common vision and understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges in the MENA market will not only benefit Sorbet but also contribute to the development of the region's startup landscape.
Furthermore, the MENA region's progressive approach to technology and its ambitions to become a hub for Web3 innovation aligns with Sorbet's mission to empower freelancers and drive financial inclusivity. By engaging with the global startup community in MENA, I hope to create meaningful partnerships, exchange knowledge and insights, and collectively drive the region's entrepreneurial spirit forward.
Strategies for Securing Funding
What strategies have you found most effective for securing funding and attracting investors?
One strategy that has proven particularly effective in securing funding and attracting investors is showcasing Sorbet's innovative approach to addressing traditional pain points within the freelancing ecosystem. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like Web3 and stablecoins to enhance legacy methods, Sorbet offers a fresh and compelling solution to a well-known problem. This has helped to capture the interest of forward-thinking investors who are keen to support disruptive, technology-driven solutions.
In addition, fostering relationships with strategic partners and collaborating with other startups within the Web3 space has helped to create valuable synergies and increase Sorbet's visibility among potential investors. By demonstrating our ability to forge meaningful connections and align ourselves with like-minded organizations, we have been able to attract investors who share our vision for empowering freelancers and transforming the gig economy.
Overcoming Challenges
Can you share a particular challenge or setback you experienced, and what you learned from it?
Prior to launching Sorbet, I attempted to launch another startup, but unfortunately, I was unable to secure funding. This setback taught me several valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and the importance of focusing on solving a real problem rather than just building a product.
I realized that it is essential to find the right co-founder who shares your vision and complements your skills, as this can significantly impact the success of the startup. Additionally, networking with investors and surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs can provide invaluable insights, resources, and opportunities that can help you navigate the complex journey of building a successful business.
Through this experience, I learned that resilience, adaptability, and a strong support network are crucial for overcoming setbacks and turning them into valuable learning experiences that can inform and strengthen future endeavors.
Balancing Innovation and Practicality
How do you balance innovation and practicality when developing new products or services?
Balancing innovation and practicality is crucial, especially when working with emerging technologies like blockchain. Our approach involves identifying real-world use cases that cannot be adequately addressed by existing technologies. By doing so, we can ensure that our innovations are not only cutting-edge but also grounded in solving tangible problems and improving user experiences.
For instance, in developing Sorbet's USDC stablecoin payment solution, we recognized the limitations of traditional cross-border payment methods for freelancers and leveraged blockchain technology to provide a more efficient and accessible alternative. This allowed us to achieve a balance between innovation and practicality by addressing a real-world challenge while capitalizing on the unique benefits offered by blockchain technology.
Ultimately, our goal is to create products and services that push the boundaries of what is possible while remaining rooted in practicality and providing tangible value to our users.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make an impact in the MENA region and beyond?
For aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to make an impact in the MENA region and beyond, I would offer the following advice:
Identify a problem you are passionate about solving, as this will be the driving force behind your entrepreneurial journey.
Surround yourself with a talented and dedicated team that shares your vision and values.
Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your strategy based on new information and insights.
Stay persistent in the face of challenges and setbacks, as resilience is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success.
Favorite Viaka Network Moments
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 us?
My favorite aspect of the Viaka Network has been the supportive and collaborative community it fosters. I've had the opportunity to connect with numerous entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors who have shared invaluable insights and resources.
Support from the Viaka Network
How can members of the Viaka Network (and beyond) be most helpful to you and your work right now?
Members of the Viaka Network can be most helpful by sharing their experiences and expertise, providing feedback on our platform, and connecting us with potential partners, investors, or freelancers who could benefit from Sorbet. Additionally, we welcome insights into emerging trends and opportunities within the MENA region that can inform our strategy as we continue to grow and expand our offerings.
Bonus: Favorite Dish from MENA
What is your favorite dish from the MENA world?
My favorite dish from the MENA world is Warak Enab, which are delicious grape leaves stuffed with a spiced rice and meat filling. The tangy and lemony flavor profile, combined with the tender texture of the grape leaves, makes for an incredible culinary experience that truly captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Startup Showcase: Sorbet
What unique qualities or value does your product/service offer that sets it apart from others in the market?
Sorbet's unique value proposition lies in our seamless integration of blockchain technology without compromising on user experience. By leveraging the power of the blockchain, we are able to provide innovative solutions such as cross-border payments using stablecoins, while ensuring that the platform remains as user-friendly and intuitive as traditional UX.
We believe that by removing the complexity often associated with blockchain-based services, we can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology and make it accessible to a wider audience, particularly freelancers who may not have extensive technical knowledge. This commitment to prioritizing user experience while harnessing the power of blockchain is what sets Sorbet apart from other offerings in the market.
How do you envision getting your first customers on board? What's your strategy to grow beyond the initial phase?
We will leverage our network, partnerships, and targeted marketing efforts to attract early adopters. As we grow, we plan to expand our offerings, forge strategic alliances, and continue improving the user experience based on community feedback.
What kind of impact do you hope your product will have in the market? Where do you see your company headed in the next few years?
Sorbet aims to contribute to the growth and success of Web3 freelancers worldwide, particularly in emerging markets. In the next few years, we envision Sorbet as the go-to platform for independent professionals seeking borderless opportunities and efficient business management solutions.
Follow Sorbet on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Check out their website for more information
Below is a list of upcoming events from beyond the Viaka Network over the next couple of weeks:
Viaka events happening soon:
Viaka Sessions: Panel on the Tunisisan ecosystem - July 30th (more info coming soon!)
Viaka City Mixer in Chicago- Early August- (more info coming soon!)
Events within Viaka network & beyond:
Anecdote is hosting a customer-focused meet-up - July 10th (SF, USA)
du AI advantage series: the future of entrepreneurship- Presented by DIFC Innovation Hub - July 10th (Dubai, UAE)
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Fireside Chat with Rand Fishkin (Founder of Moz and SparkToro) - July 31st (Virtual)
Save the Dates: Events in August and September
We’ve curated a list of exciting events happening later in August and September that you won't want to miss! Make sure to mark your calendars, take time off work, book your tickets, and sort out accommodations early:
Jordan StartUp Expo: The Global Stage For Jordan’s Most Innovative & Emerging Startups - August 14th -15th (In-Person, Amman, Jordan)
Seamless North Africa: The Future of Fintech, Payments, Banking, Retail & E-Commerce Across North Africa - September 2nd- 3rd (In- Person, Cairo, Egypt)
Dubai AI & Web3 festival organised by Dubai AI campus - September 11th- 12th (In- Person, Dubai, UAE)
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. If you apply, let us know so we can also make a personal introduction!
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!
Learn how to craft your own investment thesis to successfully navigate the startup ecosystem and make well-informed decisions as a new venture capitalist from Wael Altorabi, CEO of Qewam (a digital ecosystem with a comprehensive suite of digital SaaS products that extends across multiple industries connecting all stakeholders in the entrepreneurship ecosystem to interact digitally in ways that create value for all and digitize the entire startup journey):
That’s it for this week. Thank you! 👋
Like what you see? Here are some things you should do: