Viaka Newsletter: A Network member building an Arabic-first survey tool and organizing a MENA tech group!
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Hi everyone! This week, we’re continuing our series of interviews and network highlights. We’re featuring members of the Viaka community who are active in the MENA ecosystem.
Our next feature is Layth Al-Qattan. Layth is the organiser of Al-Kindi Club while also working as a software engineer. Layth has amazing experiences and is a great Network member. Read more about Layth below!
Al-Kindi Club Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/al-kindi-club/
Interview with Layth Al Qattan
What do you currently do?
I’m the founder of SeenJeem (seenjeem.io), an Arabic-first survey building tool. I just launched the MVP in mid-October - any feedback highly welcome! I am also co-organiser of the Al-Kindi Club, a community for Arabs working in tech in London, we organise monthly meet-ups and talks to bring the community together and foster collaboration. If you are in London please come to our next event on Tuesday 8th November at 19:00! More info can be found at alkindi.club.
What prompted you to go down this career path and how did you get into this field?
I studied Philosophy at University and spent a few years travelling and working in different sectors, from banking to construction, before retraining as a software developer in 2018 through a bootcamp. Since then I worked in various roles for different companies building web apps before starting SeenJeem earlier this year.
What originally got you interested in connecting with the MENA startup ecosystem and other like-minded folks here in North America?
As an Arab born and raised in London, I’ve always been interested in building bridges between MENA and Europe and building mediums of exchange between the two. MENA is now home to some of the world’s most exciting startups and I’m always looking for ways to support the ecosystem from the UK.
What types of connections are you looking to make through Viaka? This can be from the MENA side, as well as with other MENA-connected folks in the Viaka Network
I am interested in meeting all people from all backgrounds that are interested or work in the MENA region. If you are in London I’d love to connect and learn more about what you do.
Where will that take you?
Time will tell!
Bonus: favorite dish from the MENA world?
Mansaf
Promising Opportunities from Our MENA Partners
Click here to view list of opportunities curated from the Viaka’s MENA partners.
If you would like to get involved with any of the opportunities, please fill out the form below and indicate what opportunity you are interested in in the “Reason for Joining” section.
Exciting Announcements From Our Network
Below is a list of updates, wins, and asks emanating from members of the Viaka Network in the “West.”
Five One Labs, a startup incubator in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, is looking to hire a Global Head of Operations as the company scales globally. This is a great opportunity to have an impactful role in a growing and meaningful business! See Patricia Letayf’s (co-founder) Linkedin posting here for more information.
Viaka is hosting its first virtual “Demo Day” on December 1st. Founders in the Viaka Network will present in front of a jury of investors and serial entrepreneurs. All Network members are welcome to join the audience. You can sign up here.
If you’re a member of our Network and would like to share your own update next week, email info.viaka@gmail.com.
That’s it for this week. Thank you!
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