Viaka Newsletter: Adtech expert founder with an eye on mobility and smart cities!
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Hi everyone! This week, we’re showcasing another member of Viaka’s Network: Ibrahim Ibrahim. Ibrahim has awesome experiences and is a great member of the Network!
Linkedin: Ibrahim Ibrahim
Override (Ibrahim’s startup): https://www.overridemedia.com/
What do you currently do?
I’m the co-founder of Override, a digital cartop startup introducing new advertising real estate that’s measured, geo-fenced and always on-the-move to help brands literally reach their audiences.
What prompted you to go down this career path and how did you get into this field?
The problem we’re addressing is essentially about connection, and I’m obsessed with it. I find myself constantly drawn to spaces where I get to connect with people in ways that feel personable, relatable, and meaningful. Being born in the digital age, it always felt natural for me to notice how brands talk, and what tools they use to connect with their audiences. At 14, I founded a digital media agency to gain hands-on experience in the field and serviced 250+ clients including the Warner Music Group, ClickFunnels, and Von Dutch.
The more I studied connection and witnessed its power in driving innovation, the more excited I became by the potential of helping brands create more relevant campaigns, especially in the out-of-home arena as it still relies on legacy processes.
With the rise of smart cities built around everything being connected, our vision grew. We’re excited to continue to participate in shaping new types of transit media in the Middle East and Europe.
What originally got you interested in connecting with the MENA startup ecosystem and other like-minded folks here in North America?
I have lived and worked across four different continents where I had incredibly diverse experiences, but oftentimes in places where very few MENA-diaspora communities existed. I know now that no border stamp could compare to the richness of a single conversation with someone from some country in the world, let alone across MENA. I particularly long for connecting with entrepreneurs who are born somewhere, but who now live and build somewhere else.
Viaka drew my attention because it is the only platform that offers us the space to share our unique perspectives and experiences, allowing us to learn from one another and form meaningful relationships.
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 recently attended a Startup Grind event in Barcelona where I learned two of their golden rules: make friends not connections, and give rather than take. With that in mind, I’m happy to talk to builders who believe I could be of any help throughout their journey whether in company-building or in the ad-tech space. I’d also love to connect with fellow entrepreneurs introducing new technologies across the globe, particularly those like myself who are drawing attention from regulators and policy-makers. I would also like to build more relationships with strategic investors who could be excited about what we’re doing.
Where will that take you?
To spaces that contain people from unlikely combinations forming new types of relationships.
Bonus: favorite dish from the MENA world?
It’s a tricky question, let me tell you why: when I was 8 years old, I used to call my mother at work to double check if I liked the dish that was set before me at home for lunch after school. I had not formulated my choices and opinions yet, but once I did, food was the first arena I stood in and explored myself. Today, I can confidently say that my favorite dish is Yalanji, the way my mother prepares it. I know many consider it an appetizer, but I’d be happy to have it as a meal, any day.
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.”
While events are winding down for the year, Viaka is already planning for 2023! Join the Network to get involved with our monthly coffee chats, demo days, and upcoming in-person meetups.
If you’re a member of our Network and would like to share your own update next week, email info.viaka@gmail.com or submit an update via this form.
Read of the Week
Check out this section for weekly picks on MENA-relevant startup world readings!
Viaka is launching its new Network Reading List, where Network members are encouraged to submit media suggestions of their own. Check out the site here for more readings and information.
This week, take a peek at this piece from Axios about the IPO boom in MENA.
That’s it for this week. Thank you!
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