Viaka Newsletter: Building solar tech for EVs!
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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 Samy Benhamza. Samy is the CEO and co-founder of CAPSolar, a company developing vehicle-integrated solar panels. Samy has amazing experiences and is a great Network member. Read more about Samy below!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samy-benhamza/?originalSubdomain=ca
CAPSolar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/capsolar-inc/
What do you currently do?
I'm currently the CEO and Founder of CAPSolar, a startup developing vehicle-integrated solar panel technologies. I am a mechanical engineer by nature so I manage the company on a day-by-day basis both from a technological and business standpoint.
What prompted you to go down this career path and how did you get into this field?
Both of my parents being entrepreneurs, they transmitted to me the entrepreneurial spirit and the drive to innovate. Also, I was always passionate about the auto industry and discovered a second passion in the solar energy industry. Therefore, during my studies, I kept trying to find ways to merge both, and as soon as I did (during my bachelor's final project), I decided to launch a company based on the concept I developed.
What originally got you interested in connecting with the MENA startup ecosystem and other like-minded folks here in North America?
Let's say that the MENA region doesn't lack sunlight! But jokes aside, the region is full of bright, like-minded, and innovative individuals with whom I think I could collaborate to make CAPSolar more successful. I also think that I could help the MENA startup ecosystem by bringing a new, American point of view to them. They also happen to share a common culture with me which is a plus!
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 looking mainly for investors but I am pretty open to any type of connection really. Whether it is potential partners, employees or investors, I'm looking for anyone that could share my vision of making electric vehicles solar powered.
Where will that take you?
Who knows, maybe our first investors will be from the region or our first solar-powered vehicles will be on the roads in the MENA region!
Bonus: favorite dish from the MENA world?
Ouhh that's a tough one. Being Algerian and having eaten this dish during most of the great events in my life, I would say Couscous, the Algerian recipe with veal and tomato sauce (it's not that we have the best recipe but...yes, we kind of do!).
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.”
TechWadi is hosting its 2022 Annual Forum on November 12, in person in San Francisco! This incredible forum will feature a full day of events including talks by Unicorn founders, networking events with founders and VCs, and general MENA/Silicon Valley ecosystem education. check out their website for more info!
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.
That’s it for this week. Thank you!
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