Viaka Newsletter: Investing in consumer horizontal business with Ayla Jeiroudi!
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!
This week, we sat down with Ayla Jeiroudi, Investor at XRC Ventures
What do you currently do?
Hi! I'm Ayla - a Senior Associate at XRC Ventures. We are an early stage venture firm and Accelerator focused on what I call a "consumer horizontal" - any business that touches an end consumer at some point in the value chain. I'm also mentoring the JP Morgan Techstars accelerator and have been working closely with some outstanding NYC startups over the past year.
What led you to work on this? What's the "origin story" behind your current job(s)?
It's difficult to pin it to one thing. I've always had a fascination with consumer behavior. I studied Applied Math and Econ at undergrad and at the very intersection of the two sat my favorite class: Game Theory. It's a nebulous field, but I knew I wanted to do something in optimizing variables through considering human response. I pushed myself into Retail / Consumer consulting hoping the problems would mirror that. And to their credit they did, but I wanted something with more growth and velocity and that spun me into Retail / Consumer VC.
Why are you interested in connecting with MENA's 'global startup community'?
I'm interested in connecting with startups de facto! But I grew up between Abu Dhabi and Cairo to parents from Syria and Saudi. There is no one more determined / resourceful / shortcutting than us Arabs. Those are a magic trifecta of traits for an entrepreneur. I can't imagine why a VC wouldn't want to connect with founders from the region ;)
What's your favourite part of the Viaka Network thus far?
Being a panelist for the Viaka Commerce Demo Day. Wonderful handful of startups and wonderful event set up by Hani.
How can members of the Viaka Network (and beyond) be most helpful to you and your work right now?
Say hi and introduce yourself. Would love to chat with whomever. I am also going to be in the Emirates again towards the end of 2023 and early 2024 so please reach out if you'll be around. I'd love to host an event TBD.
Bonus: favorite dish from the MENA world?
This is really tough. I want to say molokhiye but I would be remiss not to give a shoutout to fattoush - elite salad.
Reminder👋 the Viaka Member Hub
This webpage is now a one-stop shop for everything Viaka. You can also access it via the "For Members" tab on the Viaka website.
Upcoming Events
Below is a list of upcoming events from the Viaka Network & beyond over the next couple of weeks!
Viaka Events:
What to prioritize when looking for Product Market Fit - November 28th (Virtual)
Building your BI Infrastructure - December 12th (Virtual)
Partner Events:
AI Furnace Summit at MIT - November 28th (In-Person, Boston)
HaloHealth Investment Event - November 30th (Hybrid)
Transforming Communities into Vibrant Markets for DER Climate Technologies Dec 5th (Hybrid)
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!
Work Opportunities
Recent job openings from the Viaka Network & beyond. If you apply, let me know so I can also make a personal introduction.
Badassery is hiring for a part-time Community Manager and Full-time Marketing & Growth Manager - More info here
Shorooq Partners is hiring a Senior Investment Professional - Apply here
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!
Reads of the Week
Network members are encouraged to submit media suggestions to our Reading List
A Comprehensive Summary of MENA's VC History, Liquidity In VC A great podcast interview with Khaled Talhouni of Nuwa Capital.
That’s it for this week. Thank you! 👋
Like what you see? Here are some things you should do: