Viaka Newsletter: Plant-based health food - Sibz!
This week, we sat down with Ranya Batal of Sibz!
What is Sibz and how/why did it come to life?
Sibz is an all-natural plant-based health food company. Our first product launch is a line of energy bites made from dates. Why Dates? Dates are an integral part of our culture and we’ve created a product like that makes them easily accessible to the masses.
Our bites are super clean-label and have only 4-5 ingredients for each flavor. Our flavors are delicious and include Raw Cacao and coconut, Goji Berry and Chia Seed, Pistachio and Raw Cacao, & Espresso and Nuts. Sibz was started by 2 Siblings (get it?) both health, mind and body conscious we wanted to create a company that offers an alternative to thousands of unhealthy snack items.
What is your personal story and relation to the problem (alongside your founders)
Both Tarik and I (Ranya), the co-founders of SIBZ, grew up in a world infused with the love of food. Our parents were both restauranteurs, which meant if we wanted to see them we had to go to the restaurant or their catering trucks, it was the only life we knew. A unique part of that journey was our parents had the only restaurant on the Lionsgate lot, which meant we were surrounded by both Hollywood and culinary magic, this had a huge impact on our lives and has inspired us to use only the best quality ingredients and develop a marketing angle rooted in comedy. It’s safe to say that our childhood fascination has evolved into SIBZ, which we’re confident will be a powerhouse in the snack industry. This venture is more than a business; it's a tribute to our upbringing.
What market are you attacking? Are you adding on or trying to replace current offerings?
Health-conscious consumers are already on the lookout for a product like ours, that’s the easy target. What we want is to create a brand that not only satisfies but also entertains which we feel will attract a new type of consumer, a consumer that may want to snack healthier but always thought it was out of reach. We’re making it easy, fun, delicious and at a price point they’re comfortable with.
What are you looking for from the Viaka community?
We’re looking to connect with like-minded individuals and to grow our own networks to be inspired and inspire others. We want to learn from others that have tackled and have won in the world of business and to create an ecosystem of people that will help each other grow.
Where will that take you?
That’s a good question, there are no expectations here, we’re open to receiving at the moment and doing our best with what comes our way.
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Upcoming Events
Below is a list of upcoming events from the Viaka Network & beyond over the next couple of weeks!
Viaka is hosting a virtual panel on “relocating to the UAE” with some of the leading Viaka Network members in the region! The panel is taking place on August 30th. Register here.
Viaka Connect is hosting workshops hosted by Network experts on topics like personal branding and digital presence! Be sure to sign up for the Network for access.
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!
212 Founders is hiring an Entrepreneur Advisor - Apply Here
Seedstars is looking for a Partnerships Intern - 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
Viaka has launched a Network Reading List, where Network members are encouraged to submit media suggestions of their own.
Stablecoins: The Next Financial Platform (The Generalist)
Creating Virtual Cycles: How Venture Capital Support Fuels Founder Success (Global Ventures)
Check out Viaka’s full reading list here.
Weekly News Digest
Check out our weekly digest — we provide news from all across the MENA startup ecosystem, every single Friday. Be sure to follow our LinkedIn and Twitter for more.
That’s it for this week. Thank you! 👋
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