Viaka Newsletter: Supporting and accelerating MENA startups through the Arab Bank
Learn more about Hala, the Head of Arab Bank's startup accelerator. Plus, upcoming Viaka events on Team Building, the startup scene in Saudi Arabia, and a mixer in Caro!
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 spoke with Hala Zahran, Head of AB Xelerate
What are you currently working on?
I am focusing right now on how to leverage the strength and breadth of Arab Bank's network to support startup by partnering with them and offering them embedded finance services.
What led you to work on this? What's the "origin story" behind your current job(s)?
I am a contrarian and an entrepreneur at heart , so naturally I would be the startup champion within a big organization like Arab Bank, pushing for startups to be the front and center of the banks digital and transformation strategy.
Why are you interested in connecting with MENA's 'global startup community'?
Given the history of the region, MENA startup community is both local and diaspora. Diaspora plays a very important role in injecting new perspectives in the MENA startup ecosystem, whether by building something unique in MENA or abroad or engaging with MENA founders through mentorship, support on talent acquisition, or angel investing. I believe high value opportunities with outsized returns can be uncovered through engaging with this global community who is passionate about MENA's startup potential.
What's your favorite part of the Viaka Network thus far? Do you have any memorable experiences or helpful connections made that you can share with me?
My favorite part is connecting with Diaspora founders who are coming back to do good for the region. They are leveraging their international experience and tapping into the talent pool in MENA and bringing their global network to catapult the ecosystem. I really enjoy supporting them, making introductions to MENA investors and founders, and mentoring them as they make the transition.
How can members of the Viaka Network (and beyond) be most helpful to you and your work right now?
Connecting me to more diaspora founders who are stars in their fields. By this I don’t just mean the ones building business in MENA, but ones who can come and speak to our MENA investors and founders and can act as mentors for this transforming MENA startup scene.
Bonus: favorite dish from the MENA world?
Musakan - the Palestinian Dish that is all about olive oil. Reminds me of the olive trees of Palestine and the resilience of its people.
If you’d like to connect with Hala, and others like her, join the Viaka Network!
Upcoming Events
Below is a list of upcoming events from the Viaka Network & beyond over the next couple of weeks!
Viaka Events:
Team Building & Culture for Early Stage Startups - January 11th (Virtual)
An Introduction to the Startup Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia - January 17th (Virtual)
Viaka Network Mixer in Cairo - January 28th (In-Person)
Broader Community:
Arab Health Conference - January 29th - February 1st
TechWadi Annual Forum - February 10th (Join the Network for discounted tickets)
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.
Program Manager - Startupbootcamp MENA - Apply here
EIR roles in UAE and Saudi Arabia - Rainmaking MENA - Apply here
Engineering Lead at DIBZ - 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
Kalshi Memo from Contrary - An investment memo on Kalshi, an event-trading platform with a Lebanese founder (in the US), Tarek Mansour.
That’s it for this week. Thank you! 👋
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