Viaka Newsletter: Tech recruiting in North America, and now MENA with Dali Chabaane!
This week, we sat down with Dali Chabaane
What do you currently do?
I'm on the move from Canada to Dubai. In Canada, I was in charge of hiring tech folks for a US startup called Help Scout. Now, I'm getting ready to head up hiring for Beyond ONE in the GCC. On the side, I'm sharing my know-how on hiring in the tech world through my blog, especially focusing on the Middle East & Africa. Lots of exciting things in the pipeline!
What led you to work on this? What's the "origin story" behind your current job(s)?
I started in recruitment 10 years ago, first in North Africa, then in the US and Europe. But I've always felt a pull to the tech buzz in the Arab world. With all the skills I've picked up, I've now joined a cool tech company here, ready to make something new for our region
Why are you interested in connecting with MENA's 'global startup community'?
I'm all about matching the right talent with the right start-up, especially in spaces like FinTech, EdTech, and SaaS. The MENA startup scene is buzzing, and I want to plug in, share my expertise, and help shape its future. Plus, with AI reshaping how we work, I'm eager to connect and explore how we can future-proof our teams in this exciting era.
What's your favourite part of the Viaka Network thus far?
My intro to Viaka was through a US founder based in Nigeria who knew Hani. When Hani and I chatted, it was like we'd been friends for years. He's got this energy and vision for Viaka that's super infectious. I'm genuinely pumped about where this network is heading and the growth plans on the horizon.
How can members of the Viaka Network (and beyond) be most helpful to you and your work right now?
I'm always on the lookout for fresh insights into the tech world, especially in areas like FinTech, EdTech, and SaaS. If you've got knowledge or connections in these spaces, let's chat! With AI reshaping our work, any expertise or experiences related to building resilient and adaptable teams for the future would be gold. And if you're passionate about hybrid work models or workplace well-being, I'd love to brainstorm and swap ideas.
Bonus: favorite dish from the MENA world?
Recently, I had the chance to try freekeh with chicken in Dubai, and it was a game-changer! So flavorful and delicious. The MENA region has such a vast culinary landscape, and while it's hard to pick a single favourite, this dish is definitely up there.
Upcoming Events
Below is a list of upcoming events from the Viaka Network & beyond over the next couple of weeks!
MAGNITT’s The State of Venture Capital in Q3 2023 presentation took place last week. Check out a recording here.
Al-Kindi Club is hosting a community gathering on October 30th in London to exchange ideas and support in relation to the situation in the region. Details here.
Viaka Network members in Riaydh, Dubai, Boston & Montreal - keep an eye on your emails and our Whatsapp channel for upcoming, small-format gatherings in those cities
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.
COTU Ventures is hiring a Finance/Ops Associate - Apply here
Unshackled Ventures is hiring and Ops Specialist - Apply here
BDC Capital is hiring an analyst - 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 crash course in tech M&A (Mostly metrics) I really enjoyed this overview of M&A in tech. It’s especially relevant in the unique capital environment we found ourselves in, where many founders are looking at M&A as the next “capital milestone” for their business.
Check out Viaka’s full reading list here.
That’s it for this week. Thank you! 👋
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