Spark! with Shereen
38 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago -The Spark! with Shereen podcast show amplifies the voices of the Middle East startup ecosystem. Join Shereen Abdulla as she interviews government officials, entrepreneurs, and investors and about technology and innovation trends. This show was recorded in 2020 and 2021. The information provided is current as of the time of recording each episode. Shereen Abdulla produces business and finance content out of Spark! Studios in Dubai.
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Episodes
Short-form videos are long-term
September 27, 2021 07:00 - 4 minutes - 3.16 MBDid you know that about 50 million people consider themselves creators? In this episode, I cover the topic of social platforms battling it out to get creators creating their cooking, dancing, and even stock advice tips on their platform. I run through: TikTok, YouTube and Shorts, Short-form video consumption stats, What other platforms are doing to compete (the likes of Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, and so on). Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe ...
Grab a coffee, kick back, and read a newsletter
September 19, 2021 18:00 - 3 minutes - 2.72 MBIn this episode, I cover the topic of newsletters being on-trend. In fact, many business-savvy writers and platform enablers are jumping on the opportunity! I run through: Facebook and Bulletin, Twitter and Revue, Substack and Letter, My latest podcast with Kef Connect on the topic of gaming, My latest podcast with akhbaraka on the topic of athleisurewear. Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst you're on our site. Feel lik...
Can you make a living creating content?
September 11, 2021 18:00 - 7 minutes - 5.33 MBIn this episode, we discuss the topic of content platforms being in a bit of a tiff over luring creators in. In addition to offering “winning” features and functionalities, another (and most obvious) incentive has proven to be good old cash *cha-ching*. In this episode we discuss: Platform incentives = payday (YouTube and Facebook vs. Patreon), Recurring payments from fans (features by Substack, Tumblr, Twitter, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Quora), Grants from Platforms, My latest podca...
Gen Z and the creator economy
September 05, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 4.27 MBIn this episode we discuss the topic of the creator economy changing to target Gen Z on the baraka akhbaraka deep dive podcast. Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst you're on our site. Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin. Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at [email protected] We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service. Podcasts hosted...
Not all “audio” is equal, when it comes to content
August 29, 2021 06:00 - 5 minutes - 4.08 MBIn this episode we discuss: The topic of the retail and fashion industry changing to target Gen Z on the baraka akhbaraka deep dive podcast, Clubhouse's collaboration with TED podcasting network, Twitter's Spaces feature, Spotify's Green Room feature, Facebook's Live Audio Room feature, Discord's Live Stages feature, #socialcommerce's billion dollar opportunity, TikTok and Shopify's recent partnership, My latest podcast hosting gig on Kef Connect on the topic of citizen journalism....
How big is the podcast industry and what about the content creation process?
August 22, 2021 09:00 - 6 minutes - 4.21 MBIn this episode we discuss: The topic of the financial industry changing to target Gen Z on the baraka akhbaraka deep dive podcast, Our latest project: a motion graphics educational series about crypto, Spotify's Q2 2021 ad revenue growth, Substack's business move with Booksmart Studios, A content creation queue from NBA's new NBA Jams show with iHeart Media, The role of newsletters for podcasting a la WordPress, Tumblr, Automattic, and Pocket Casts, Netflix's publishing plans, My la...
How do creators fund themselves and their businesses?
August 15, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 3.86 MBI’ve received an overwhelming amount of support from you all towards my relaunch of the Spark! with Shereen and the fresh Season 2 format — thank you all for being super fans! In this episode we discuss: Cybersecurity on the baraka akhbaraka deep dive podcast, Karat Financial as a line of credit for creators, Augustus Media as a regional content creator raising funds through peer-2-peer lending, Beehive as a regional FinTech player enabling alternative financing solutions, My podcas...
Aaand we're back for Season 2!
August 08, 2021 05:00 - 5 minutes - 3.55 MBIt’s been about a minute since I last wrote to you. After a much-needed Season 1 break, we’re back with a makeover, and I can’t wait to share with you what’s up. In this episode we discuss: Spark Studios, Hello Sunshine, A24, SpringHill Entertainment, Netflix, The Co-Dubai, Mal O’Brien. Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst you're on our site. Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin. Got ...
How to structure and market B2C marketplace apps
May 09, 2021 14:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Kerem Kuyucu who's the co-founder of JustMop, a platform that connects home dwellers with at-home service providers. Kerem has extensive experience building and scaling startups as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Rocket Internet and Country Manager at Foodonclick. Together we discuss: Aspects of marketplace apps to consider B2C marketing strategies Operational complications of working with third parties A bunch of tech startup mentions Want to re...
Building HealthTech startups in Egypt
May 03, 2021 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Rasha Rady who's the co-founder and COO of Chefaa, a pharmacy platform that helps patients order, schedule, and have medicine delivered to consumers' doorsteps. Rasha is a pediatrician, by background, who got out of her comfort zone and into the entrepreneurship world to serve more patients and have a larger impact on the community. Together we discuss: Benefits of building online apps to serve your customers better How to retain customers through ...
Finding new markets for existing products
April 25, 2021 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Lamya Al Shammary who's the founder and CEO of MWJ, the first marketplace to buy new and pre-loved certified luxury watches in the MENA region. Lamya is a watch and jewelry connoisseur and industry expert with over 10 years of experience. Combined with expertise in e-commerce and an understanding of the market, she delivers the best experience to shop for watches and jewelry. Together we discuss: The dynamics of the second-hand watch market Buildin...
Digitizing and collecting retail data
April 18, 2021 15:00 - 12 minutes - 8.87 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Myriam Awad who's the founder and CEO of PotPay (formerly Bakala), a startup on a mission to digitize offline retail data. As an organization that digitizes offline retail data, PotPay's business model is B2B2C. They work with retailers and brands with their main audience being Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs). Myriam has led the creation of long-term strategies, crafted marketing and sales agendas, grew products, and built winning teams — all resul...
A more diligent approach to tackling bugs
April 11, 2021 07:00 - 12 minutes - 8.39 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Toghrul Samad who's the founder and CEO of Buglance, a crowdsourced testing platform that utilizes the power of the people to revolutionize the software testing industry. Toghrul is a serial entrepreneur, problem solver, and Chief Executive with 15 years of experience in promoting e-commerce websites, mobile apps, and games. Together we discuss: The reasons why software bugs go unnoticed How to leverage the power of the masses for software bug testi...
Building platforms based on data
April 04, 2021 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Philip Bahoshy whose the founder and CEO of MAGNiTT, the first venture data platform serving founders and investors across emerging markets. Philip worked at Oliver Wyman in the Financial Services practice for three years, followed by nearly three years at Barclays Wealth working as Chief of Staff to the CEO, advising on strategic initiatives. Together we discuss: How to use newsletters to build your business (audience and revenue growth) The impor...
A decade of evolution in MENA's startup ecosystem
March 28, 2021 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Bedy Yang, Managing Partner at 500 Startups. Bedy oversees 500’s ecosystem development programs including investor education courses (in partnership with top institutions such as Stanford, Berkeley, and INSEAD), has helped launch strategic partnerships and accelerator programs across the globe, and leads 500’s corporate-startup innovation and consultancy. Together we discuss: Unlocking market access in the startup ecosystem Different types of mentor...
Build winning ventures with corporate partners
March 21, 2021 02:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Leen Nabulsi who is a Venture Lead at Rainmaking Innovation. Leen focuses on corporate venture building, where she works on scoping, validating, building, and launching new ventures with large corporations. Leen was also the Managing Director of Dubai Smart City Accelerator (a Startupbootcamp program) and is an active member of the startup community in the UAE. Together we discuss: The process of venture building with corporate partners Strategies ...
Win professionally and personally through support systems as a working mom
March 08, 2021 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Julie Nguyen who is the founder of Crunchmoms. Crunchmoms is a community and networking platform for working moms to connect with like minded-women and boost their career ambitions. Crunchmom is now available as a web-based community. There are weekly online sessions where moms discuss all sorts of different topics, such as, job searching, self-confidence, and creating CVs. Together we discuss: The benefit of support systems for working moms Balanc...
Employee satisfaction equals customer satisfaction - how not to overlook wellness
February 28, 2021 08:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Ben Safra and Mila Nehme who are co-founders of Sensate. Ben & Mila are seasoned retail and customer experience professionals with a demonstrated history of working within the international luxury goods and jewelry industry. Ben has worked with powerhouses in the industry such as LV, Burberry, D&G, Tiffany & Co, Carolina Herrera, and Selfridges, whilst Mila has worked with Burberry and Cartier. Together we discuss: Reasons to engage with your employ...
Grow your ventures with a global mindset
February 21, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Basil Moftah to discuss the global mindset amongst entrepreneurs. Basil is an experienced venture builder and partner at Global Ventures, a growth-focused VC that invests in disruptive startups with an enterprise technology focus in the Middle East and North Africa region. Together we discuss: The importance for businesses to have a global mindset Keeping guard of competitors from abroad The difference between marketing a B2B vs. B2C business Exam...
Do business mindfully to receive more wins
February 13, 2021 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Sagi Melamed to discuss mindful investing. Sagi is the author of Mindful Fundraising as well as a resource development consultant. Together we discuss: Applying mindfulness when fundraising Benefits of being mindful when doing business Measures of business impact How to measure business impact Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here. Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin. Subscribe to our newslet...
How to set up a startup of startups and tackle several opportunities at once
February 06, 2021 07:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIn our latest episode, we sit down with Faris Mesmar to discuss venture building. Faris is a serial entrepreneur as well as the founder and managing partner of Hatch & Boost, which is a venture builder. Hatch & Boost is all about creating value in MENA's consumer space by tackling key problems, by introducing interesting solutions. Together we discuss: The evolving definition of venture building How venture builders operate Importance of making an impact with ventures Communicating ven...
Maximize your performance, fitness and sleep quality using wearables
January 24, 2021 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBIn our latest episode, we dig deep with Marcus Smith on the topic of wearables. Marcus is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, fitness coach, and extreme athlete. He is the founder of InnerFight and takes on "extreme challenges," such as, running 30 marathons in 30 days. Together we discuss: The various wearables available in the market How to select the best wearables for your specific fitness needs How to make use of the data you gather from wearables The realities of the effectiv...
Navigating Saudi's business culture
January 18, 2021 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBIn our latest episode, we had an engaging conversation with Nouf Alharthi. Nouf works for Monsha'at, which the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). She is an enabler in the ecosystem and works very closely not just with other ecosystem players but also with entrepreneurs in order to assess what they need in the market and to make sure that it is provided to them. Together we discuss: Preferred language of communication in Saudi Arabia Ho...
Applying 3D printing, VR, and gamification in healthcare
January 10, 2021 01:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBIn our latest episode, we sit with Mohamed Dhaouafi to discuss how he is bringing 3D printing, VR, and gamification technologies to healthcare. More specifically, through his company CURE BIONICS, based in Tunis, he builds bionic prosthetics and therapeutic solutions using these technologies. Mohamed is a 2020 FORBES Middle East 30 Under 30, a 2020 MIT Technology Review 35 under 35 Innovator, and a 2019 Obama Foundation Africa Leader - super impressive, right? To top it all off, he started h...
Building mental resilience through community
January 03, 2021 03:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBIn this episode, we’ll be talking about how to keep your mental health intact as an entrepreneur. We had a meaningful discussion with Areije Al-Shakar, who has guided startups throughout her career in the area of funding (debt, equity, and VC), and along the way has learned about effective coaching and mentoring whilst appealing to the human side of the entrepreneurs across the table from her. Together we discuss: Building a strong network of connections to aid start-up growth Importance o...
Exploring new models of the publishing industry, with John Lillywhite
December 23, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBIn this episode, we’ll be talking about the digitization of media in the Middle East. We sit down with John Lillywhite, who has a wealth of experience in this industry having undertaken several publication-focused roles both at corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. Together we discuss: Media consumption habits of Arabs in the Middle East Differences between the publishing industry in the West & the Middle East Machine learning advancements with the Arabic language New models in the ...
Win at hosting virtual experiences, with Ali Rifai
December 09, 2020 02:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBIn this episode, we’ll be talking about events and how the event management industry has changed over 2020. We sit down with is Ali Rifai, who has spent over 10 years organizing events of all scales in the Middle East whilst working for one of the largest live entertainment event management companies in the region. Together we discuss: How the music and sports industries have been adapting to virtual experiences Key takeaways what others can learn from him Want to read the episode instead...
How to sustainably run a farm in the desert, with Dr. Majid Al Qassimi
December 01, 2020 12:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Majid Al Qassimi, who is a founding partner for the Middle East's only food & agricultural sustainability consulting company, SOMA MATER. We discuss the following aspects from farm to fork: The importance of food security The UAE’s efforts towards ensuring food security Agriculture technology trends that support farming Business aspects of commercial farming Methods to reduce food waste Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here. ...
Monetize your media and grow your audience, with Richard Fitzgerald
November 17, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode, we sit down with Richard Fitzgerald, who is the CEO and Co-founder of Augustus Media, which owns the Lovin Dubai, Lovin Saudi, Smashi TV platforms. We discuss: News platforms- what it means to the public and how they prefer to access and interact with it The media industry in the Middle East vs. global markets How to monetize and promote media platforms Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here. Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and ...
How to produce and consume within the booming podcast industry, with Leila Hamadeh
September 26, 2020 16:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBWant to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here. Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin. Subscribe to our newsletter on our website. Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at [email protected] Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla. Produced by Spark! Studios. We are a creative brand studio that helps companies tell their story and grow their audience through content. We specialize in business, finance, and tech written and vis...
Consider apprenticeships for experiential learning this fall, with Mehrad Yaghmai
September 08, 2020 19:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode, we sit down with Mehrad Yaghmai, who is an active entrepreneur and investor in the EdTech industry in the Middle East. We discuss: Education models to learn through practice (internships and apprenticeships) Who is best suited for apprenticeships and how to make the most of it Innovations in university business models Adapting lecturing practices to suit online delivery Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here. Feel like socializing? Connect with u...
How to Enter and Win the $150bn Gaming Industry with Yousef BuHazza
August 25, 2020 19:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBIn this episode, we sit down with Yousef BuHazza, who is an active advocate of the gaming industry in the Middle East through Unreal Bahrain, to hear his insights on the gaming and e-sports industry. We discuss: What makes a successful game What you need to do to develop a game How to operate e-sports tournaments How train to participate in e-sports Make sure to follow Unreal Bahrain on social media to hear about their meetups, Game Jams, and events! Want to read the episode instead? A...
Is the Middle East Ready to Resemble a World Like the Jetsons'? with Jamil Asfour
August 17, 2020 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBIn this episode, we sit down with Jamil Asfour to hear his insights on industries that are leveraging Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. We discuss: Industries in the Middle East that are leveraging ML & AI How governments can foster innovation within ML & AI The benefits of integrating ML & AI into businesses Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here. Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin. Subscribe to our newsletter on our webs...
Fostering Innovation Through Creative Spaces & Communities with Raja Al Mazrouei
August 03, 2020 12:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBIn this episode, we sit down with Raja Al Mazrouei to hear her insights on building an innovation hub as the Executive Vice President of the DIFC FinTech Hive. We discuss: Structuring corporate ventures for success. COVID-19's effect of startup co-working spaces and accelerators. The importance of communities to drive innovation. Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here. Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin. Subscribe to our newsletter on...
Communicate Effectively with Investors, Clients, and Media with Walid Dib
July 27, 2020 01:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBIn this episode, we sit down with Walid Dib to hear his insights on presentation tips for Founders in the Middle East. We discuss: How to present to prospective clients, investors, and media How to approach business development within a startup His experience growing Addenda in a traditional and conservative market Walid Dib is the CEO and Co-founder of Addenda, a blockchain-based InsurTech company based in the United Arab Emirates. Want to read the episode instead? Access the show not...
Startup Demographics & Diversity with Noor Salama
July 18, 2020 12:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBIn this episode we sit down with Noor Salama, Ecosystem Community Manager at MAGNiTT, to cover the current state of diversity amongst Middle East startups. We discuss: Startup team demographics in the Middle East Benefits of diverse teams MENA startup Funding levels in the first half of 2020 Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here. Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin. Subscribe to our newsletter on our website. Got something you'd like...
Retail & Payments with Shahzad Bhatti
July 04, 2020 15:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBIn this episode we sit down with Shahzad Bhatti, Founder & CEO of The Co-Dubai, to discuss: Trends in Retail post COVID-19 (online and offline) Software solutions that enable e-commerce The importance of seamless delivery and the role of aggregators Creating customer experiences to gain a competitive edge Payment processing options for retailers (payment gateways and POS machines) Trends within retail payments Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here. Feel like so...
Welcome to Spark!
July 04, 2020 15:00 - 4 minutes - 3 MBIn this trailer episode we provide you with an introduction to the Spark! with Shereen show. Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here. Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin. Subscribe to our newsletter on our website. Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at [email protected] Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla. Produced by Spark! Studios. We are a creative brand studio that helps companies tell their story and gro...