MENA: The Next Global Startup Powerhouse for Tech & Talent

Think the future of innovation lives in Silicon Valley? It might just be shifting to the Middle East.

In this episode, Noor Sweid—a trailblazing venture capitalist and founder—takes us deep inside the MENA region’s explosive startup scene. From Dubai to Riyadh to Cairo, Noor explains how entrepreneurs are building billion-dollar companies in industries with no legacy players and no rigid rules.

Whether you're a founder, investor, or just curious about where the world is heading next—this episode will change how you think about opportunity.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:42 What Drives Noor Sweid

01:31 Why She Wrote a Coming of Age Book

02:40 Lessons from 35 Founders Across the Region

05:55 Misunderstanding of MENA Innovation Potential

07:340 Comparing Saudi, Egypt, and UAE Markets

09:30 Why MENA Is Attractive to Builders

10:10 Sectors Where MENA Can Leapfrog

12:46 The Role of Governments and Sovereign Wealth

13:45 What Needs to Happen in the Next 5 Years

15:18 Advice for New Founders in MENA

16:04 How to Succeed in the MENA Region

17:49 Business Culture in MENA

18:34 How MENA Founders Differ from Others

19:52 Women in Tech in the MENA region

20:59 Shark Tank vs. VC Investing

22:22 Reinventing Your Career with Purpose

27:17 What Makes Noor Optimistic About the Future

Connect with Philip Meissner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissner

Connect with Noor Sweid

https://www.linkedin.com/in/noor-sweid-4b5233/

Check out Noor's book: https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/1917523432/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=1JXTXD7FAAXV3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TeWHU7yYlUJoMdd0grqgyLnRDuvEcbM9i7gNNpXjvC4.SNFHnyEjSWob9LCQgNBpKkzPInVE9E20Z5U7Rpq0CCs&dib_tag=se&keywords=noor+sweid&qid=1747124998&sprefix=noor+sweid%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1

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