The GrEEK Campus Welcomes 42Geeks to Explore Egypt’s Startup Ecosystem

42Geeks, a global initiative connecting founders, investors, and executives with emerging startup hubs, made a stop at The GrEEK Campus in Downtown Cairo as part of its latest tour. Formerly known as Geeks on a Plane, the invite-only program brings together key figures in tech to explore new markets, exchange insights, and foster cross-border collaboration. The visit came at a time when Egypt’s startup ecosystem is undergoing both rapid growth and notable challenges, making The GrEEK Campus a pivotal destination for discussions on innovation and investment.

The event kicked off with a tour of The GrEEK Campus, hosted by Nayra El Berry, Head of Partnerships and Community at WRK+, and Khaled El Beleidy, Commercial Director of WRK+. Attendees had the opportunity to meet local entrepreneurs and gain firsthand insights into the companies operating within the space. “42Geeks’ visit to The GrEEK Campus has been an incredible opportunity to engage with some of the world’s most influential tech leaders and showcase the strength of our ecosystem,” El Berry tells StartupScene. “The GrEEK Campus has always been a hub for innovation, and today’s event reinforced that role.”

The day’s sessions provided an in-depth overview of Egypt’s startup landscape, spotlighting key trends shaping the market. Despite a cautious investment climate, Egypt remains one of the top-funded startup ecosystems in the MENA region, securing 11% of total funding in the first half of 2024. While fintech continues to dominate, funding for IT solutions has doubled in the same period, indicating a shift in investor focus. Discussions at the event reflected these trends, with insights from notable industry figures.

A key session featured Ameer Sherif, Founder and Chairman at BasharSoft, who presented an overview of the Egyptian startup ecosystem. Another critical discussion on the investment landscape included insights from Hany Al-Sonbaty (Sawari Ventures), Bassem Raafat (A15), Ayman El Tanbouly (Exits MENA), and Ahmed Hazem Dakroury (Falak Startups), moderated by Nichol Bradford (Niremia Collective). Their panel explored investor perspectives, funding opportunities, and strategies for scaling startups.

Panel discussions also examined broader themes, including cross-border collaboration. The Saudi-Egyptian Business Dynamic Panel, moderated by Dave McClure, featured Bahy Aboelezz (Kijamii), Ahella El Saban (Exits MENA), Dr. Khalid Alballaa (Elite Solutions MD), and Ameer Sherif (BasharSoft), who explored investment ties between the two nations. Meanwhile, the Female Founders Panel, featuring Dalia Laz (Esorus), Malak El Masry (RiseUp), Rania Ayman (Entreprenelle), and Sabrina Salama (Seedstars), celebrated the contributions of women entrepreneurs and discussed the importance of greater representation in the sector.

The event also addressed the role of government policies in shaping Egypt’s startup ecosystem. A dedicated session featured Amr El Abd (Endeavor Egypt), Hany Emad (MSMEDA), Honorable Ambassador Hisham Badr (National Initiative for Smart Green Projects), and Peter Wokwicz (Positron Capital Management). Their discussion reinforced the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting early-stage businesses. Reflecting on the conversation, Wokwicz notes, “To the Egyptian startup community: Be innovative, think beyond the norms, and break new ground - not just in technology, but in every business you pursue.”

Beyond the formal discussions, the event provided ample space for networking and informal exchanges. Conversations continued over coffee from Coffeeholics and catering by Foool Tank, both with locations on The GrEEK Campus. The location, crafted by Space Styling Partner Mobica, created a setting where attendees could engage freely and connect with Egypt’s leading entrepreneurs.

“We had a great time at The GrEEK Campus in Cairo,” Dave McClure, founder of 42Geeks, says. “The sessions provided good insights into the local startup scene. It’s exciting to see the level of activity and innovation here.”