FasterCapital is an online incubator/accelerator that operates on a global level. It has helped more than 700 startups raise more than $2.2 billion, invested over $670 million in 270 startups and has a worldwide network of over 1000 mentors, 1000 representatives and 300 partners.
The company helps startups that are looking to raise money by connecting them with angel investors and VCs.
Hesham Zreik, the CEO tells us how this works.
Tell us about your company
FasterCapital is an online incubator/accelerator with a global presence. We are based in Dubai.
When we started, FasterCapital was mainly focused on helping non-technical entrepreneurs through the Tech Cofounder program. We then expanded our model and started helping startup that are looking for funding by matching them with investors and VCs with a unique and comprehensive approach that ensures high success rates for raising the capital.
Today, we are proud to have assisted over 724 startups in raising more than $2.2 billion. We have invested over $670 million in 270 startups. Our extensive network includes mentors, representatives, and partners from around the world.
What one word best describe your business?
Easy Funding
What would you say has been the highlight of your business?
We are a one-stop-shop for startups and SMEs. We help entrepreneurs and business leaders in making their companies and projects a success by providing them with resources and services they need. What mostly highlighted our journey so far is our dedicated work in our Raise Capital program that helps startups in raising capital as well as our LearnHub content library that provides extensive resources and knowledge at the fingertips of business enthusiasts and researchers.
What is the best way to destroy your own business?
Low quality services, entrepreneurs are not easy clients to work with! There are various needs and stages for startups and having one-size-fits-all solutions means having low-quality services. I think this is the best and fastest way to destroy what we are creating.
What is the best way to eliminate the threat of your competition in business?
Focussing on helping entrepreneurs in specific industries/stages definitely helps in setting us apart. Eliminating competition would be tough; however, standing out with the what and the how is possible.
What’s the worst advice you have ever received?
“You just need to give it time!”
I believe we need to be more proactive, especially in business, to create change and better results. Giving something that is failing just time with no thought about the reasons behind the failure is not good advice at all.
What is your philosophy as the head of your company? What drives you?
What drives me is the constant growth and development the entrepreneurship ecosystem is undergoing. It drives me to improve what we do and to create new ways we can help entrepreneurs today. It is also very exciting to participate in building the future of business.
What is the one thing that your company does better than any other company?
Providing the needed resources for the client. We give a great deal of thought to the needs of the people we work with and we make sure we are providing them with the resources they specifically need be it knowledge, networking, contacts, team.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities that you see in the coming years for your business?
Global economic uncertainty is one. Economic fluctuations, interest rates, and geopolitical tensions is impacting investment flows and startup funding. This adds an additional layer of complexity to financing and scaling businesses globally.
Tech evolution is great, but it can pose some challenges. The rapid pace of technological advancements, especially in AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity, presents a challenge in keeping up with trends while ensuring startups are equipped to leverage these innovations effectively. Ironically, a big, clear opportunity is AI and Deep tech growth. The rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other cutting-edge technologies presents a huge opportunity. Investing in startups that capitalize on these technologies will be pivotal for staying ahead of the curve.
What’s the best decision you’ve made so far?
The best decision I’ve made so far was choosing to adopt a unique venture-building model at FasterCapital. Unlike traditional accelerators or incubators, we decided early on to provide both investment and technical development services to startups. This approach allowed us to fill a critical gap for non-technical founders who had great ideas but lacked the technical expertise to bring them to life. It also helped us stand out in a competitive startup ecosystem.
What are you most afraid of?
What I’m most afraid of is becoming complacent or losing the ability to innovate and adapt. In the fast-paced world of startups and technology, things change rapidly, and what works today might not be relevant tomorrow. At FasterCapital, we’re constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new approaches, but the fear of stagnation or missing out on the next wave of innovation is always present.
How long do you intend to stay CEO? And what are the goals that you have set for yourself?
As long as I feel I can continue to add value and drive the growth of FasterCapital, I intend to remain in the role of CEO. Leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about being able to inspire, innovate, and execute effectively. So, my focus is on ensuring that I’m constantly learning, adapting, and leading the company in a direction that aligns with its mission and the evolving needs of the startup ecosystem.
What do you consider the biggest threats to your business and industry?
Copycats as well as scams. The funding and finance industries have unfortunately seen their share of scams, with fraudulent schemes targeting both investors and businesses. From Ponzi schemes to fake investment opportunities, these scams often exploit the complexity of financial markets, preying on people’s trust and lack of expertise.
Businesses are experiencing the disruptive forces of innovation such as AI. How are these technologies impacting your business and how are you adapting to this disruption?
We are making the most out of it. We are using an AI system to do what we call smart matching with investors. This way of matching increases the chances of reaching out to the right people who are actually interested in investing in these opportunities saving time for investors and entrepreneurs at the same time. We surely also use AI tools in our daily operations.
What has kept you most excited during your tenure as CEO?
What keeps me most excited during my tenure as CEO is the constant innovation and the opportunity to work with incredibly passionate entrepreneurs from around the world. Every day, I get to engage with founders who have unique ideas and a vision for solving real-world problems. Seeing these startups grow from concept to fully functioning businesses, and knowing that FasterCapital played a role in that journey, is incredibly fulfilling.
The fast-paced nature of the tech and startup industries also means that there’s always something new on the horizon—whether it’s groundbreaking technology or emerging markets to explore. That dynamic environment and the impact we can make keeps me energized and motivated.
What’s your proudest accomplishment since becoming CEO?
My proudest accomplishment is what we did during COVID and how we adapted to the challenges and actually surged and created growth. Managing the team at that difficult time is something I am proud of.
What are the important qualities for leading during challenging times?
Leading during challenging times requires a combination of resilience, adaptability, and clear communication. Resilience is crucial because challenges often test your ability to stay focused on long-term goals, even when things don’t go as planned. Adaptability is equally important—markets shift, technologies evolve, and unexpected crises arise, so being flexible and open to change is essential to finding solutions. Finally, clear and transparent communication with your team, partners, and stakeholders helps build trust and maintain alignment, even in uncertain situations. As a leader, it’s about staying calm, making informed decisions, and keeping the team motivated through the tough times.
How lonely is the CEO’s job?
Being a CEO can sometimes feel lonely, especially when you’re making tough decisions that ultimately rest on your shoulders. There are moments where the responsibility can be isolating because you’re accountable to your team, investors, and partners, and not every decision is easy or popular. However, I’ve found that surrounding myself with a strong, trusted team makes all the difference. I rely on collaboration and open communication to avoid feeling isolated. Leadership is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be lonely if you build a culture of support and trust.
How have clients’ needs evolved since you became CEO and how has your company responded?
Since I became CEO, we’ve seen significant shifts in our clients’ needs, largely driven by rapid technological advancements and changes in the global market landscape. Founders are now seeking more comprehensive support beyond just funding—they need technical development, market insights, and strategic guidance to navigate increasingly complex challenges.
In response, FasterCapital has evolved to offer a more integrated approach. We expanded our services to include end-to-end support, from product development and technology solutions to business strategy and market entry. Additionally, we’ve increased our focus on emerging markets and sectors that are experiencing rapid growth, such as AI and fintech. By staying agile and responsive to these changing needs, we’ve been able to better support our clients and help them succeed in a dynamic environment.
How does the culture at your company contribute to its success?
The culture at FasterCapital is integral to our success and is built around collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to our mission. We foster an environment where open communication is encouraged, and every team member’s input is valued. This collaborative culture helps us harness diverse perspectives and ideas, which is crucial in the dynamic world of startups.
We also prioritize a growth mindset, which means we’re always looking to learn and adapt. This approach not only helps us stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape but also empowers our team and the startups we support to continually improve and innovate. By creating a supportive and dynamic culture, we ensure that our team is motivated and aligned with our goals, ultimately driving our collective success.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could give advice to my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of embracing resilience and maintaining a long-term perspective. Early on, I might have been more focused on immediate results and quick wins. However, I’ve learned that success often comes from navigating challenges and persisting through setbacks.
What kind of collaborations do you expect and need for your company to succeed?
To achieve our goals at FasterCapital, we are keen on fostering several key types of collaborations. First, we look for strategic partnerships with other accelerators, incubators, and venture capital firms. These alliances can help us expand our network, access new markets, and provide more comprehensive support to the startups we work with.
How would you rate the business environment in your country? Why is that so?
I would rate the business environment in the UAE as highly favorable. The UAE has established itself as a leading hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Middle East, thanks to its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and supportive government policies.
The country has made significant strides in creating a conducive environment for businesses, with initiatives such as free zones that offer tax benefits, streamlined regulatory processes, and substantial investments in technology and infrastructure. Additionally, the UAE’s emphasis on diversifying its economy away from oil dependency has fostered growth in sectors like technology, fintech, and renewable energy.
However, challenges do exist, such as the competitive market and the need for startups to navigate a complex landscape of regulations and market entry barriers. Despite these challenges, the overall environment remains dynamic and supportive of entrepreneurial ventures. The UAE’s commitment to innovation and its proactive approach to fostering business growth make it a thriving ecosystem for startups and established companies alike.
What trends have you noticed in your industry?
What, in your opinion, is driving them? In the startup and venture capital industry, several key trends have emerged recently. One significant trend is the growing emphasis on technology-driven startups, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity. These technologies are reshaping industries and creating new opportunities for innovation.
Another trend that comes to mind is the rise of remote and hybrid work models, which has accelerated the growth of startups focused on digital tools, collaboration platforms, and remote work solutions. This shift has also influenced how venture capitalists evaluate potential investments, with a greater focus on scalability and the ability to adapt to changing work environments.
How does your company attract, develop, and maintain talent?
Attracting, developing, and maintaining top talent is crucial to our success, and we approach this through a combination of strategic initiatives.
We focus on building a strong employer brand by showcasing our commitment to innovation and our supportive, collaborative work culture. We actively engage with industry networks and participate in relevant events to connect with potential talent.
Once we have talented individuals on board, we invest in their growth through continuous learning and professional development opportunities. We offer access to industry conferences, workshops, and mentorship programs.
To maintain our talent, we prioritise creating a positive and inclusive work environment where team members feel valued and empowered.
