⚡ Get All Content for 20% Off ⚡

Start Up Like A Pro: Careem Co-Founders Offers Tips and Tricks For Entrepreneurs Careem co-founders Mudassir Sheikha and Magnus Olsson give their advice for those of you with the entrepreneurial itch.

By Aby Sam Thomas

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Careem
Careem co-founders Mudassir Sheikha and Magnus Olsson.

Careem co-founders Mudassir Sheikha and Magnus Olsson give their advice for those of you with the entrepreneurial itch:

1. "SOLVE LOCAL PROBLEMS." Focus on solving problems specific to where you are located, instead of trying to copy other enterprises may be doing in other parts of the world.

2. "HIRE AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME PEOPLE." Make your people part of your business' journey; make them part of its success as well.

3. "STAY FOCUSED AND AGILE." Keep your eye on building one profitable business, instead of dabbling in a variety of them and losing your focus.

4. "ITERATE LIKE CRAZY." Be receptive to customer feedback, and utilize it to build a better version of what you may have originally envisioned.

5. "DO WHAT YOU DO REALLY, REALLY WELL." Deliver on what you promise your customers- and exceed their expectations. If you can do that, then that's amazing.

6. "STAY INCREDIBLY LEAN AND BOOTSTRAP." Not only will it allow you to live longer before you need capital, but it forces you to do the right thing, forces you to focus, forces you to prioritize.

7. "FIND PEOPLE WHO CAN BRING IN MORE THAN MONEY." When looking for investors, look for ones who can provide you with smart money- they should be as committed to growing the business as you are.

8. "WHEN RAISING FUNDS, START EARLY." Build a relationship with investors even before you need the money- this will help you shape the product and business you're building, and this will give them the opportunity to see you in action as well.

Aby Sam Thomas

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor in Chief, Entrepreneur Middle East

Aby Sam Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Middle East. In this role, Aby is responsible for leading the publication on its editorial front, while also working to build the brand and grow its presence across the MENA region through the development and execution of events and other programming, as well as through representation in conferences, media, etc.

Aby has been working in journalism since 2011, prior to which he was an analyst programmer with Accenture, where he worked with J. P. Morgan Chase's investment banking arm at offices in Mumbai, London, and New York. He holds a Master's Degree in Journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York.  

Side Hustle

The Remote Side Hustle a 43-Year-Old Musician Works on for 1 Hour a Day Earns Nearly $3,000 a Month: 'All From the Comfort of Home'

Sam Ziegler wanted to supplement his income as a professional drummer — then his tech skills and desire to help people came together.

Leadership

If You Want to be Successful, Become a Better Speaker — Follow This 7-Step Process for Effective Speaking

Discover the transformative power of mastering presentation skills with this 7-step process.

Starting a Business

She Started a Side Hustle While Working 2 Jobs as a Line Cook for $22 an Hour Combined — Now It's an 8-Figure Brand You've Probably Seen on TV

Ellen Bennett, founder of kitchenware brand Hedley & Bennett, had a big idea in 2012 — and the "willpower and chutzpah" to bring it to life.

Entrepreneurs

Startup Spotlight: UAE-Based Uktob Is Ensuring Arabic-Speaking Businesses Have Easier Access To Artificial Intelligence

Among the AI tools Uktob offers, there is one that is named Faheem, an AI-powered personal assistant that offers a range of productivity tools and services for day-to-day tasks.

Entrepreneurs

Startup Spotlight: Saudi Arabia-Based Uvera Is Here To Rid You Of Your Food Spoilage Woes

Uvera's main product, Aurora, is a next-generation artificial intelligence of things device that can increase the shelf-life of fresh food up to 97% on average, within only 30 seconds and without using any chemicals.