Salim Akil
|
Name in Arabic:
سليم عقيل
|
|
|---|---|
|
Nationality:
Syrian
|
|
|
Country of Residence:
United Arab Emirates , United Arab Emirates
|
|
Salim Akil's Bio
I studied Telecommunications Technology Engineering at Al-Ma’moun University for Science and Technology (now Cordoba University) in Aleppo, Syria. Since 2010, I have been a trainee at Mowgli Foundation and a board member of JCI (Junior Chamber International). I have also participated in numerous entrepreneurship competitions across the region, including The Entrepreneur TV Show, MENA 100, and TBPC. Additionally, I took part in Shark Tank in its Saudi and UAE editions.
From the very beginning, I was passionate about building something new—something that creates a real impact. It wasn’t just a passion for business, but a drive to solve real problems through innovation. This journey started with Search in MENA, a B2B platform connecting businesses, manufacturers, and distributors across the Middle East and North Africa. I successfully raised $700,000 from over 50 investors, with Dubai Government as the lead investor. Over six years, the platform expanded to 70,000 manufacturers and distributors. [TV Interviews]
I have received several awards, including The Most Promising Startups in the Middle East by Forbes Middle East (2016 & 2017) and SME of the Year by Arabian Business (2015).
Next, I embarked on a new challenge with eWhale eCommerce, a cross-border eCommerce platform that enables local and international suppliers to sell on major global eCommerce platforms, handling logistics, operations, and payments. We also developed a fintech arm specializing in purchase order cash flow solutions to support the business. [TV Interview]
Beyond my entrepreneurial ventures, I have been actively involved in mentorship and education since 2024. I serve as a Mentor & Judge at the University of Glasgow, UK, supporting students in the New Venture Creation Course by offering guidance in developing their entrepreneurial ideas and evaluating new venture opportunities. As a judge for student presentations, I provide insights and feedback to help them refine their business strategies.
Then came a new phase with BE Venture Partners (Beyond 360), where I shifted from building my own ventures to empowering entrepreneurs through venture-building programs. I played a key role in scaling 7 startups across industries such as AI, Retail Tech, FinTech, and eCommerce. Additionally, I was instrumental in a Dubai Government initiative that supported over 150 startups through a Corporate Venture Builder Program.
I am also part of ADPList for mentorship, where I was recognized as one of the Top 10 Mentors for 2024 out of 30,000 mentors worldwide.
One of the most notable startups I co-founded was Jam3ya, a community-based fintech platform in the UAE. Through this venture, I successfully secured a strategic partnership with Emirates NBD Bank and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Additionally, I have helped multiple fintech startups navigate regulatory sandbox approvals, which has deepened my expertise in working with government regulators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.
This journey is just the beginning—innovation and investing in ambitious ideas drive me forward, always looking for the next opportunity to make a real impact in the startup ecosystem.
Recognizing the power of social media, I launched the B Model Podcast to highlight the real success stories of entrepreneurs in the region. Through in-depth conversations, guests share their journeys, business models, and the pivotal moments that shaped their success. Some of my key guests include Islam Zween, CEO of Argaam.com, and Rabea Ataya, Founder of Bayt.com.




