Interview: Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital

An interview with Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, a global online incubator and accelerator firm

In a rapidly evolving startup landscape, Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, stands at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship. With a mission to empower entrepreneurs worldwide, FasterCapital provides vital resources and support for startups at various stages.

In this interview, Zreik shares insights on his journey, the challenges of nurturing global talent, and the transformative impact of his incubator in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

Tell us a little about yourself

Hesham Zreik: Growing up, I was mostly interested in learning and acquiring new skills. Entrepreneurship and business were not on my radar just yet.

I have graduated with a degree in technology and scientific research which has definitely pushed me forward and widened my horizons on very central issues and problems going on around the world.

Please tell us a little about your entrepreneurial journey

Hesham Zreik: I have started my entrepreneurial journey back in 2002 when I started ZGroup Mobile which is a developer and publisher of mobile content; mobile games, mobile apps, mobile music, mobile videos and services.

We started with less than $20/month in revenues and then grow it to reach a valuation of $2.5-$3.25 million in 2005 by Public company Incagold plc. The company would have been the first company in MENA region to be acquired by a public company.

Up from that point, more and more entrepreneurial paths have branched out and I started to build my own network and strengthen my own skills to start other new ventures.

Kindly brief us about your company, its specialization, and the services that it offers

Hesham Zreik: FasterCapital is a leading online incubator and accelerator that works with startups and SMEs around the world.

We are providing startups with various services in areas like technical development, startup funding, and growth and marketing. As for technical development services, we work with the startups on building their products and we cover 50% of the needed costs as an investor and a partner.

For startup funding, we provide all the services needed from financial advisory, to building a business plan, and getting matched with angel investors and VCs worldwide.

In sales and Marketing, we also cover a wide range of services like digital marketing, content marketing, sales strategy, and others!

What is your biggest USP

Hesham Zreik: What makes our services really stand out in the market is our hands-on approach and our investment in the project. Not only do we provide the startup with the services needed, but also we become a long-term partner and advisor who will provide insights and support in all areas that are relevant.

Our team is highly engaged with the startup’s team and is always ready to work with them hand in hand.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business?

Hesham Zreik: One of the key motivators for starting my own business was seeing how technology has evolved and how far we can go with the current tools.

I believed that combining latest smart technologies with the right methodology and business approach would bring about success and prosperity for all parties involved.

What was your mission and vision at the outset?

Hesham Zreik: When FasterCapital started we had in mind mostly one mission; removing technical obstacles from the ways of people with great ideas.

We did that through our Tech Cofounder program by helping non-technical people start tech startups. Our team would handle building the product so that the entrepreneurs can focus on what they can do best.

Our vision was to reach new markets and geographies around the world and make technical expertise accessible.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends, and how has innovation played a role in your success?

Hesham Zreik: As a technical person myself, technology trends are part of my everyday life and my professional life.

For industry trends, it is admittedly challenging to keep up with all the trends in the business and the marketing world but working with so many innovative startups and projects and getting to meet so many professionals around the world definitely helps me keep enlightened and informed.

One of the best qualities of our work at FasterCapital is the highly innovative nature of it. I am constantly working with innovative entrepreneurs discussing news ideas, products, solutions, and this helped me look at my own business in a pair of new eyes every now and then.

What’s your company’s goal?

Hesham Zreik: We are really aiming at becoming a one-stop-shop for startups. Helping entrepreneurs all around the world who join us to move one step at a time until they reach their ultimate goals in establishing successful businesses.

What was the inspiration behind turning an entrepreneur?

Hesham Zreik: It has always been finding the best and most efficient solutions and tapping into underserved customer segments.

What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?

Hesham Zreik: Starting out, we have been overly focused on one aspect of what we could offer to startups. Moving forward, we learned the importance of pivoting and trying our new and innovative models.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?

Hesham Zreik: One of the biggest challenges we faced was startups we worked with lacking the funding they needed to move forward. This problem pushed many entrepreneurs into quitting.

We then solved this problem by launching our Raise Capital program whereby we applied technology and built a vast network to help our startups get funded easily.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?

Hesham Zreik: One of the biggest mistakes is limiting myself and my business to a small range of services and products. You need to grow and grow fast in order to find your own path to success.

If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

Hesham Zreik: Never quit. You will need to switch the path a few times to explore new things, but do not quit moving forward. 

Your success tips for young and aspiring entrepreneurs

Hesham Zreik: Keep expanding your network. This is one of the most valuable resources you will ever have.

Work on your skills and look for highly-skilled people to work with.

Start now. You might need to do a lot of trial and error so starting as early as you can is a big advantage.

Hesham Zreik’s vision for FasterCapital highlights the importance of collaboration and accessibility in the startup ecosystem.

By bridging gaps and fostering innovation, Zreik not only empowers aspiring entrepreneurs but also contributes to a vibrant global business landscape.

His commitment to nurturing talent exemplifies the role of incubators in driving economic growth and creativity, inspiring a new generation of innovators to turn their ideas into reality.

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