#40Forward is a challenge Google for Entrepreneurs has issued to startup communities to increase participation by women by 25% this year. For Google's 40Forward Global initiative, Startup Grind Dubai will feature 3 powerhouse female entrepreneurs in tech.
Loulou Khazen Baz (Nabbesh.com) Nabbesh, the Middle East's only virtual skills marketplace, was founded in 2012 as a solution for the region's growing unemployment challenges by connecting talented individuals with flexible and virtual work opportunities. Today, the Nabbesh community comprises over 30,000 talented men, women and youth to fulfill any job requirement or job. Prior to launching Nabbesh in 2012, Khazen Baz was part of the founding team of UAE-based venture capital and incubation firm ActiveM where she oversaw the planning and execution of new startups in the healthcare, education and technology sectors. Since moving to the UAE in 2003, her career spanned from marketing to project management across several industries ranging from financial services with DaimlerChrysler, to real estate with Dubai Properties and has experience working in the UAE and covering Middle East markets.
Genny Ghanimeh (Pi Slice): Following her passions for the MicroFinance & the Online industries, and after a life-altering trek in Kilimanjaro, Genny founded Pi Slice in March 2012 and negotiated a partnership agreement with MicroWorld from the Group PlanetFinance to build and administer the first micro-lending online platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Prior to Pi Slice, Genny began her career in Development Project Finance, and later shifted her focus to the financial industry and business development, where she honed her entrepreneurial skills in founding her 1st company Pro-ID in 2003; initiating start-ups and identifying market opportunities for the international corporations represented. She also consulted in setting-up & managing a financial security semi-governmental company in Dubai. In 2007, Genny founded and managed Pi Investments, working mainly on mergers and acquisitions deals in emerging countries, Fund Advisory and Placement Agent. In 2010, Genny joined a DIFC based investment bank as the Head of Business Development. Genny has an MA in Civil Engineering from the Lebanese University and an MBA from London Business School (UK).
Mona Tavassoli (Mompreneurs Middle East) - an initiative by Mom Souq to support female entrepreneurs in the Middle East - is a B2B platform that caters to female entrepreneurs to promote and grow their business. The website provides a platform for female entrepreneurs to connect with each other, share expertise, advice, and recommendations and contacts. It is a one-stop information portal where members can access information regarding various events and exhibitions taking place in the region or find suppliers and partners in various fields.
