The Mal Show

What does the data really reveal about the MENA startup and venture capital ecosystem?In this episode of The MAL Show, we sit down with Philip Bahoshy, Founder and CEO of MAGNiTT, the leading venture capital data and intelligence platform covering the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, Turkey, and other emerging markets.We go beyond billion-dollar valuations and major funding headlines to examine what the numbers are actually saying. Philip breaks down the latest MENA venture capital data, the decline in startup deals, the dominance of large funding rounds, the shortage of meaningful exits, and why private investors remain cautious about the region.We also explore the impact of geopolitical uncertainty, the growing concentration of capital in AI and fintech, the role of government funding, the arrival of Chinese companies, and what must change for venture capital to become a serious and sustainable asset class across MENA.If you are a founder, investor, or simply want to understand the future of startups and technology in the Middle East, this conversation is for you.Subscribe to The MAL Show for more conversations about money, markets, investment, and the forces shaping the region’s economy.This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.Chapters:00:00 Intro04:02 H1 Report: Key Takeaways06:09 Geopolitics & MENA VC Landscape09:59 Government vs Private Sector Capital11:50 The Exit Problem: M&A & Secondaries20:14 Alternative Capital & Founder Frustrations23:18 VC Returns, DPI & IPO Performance33:45 M&A: Chinese vs Western Entrants36:13 Southeast Asia & Cross-Region Opportunities45:40 Regional Ecosystems: Egypt, Jordan & Iraq1:02:40 North Africa, Turkey & Geopolitical Resilience1:12:40 Debt, Corporate VC & Family Offices1:30:59 Private Equity & Magnet as a Data Company1:46:01 Founder Backgrounds & Key TakeawaysTo get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Philip Bahoshyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philipbahoshy/#TheMALShow #MAGNiTT #PhilipBahoshy #MENAStartups #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #MENA #MiddleEastStartups #Investing #Entrepreneurship #PrivateMarkets #TechStartups #StartupData #AI #fintech 

You think you understand Bitcoin... until you hear this conversation.Is Bitcoin really the future of money, or is it just the biggest financial bubble of our generation?In this episode of The MAL Show, we sit down with Abrar Khan, Founder & CEO of CryptoWala, to explore one of the most debated topics in finance today. From Bitcoin's role as digital gold to its potential to replace traditional banking, Abrar explains why he believes Bitcoin could reach $1 million, why he thinks Bitcoin is fundamentally different from the rest of crypto, and why long-term investing matters more than timing the market.We also challenge many of the assumptions surrounding Bitcoin, inflation, central banks, taxes, investing, financial freedom, and the future of money in one of our most thought-provoking conversations yet.In this episode, we discuss:• Why Abrar believes Bitcoin could reach $1 million• Bitcoin vs Gold: Which is the better store of value?• Is Bitcoin replacing traditional banking?• Why Bitcoin is different from the rest of crypto• Should everyone have Bitcoin in their portfolio?• Dollar-Cost Averaging (Bitcoin SIP) explained• Can governments stop Bitcoin?• Bitcoin, inflation, and the future of money• India's growing relationship with Bitcoin• The vision behind building CryptoWala• Can Bitcoin become the world's reserve asset?Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in investing, technology, entrepreneurship, or the future of finance.Chapters:0:00 – Intro 3:48 – $1 Million Bitcoin by 2030: The conviction5:22 – Bitcoin vs. Gold: The case for digital money10:03 – Not your keys, not your coins: Self-custody explained13:15 – Why Bitcoin, not crypto15:53 – What is real money? The flaw in fiat18:27 – USDT vs. Bitcoin: Is the dollar really stable?27:59 – Bitcoin is a threat to banks — and they know it30:11 – Can you borrow against Bitcoin?42:42 – Abrar's story & the Cryptowala mission46:52 – The US Clarity Act & India's Bitcoin future49:49 – What if Bitcoin goes to zero?53:26 – Investment mindset vs. trading mindset56:26 – India's Bitcoin tax explained1:03:06 – Who is Abrar outside of Bitcoin?1:20:05 – One practical step to start todayTo get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Abrar Khanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/abrarbtc/#Bitcoin #Crypto #Cryptocurrency #Investing #Finance #FinancialFreedom #Money #DigitalAssets #Gold #Inflation #Blockchain #Entrepreneurship #TheMALShow #Podcast #business

After more than 20 years interviewing CEOs, founders, ministers, and world leaders, Brandie Scott has learned what separates great leaders from everyone else.In this episode of The MAL Show, we talk about journalism, leadership, AI, trust, the art of asking better questions, and why every business story is ultimately a human story.Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or simply curious about the people behind business, this conversation is full of insights you won't want to miss.Topics covered:Journalism in the age of AIThe future of mediaLeadership and communicationThe power of curiosityWhy every business is a human storyLessons from two decades of interviewing global leadersDon't forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes of the Mal ShowChapters:0:00 Introduction1:44 Why Journalism & Business Journalism5:06 AI & The Future of Creative Writing11:02 The Novel: Not Bad People13:29 Covering the Dot-Com Boom in Dubai18:15 Leaving Dubai & Reverse Culture Shock22:38 The Survival of Radio32:17 Journalism Ethics & Interviewing Style45:26 Interviewing Powerful People Without Intimidation54:21 From Moderation to Mediation58:16 Managing Anxiety Through Radio1:03:34 The Most Memorable Interview1:10:47 AI, Misinformation & The Future of Newsrooms1:21:30 Financial Literacy & Business Media's Role1:23:50 Tribute to Malcolm Taylor1:30:20 Don't Wait to Live: Life LessonsTo get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Brandy Scotthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-scott-9552a624/#TheMALShow #BrandieScott #Business #Leadership #Journalism #AI #Media #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #Dubai #BusinessBreakfast

Health has become one of the biggest industries in the world. Every day we're sold a new diet, supplement, longevity hack, or wellness trend—but how much of it is real science, and how much is just great marketing?In this episode of The MAL Show, we sit down with Mustafa Koita, Founder & CEO of Koita, to explore what it really takes to build one of the Middle East's most trusted food brands.We discuss:Why he left corporate to build KoitaBootstrapping vs. raising venture capitalHow to build a brand people genuinely trustWhy customer listening beats traditional marketingThe business behind the health and wellness industryOrganic, lactose-free, and plant-based products—what actually matters?How social media is changing the way we think about nutritionThe biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling a businessWhy Koita shut down its U.S. expansionBuilding a long-term company instead of chasing hypeLeadership, resilience, and navigating crisesThe legacy every entrepreneur should aim to leaveWhether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, business owner, or simply someone trying to make better health decisions, this conversation is packed with practical insights on business, branding, and consumer trust.Subscribe for more conversations with founders, investors, and business leaders shaping the future of the Middle East.Chapters:0:00 Intro3:08 Tough Father & Humble Origins5:17 Career in Defense & Startup Failure6:44 Anti-Corporate Mindset8:59 Leaving Corporate12:20 Baby Steps vs. Go Big15:08 Why Food & Why Milk20:13 The GCC Health Crisis24:33 Health Trends — Vegan, Keto, Ozempic26:32 Building the Koita Brand33:30 Shutting Down the US36:01 Navigating Wars & Supply Chain Crises40:05 Resilience Through Setbacks42:33 Naming the Brand After Himself44:41 Scaling Health Across the Region48:21 Responsibility & Win-Win Philosophy53:39 Being Tough on Yourself55:21 Indian-American-Middle Eastern Identity58:18 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs1:01:25 From Corporate to Startup1:02:41 Advice to Policymakers & Local SuppliersTo get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Mustafa Koitahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafakoita/#TheMALShow #MustafaKoita #Koita #Entrepreneurship #Business #Branding #Marketing #HealthyFood #Wellness #Startup #Founder #consumertrust

In this episode of The MAL Show, we sit down with Armie Baghoumian, one of the leading voices in private credit and growth financing in the Middle East.Most founders understand venture capital. Raise equity, give up ownership, and use the capital to grow. But what if there was another way?We explore the world of business financing, venture debt, growth debt, and private credit—and uncover what actually makes a company fundable.In this episode, we discuss:• Why some companies get funded while others get rejected• What investors and lenders look for before providing capital• The biggest mistakes founders make when raising money• When debt can accelerate growth—and when it becomes dangerous• How startups like Tabby, Bayzat, and Trukker used debt to scale• The hidden rules of business financing• Why banks reject many growing businesses• Asset-backed lending vs. traditional business loans• The future of private credit in the Middle East• How founders should think about risk, leverage, and growthWhether you're building a startup, running an SME, or simply want to understand how business financing really works, this conversation offers valuable insights into a side of entrepreneurship that most people never see.Don't forget to subscribe for more conversations with founders, investors, operators, and business leaders shaping the future of the region.Chapters:00:00 Intro3:54 Growth Debt vs. Banks7:07 Loans vs. Asset-Backed14:43 Fintech Chicken-Egg Problem19:22 Covenant Traps Explained24:32 Advice for Equity Investors28:15 Debt Literacy Evolution31:52 Pricing & Term Sheets36:22 Tenors & Case Studies42:46 Multiple Lenders & Enforcement50:09 Shariah Finance Explained54:16 Stress Testing & Global Credit Risks1:05:42 Retail & Wealth Bubble1:08:39 Why PFG Is in the Region1:13:27 Egypt & GCC Expansion1:16:12 Cross-Cultural Business1:18:30 Armineh's Career Path1:24:51 Operators vs. Investors1:27:30 14-Year Team Culture1:29:43 Approaching PFG & HiringTo get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Armie Baghoomian https://www.linkedin.com/in/armineh-baghoomian-045262/#TheMALShow #BusinessFunding #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #VentureDebt #PrivateCredit #BusinessGrowth #Startups #Finance #middleeastbusiness

In this episode of The MAL Show, we sit down with Jad Antoun, Founder and CEO of Huspy, one of the fastest-growing proptech companies in the Middle East and Europe.We discuss entrepreneurship, risk-taking, fear of failure, building global companies from the Middle East, and the future of real estate in an increasingly uncertain world.How do you know when it's time to leave a stable job and start a business? Why do so many people spend years thinking about entrepreneurship but never take action? What does it take to scale a company across multiple countries, raise capital, and build a high-performance team?Jad shares the lessons he learned building Huspy from a startup launched during COVID into a company operating across international markets. We also explore leadership, company culture, AI, real estate, and the psychology behind life-changing financial decisions.Topics discussed:Entrepreneurship and risk-takingFear of failure and decision-makingBuilding a global company from the Middle EastScaling teams and company cultureAI and the future of real estateDubai's property marketFundraising and startup growthLeadership and high-performance teamsChapters:00:00 Intro01:24 Starting a Business During COVID03:14 The Real Risk of Quitting Your Job05:43 Lebanon's Entrepreneurial DNA08:20 How SF Changed His Thinking12:16 Middle East Needs Bigger Ambition13:58 Why Huspy Went to Europe16:01 Raise First or Expand First?19:45 AI Won't Replace Brokers22:03 Psychology of Buying a Home25:41 Is Dubai Real Estate a Bubble?26:58 Dubai's Value Prop in 5 Seconds30:48 Launching 5 Cities in 60 Days36:46 Who Huspy Hires & Why47:17 Employee Secondaries Explained51:21 Managing Cash & Runway54:02 Risk vs. Paranoia as a Founder56:49 How to Become a Broker1:01:59 Where to Invest in Real EstateSubscribe for more conversations at the intersection of business, technology, investing, and human behavior.To get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Jad Antounhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jad-antoun-204/#TheMALShow #JadAntoun #Huspy #Entrepreneurship #Startups #Business #RealEstate #Dubai #Technology

- Real estate has long been considered one of the most powerful ways to build wealth. But for most people, investing in property feels out of reach — requiring large amounts of capital, long-term commitments, and access to opportunities that are often reserved for a small group of investors.In this episode of The MAL Show, we sit down with Rami Tabara, Co-Founder and CEO of Stake, to explore how technology is changing the way people invest in real estate and why the future of wealth creation may look very different from the past.We discuss fractional real estate investing, tokenization, passive income, property ownership, investing psychology, the future of real estate in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and whether access to investments is becoming more important than ownership itself. We also explore how younger generations think about money, why real estate remains one of the world's largest asset classes, and how platforms like Stake are opening the market to millions of new investors.In this episode:- Can you really invest in real estate starting from AED 500?- How does fractional property ownership actually work?- Is real estate still the best way to build long-term wealth?- Why are younger investors changing the investment landscape?- What is tokenization and how could it transform ownership?- Should you invest in real estate, stocks, crypto, or all three?- How do you create a second source of income?- Why are global investors increasingly attracted to Dubai and Saudi Arabia?- What does the future of investing look like?If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications for more conversations about money, investing, business, and human behavior.Chapters:0:00 Intro3:04 Why Everyone Should Invest in Real Estate?6:37 Real Estate Culture in the Middle East10:02 Investing from 500 AED13:58 SPV vs. Tokenization21:35 Weekly Dividends Explained26:02 Your Second Income27:08 How Much Real Estate in Your Portfolio?29:10 Launching During COVID35:09 Real Estate Made Easy38:25 Buying a Full Home Through Stake40:54 Mubadala, Aramco & ENBD as Investors42:24 Managing 1.2 Billion AED51:31 Women Invest Better Than Men53:19 Gen Z vs. Older Investors1:00:14 Golden Visa Through Stake1:05:42 Why Rami Started Stake1:08:12 Own Dubai Property in 3 Minutes1:17:31 Skills to Work at Stake1:21:27 Message to RegulatorsTo get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Rami Tabbarahttps://ae.linkedin.com/in/rami-tabbara#RealEstate #Investing #Stake #Dubai #WealthBuilding #PassiveIncome #Finance #TheMALShow

What does financial freedom actually look like — and how do you get there?In this episode of The Mal Show, Youssef sits down with Sherine Kabesh, founder of Flash, Egypt's leading financial wellness platform and Ex - Uber. Shireen brings rare honesty to the conversation — from the social challenges of being a woman in fintech, to how she walked away from a Dubai salary to build a startup, to her take on investing, data privacy, credit culture, and what it really means to be financially free.If you've ever spent money to impress people, avoided saving because of what others might think, or wondered how to start building real financial wellness — this episode is for you.Don't forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episode of The Mal ShowCHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction1:06 Women in Fintech: The Real Challenges4:23 Where Do Women in Finance Disappear To?5:34 From Finance to Marketing — Numbers Are Everywhere6:53 What Is Financial Wellness?10:45 How Shireen De-Risked Before Starting Flash13:23 Breaking Free From Social Pressure 14:10 Confidence Comes From Within15:52 What Is Financial Freedom?18:37 Ethics & Investing — Is the S&P 500 Halal?22:00 How Flash Uses Your Financial Data25:04 The Culture of Credit29:54 Why You Should Trust QR Code Payments32:26 Digitization Is Like Electricity34:35 Uber, Safety & Moral Responsibility36:46 One Step Towards Financial FreedomTo get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Sherine Kabeshhttps://eg.linkedin.com/in/sherine-kabesh-9b385860#TheMALShow #financialfreedom #Startup #Fintech #IslamicFinance #UAE #entrepreneurship #business

In this episode of The MAL Show, we sit down with Dr. Vishnu Katara — GM of SMEs at MAL, investor, operator, and former finance leader at companies like Flipkart, Noon, and Ola — to explore how AI, ethical finance, and SME banking could completely reshape the future of business.We discuss why traditional banks continue to fail SMEs, why 90% of the economy is powered by small businesses while only a tiny percentage gets funded, and how AI-native banking could change underwriting, collections, payroll, and business operations forever.Dr. Vishnu also explains how companies like Flipkart, Noon, and Ola competed against Western giants like Amazon and Uber — and won through local understanding, speed, and entrepreneurial culture.The conversation also dives into:The transformation of the UAE into a global business hubEthical and Sharia-compliant financeAI agents replacing entire business functionsWhat founders actually need to raise capitalAngel investing and startup evaluationWhy learning and curiosity matter more than ever in the AI eraThe mindset shift from employee to entrepreneurThis is a deep conversation about the future of finance, startups, technology, and building meaningful businesses in the Middle East and beyond.Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on business, finance, technology, and culture.Chapters:0:00 Intro1:56 From Heavy Industry to Startups5:05 Being Entrepreneurial Inside a Corporate6:19 The Non-Unicorn to Unicorn Secret8:06 Competing With Western Giants11:22 Why the Middle East?13:26 UAE as a Global Business Hub15:38 From CFO to Running a Business Segment17:23 The SME Funding Gap18:26 Why Banks Fail SMEs20:08 MAL's AI-Native Banking Vision26:17 AI Agents Working for Your Business29:44 Competing With Traditional Banks36:48 Sharia Compliance & Ethical Finance44:23 MAL's Hiring & AI-Driven Recruitment49:51 The Obsession With Learning53:49 Angel Investing: How to Start1:06:36 Finance Career Advice: From CFO to CEO1:17:42 Advice for Founders Raising CapitalTo get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Dr. Vishnu Katarahttps://ae.linkedin.com/in/vishnukatara#TheMALShow #AI #SMEs #Startup #Fintech #IslamicFinance #UAE #Entrepreneurship #Business #ArtificialIntelligence #MiddleEast #MAL

In this episode of The MAL Show, we explore the world of private credit, SME financing, and alternative investments in the Middle East.Why are startups and SMEs still massively underserved by traditional banks in MENA? Why does the region allocate only around 2% of financing to SMEs compared to nearly 28% globally? And why are private credit and alternative financing becoming one of the biggest emerging opportunities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia?Our guest is Omar Alyawer, Partner and Chief Capital Formation Officer at Ruya Partners,  with more than 25 years of experience across global firms including J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Franklin Templeton, and Man Group.We discuss:• The SME funding gap in the Gulf• Why banks avoid startups and SMEs• Private credit vs venture capital vs growth debt• How returns of 15–18% are generated• Direct lending vs sponsor-led deals• The impact of mega projects on capital demand• Sovereign wealth funds and institutional capital• Why private credit is booming globally• The future of alternative finance in MENAThis is a conversation about where money is really moving — and how the financial system is changing in the Gulf.Subscribe to The MAL Show for more conversations on money, business, technology, and the human side of finance.To get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Omar Al Yawerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/omaralyawer13/#themalshow #islamicfinance #ai #podcast #fintech #shariafinance

In this episode of The MAL Show, we go beyond finance… and into the deeper forces shaping how we make decisions about money.How much do your beliefs influence your financial choices?Can a modern financial system truly align with faith and values?And what happens when AI enters the equation?We explore the intersection of faith, law, and innovation—and unpack what it really takes to build a financial system that is not only advanced… but principled.Our guest is Dr. Angel Wesley—Chief Legal Officer at MAL, with over 20 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, and a graduate of Harvard Law School.We discuss:The real meaning of Sharia-compliant finance in today’s worldThe legal and ethical challenges of building an AI-native bankHow culture shapes our relationship with moneyWhether innovation can coexist with deeply held valuesAnd what MAL is trying to build at a much bigger levelThis is not just a conversation about finance.It’s a conversation about belief, systems, and the future of money.Powered by MALAn AI-native financial platform rethinking money through the lens of ethics, values, and intelligent systems.Please don’t forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes of The MAL Show.Chapters:00:00 Intro02:45 Dr. Angel's Introduction to Islam05:35 Does the West understand Islam?14:04 The UAE culture32:40 Joining Mal35:29 How is Mal changing Islamic Finance?39:09 Commercial Transactions in Islam45:01 What does Ai Native mean?53:07 The underserved demographic Mal is solving for1:02:55 Ethical Banking?To get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Dr. Angel Weslelyhttps://ae.linkedin.com/in/angel-wesley-abudhabi#themalshow #islamicfinance #ai #podcast #fintech #shariafinance

In this episode of The MAL Show, we step beyond finance and into the deeper forces that shape how we think, believe, and act.This conversation takes us on a journey through philosophy, religion, political economy, and civilizations—exploring ancient history, Islamic history, Egyptian history, and the roots of how societies form, evolve, and understand themselves over time.Our guest is Roy Casagranda—an academic and lecturer known for his powerful ability to connect civilizations, belief systems, and historical moments into one coherent, thought-provoking perspective. Through years of teaching political science and history, he has developed a unique lens on power, meaning, and the evolution of human societies.Together, we explore:The roots of civilizations and why they rise and fallThe relationship between religion, philosophy, and powerHow historical narratives shape modern societiesThe search for meaning—and whether it can ever be fully understoodThe deeper forces—seen and unseen—that continue to shape the world todayThis is not just a conversation about history…It’s a conversation about understanding the world—and our place in it.Powered by MAL — the first AI-native Islamic digital financial platform.https://www.mal.ai/Please don’t forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes of The MAL Show.To get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Dr. Roy Casagrandahttps://www.instagram.com/roycasagranda/https://www.youtube.com/@UCUGwVgtUewevtLvu7NaxVrw #themalshow #history #economy #war #podcast

What really happens when founders raise money? How do venture capitalists evaluate startups, and why do so many founders fail to secure funding?In this episode of The MAL Show, we go deep into the world of venture capital and startup fundraising. We break down how investors think, what VCs look for in founders, and the real reasons startups get rejected during the funding process. From pitch preparation to deal-making, this conversation gives a clear, insider perspective on how venture capital actually works.We also explore the realities of building startups in emerging markets, including currency volatility, raising capital in dollars while operating in local currencies, and how venture capital firms support founders through these challenges.Our guest is Dalia El-Mohamady, CFO at Sawari Ventures, one of Egypt’s leading venture capital firms. She shares practical insights on fundraising, venture capital decision-making, startup investment strategies, and what founders need to understand before raising money.If you're a founder, entrepreneur, or interested in venture capital, startup funding, and how investors make decisions — this episode breaks it down.Please don’t forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes of The MAL Show.Chapters:00:00 Intro02:32 Ethics in Business13:49 Between Judgement & Scrutiny 23:08 Transparency for founders25:09 Balancing investment portfolio as VC27:13 Due-diligence for founders29:13 Preparing the right pitch36:05 What do VCs want?!43:37 Signs of troubled companies46:10 The role of Finance51:23 Currency's risk management58:00 Expansion and diversification59:08 Who is Dalia El Mohamady?1:01:00 VCs' real clients?1:04:49 Founders & VCs relationship1:11:33 How VCs choose founders?1:14:16 Final advice from DaliaTo get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Dalia El Mohamady https://eg.linkedin.com/in/dalia-elmohamady-76270370#themalshow #vc #entrepreneur #fundraising #podcast

In this episode of The MAL Show, we sit down with Mohamad Kaswani — entrepreneur and fintech & proptech leader, and former Managing Director of Mortgage Finder, part of the Property Finder Group — for a deep conversation on how money, systems, and technology intersect in the real world. We dive into the mortgage and real estate ecosystem, unpacking why the mortgage process has historically been complex, how technology and data are reshaping the experience, and what’s really driving the Dubai real estate market today. From there, the discussion expands into the broader startup and investment landscape, exploring the relationship between companies, customers, and investors, and what it takes to build and lead ventures in a fast-moving environment like Dubai. Along the way, we touch on the role of initiatives and organizations in enabling entrepreneurship across industries, and how ecosystems are built through collaboration between different players. Toward the end, the conversation shifts into something more personal, reflecting on the situation in Syria and the support initiatives taking place there. Mohamad Kaswani is a venture builder who has spent years operating at the intersection of technology, real estate, and financial services, contributing to the growth of platform-driven businesses and supporting initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and innovation across different markets.Chapters:00:00 Intro2:37 Startup ecosystem & Mohamad initiatives in Syria 10:12 The advantage of adversity 12:23: Mentorship19:43 Ethical standards21:02 ChatGPT vs Claude26:32 Transparency loop27:37 Most important factor in home buying31:15 Buying Vs Renting40:35 How Mortgage is calculated?46:22 Mortgage period48:26 Balancing Business vs Ethics54:42 Choosing the right bank1:08:36 Rent Now, Pay Later1:11:45 Growth Debt in Startups1:22:21 Mohamad Kaswani at heart1:29:41 Investors as partners1:38:38 Final advice from MohamadTo get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Mohamad Kaswanihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamadkaswani/#themalshow #proptech #mortgage #realestate #entrepreneur #podcast

Cryptocurrency is one of the most talked-about industries in the world today.Some people see it as the future of finance. Others see it as speculation and hype. But beyond the headlines and price charts, an entire financial infrastructure is being built — exchanges, platforms, and systems that allow millions of people to buy, sell, and store digital assets.One of the people helping build that infrastructure in our region is today’s guest.Talal Tabbaa is the CEO of CoinMENA, a cryptocurrency exchange serving users across the Middle East and beyond, providing access to digital assets within a regulated environment.In this episode of The MAL Show, we explore Talal’s personal journey into the crypto industry and what it takes to build a company in such a fast-moving and often controversial space.We also break down cryptocurrency itself — why it exists, the problems this technology is trying to solve, and how the crypto market actually works. From trading and exchanges to the risks and realities of the industry, this conversation aims to help viewers better understand the world of digital assets.Topics discussed in this episode include:Talal Tabbaa’s journey into cryptoHow cryptocurrency works and why it existsHow crypto exchanges operateHow trading works in the crypto marketThe risks and opportunities in the industryBuilding a regulated crypto company in the Middle EastSubscribe to the channel to get the latest episodes of The MAL Show.To get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Talal Tabbaahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/talaltabbaa/#themalshow #crypto #bitcoin #cryptocurrency #entrepreneur #podcast

In this episode of The MAL Show (Podcast), we sit down with Wael Nafee — former Careem executive and now Partner at Raed Ventures, one of the region’s leading venture capital firms.Wael has seen both sides of the table:• building companies as an operator• and backing founders as an investorAfter studying and working abroad, he made the decision to come back and build in the region.In this conversation, we discuss:• Why some founders choose to return and build in emerging markets• The culture of money and capital in the Middle East• What Sharia-compliant fundraising actually looks like in venture capital• Whether ethical constraints make companies weaker — or more disciplined• The responsibility that comes with building products used by millionsAnd perhaps the most important question:When your capital shapes companies used by millions of people…what do you owe society?A conversation about nation building, capital with consequence, and the moral weight behind scale.We hope you enjoy this episode and don't forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes of the Mal Show.Chapters:00:00 Intro and Wael's journey 10:28 Sources of Fundraising 17:51 Sharia compliance Fundraising23:09 Careem's positioning & acquisition27:06 Careem's culture33:23 Joining Raed Ventures40:15 What do Investors look for?44:32 Self assessment, correction & reflections52:26 Money & Culture57:55 Women & Money1:01:12 Final advice on moneyTo get in touch with us: [email protected] us on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883To get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Wael Nafeehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wael-nafee-2b78abb/#themalshow #fintech #islamicfinance #entrepreneur #podcast

Islamic finance is worth trillions; but does it actually fix anything?In the first episode of The Mal Show (podcast), we sit down with Abdallah Abu Sheikh, Founder & CEO of MAL, who raised $230 million in one of the largest seed rounds in the region to build what to be the world’s first AI-native Islamic digital bank.But this conversation goes deeper than fintech.We explore:• Are Islamic banks truly different — or just conventional banks with different terminology?• Is Sharia compliance enough to make finance ethical?• How do you handle venture capital pressure while staying aligned with faith-based principles?• What is Islamic finance really trying to fix in today’s system?• Is debt always bad — or is it about structure and intention?• Is investing in stocks and crypto halal?• Why do so many high earners still feel financially stressed?We also unpack Mal specifically:• Why build another Islamic financial institution?• What does “AI-native banking” actually mean for users?• Can Islamic fintech scale globally like Revolut or Stripe?• What changes the moment someone switches to Mal?This is a conversation about capital and conscience.About growth and responsibility.About whether we can build serious financial infrastructure from the UAE — without copying the West.If you care about money, ethics, investing, Islamic finance, or the future of banking in the region — this episode is for you.Chapters:00:00 Intro02:32 Building & Solving the region's problems 16:44 What is Islamic Finance?19:33 Ethics vs Sharia Compliance24:37 Reality of Islamic Banking26:35 What problem is Mal trying to solve?30:13 The System challenges 36:46 Financial safety 43:54 Mal as the first Ai native digital bank 45:21 Is a college degree still necessary?49:26 Dealing with industry pressure & frustrations55:09 What Talent is Mal looking for?48:43 Voluntary vs involuntary Struggle and debt1:05:41 Social Media & financial traps1:10:03 Crypto and Islamic Finance1:11:03 On being progressive..We hope you enjoy this episode and don't forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes of the Mal ShowTo get in touch with us: [email protected] get in touch with Yousef Salemhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=truehttps://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=enTo get in touch with Abdullah Abu-Sheikh https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdallahabusheikh/https://www.instagram.com/abdallahabusheikh/#themalshow #fintech #islamicfinance #entrepreneur #podcast