14 Dynamic Speakers to Look Out For in RiseUp Summit 2024

With the Great Pyramids of Egypt serving as its backdrop, RiseUp Summit 2024 returns to the Grand Egyptian Museum for the second year in a row, putting the limelight on regional startups and industry giants from May 16th to the 18th.

Over 300 startup exhibitions will be on display to show exactly what makes them the vanguard of regional innovation, while attendees will be invited to dive deeper with daily workshops. Beyond the showcases, entrepreneurs will have the unique opportunity to sit in on an enlightening series of panel discussions and talks featuring more than 350 speakers from global industry leaders like Netflix and TikTok as well as regional pioneers. Here are 14 speakers to watch out for this year...

Fadi Ghandour

Executive Chairman at Wamda

NURTURING GROWTH AND RESILIENCE IN THE STARTUP ECOSYSTEM

Capital Stage

May 16th, 19:30 - 19:50

Fadi Ghandour is a versatile leader whose accomplishments span various domains. As a co-founder of Aramex, a prominent logistics corporation, he played a pivotal role in elevating it to international acclaim. Additionally, his establishment of Wamda Group helped nurture the startup ecosystem in the MENA region. Committed to social change, he also initiated Ruwwad for Development, a platform empowering marginalized communities. At RiseUp, he will endeavor to impart wisdom on fostering growth and resilience within the startup ecosystem.

Martin Coppola

Global Creative Lead/Creative Director at The LEGO Group

BRICK BY BRICK: CRAFTING A CULTURE OF INNOVATION

Creative Stage

May 16th, 21:45 - 22:05

Martin Coppola, Creative Director at The LEGO Group, will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how LEGO cultivates a culture of innovation. This session discusses the factors contributing to LEGO's enduring global success, delving into LEGO's specific innovation strategies, including pioneering product design approaches and fostering collaborative problem-solving techniques.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these methods have fostered imagination, empowered creative thinking, and transformed play into a powerful tool for learning and discovery. Entrepreneurs, educators, and creative minds of all backgrounds can glean valuable takeaways applicable to building their own innovative environments. The session offers practical strategies to unlock the limitless potential of creativity within any organization.

Ismail Sarhank

Co-founder & CEO of Menthum

EMPOWERING FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE: MASTERING FINANCIAL LITERACY

Capital Stage

May 16th, 19:55 - 20:25

In this panel discussion, CEO of Menthum Ismail Sarhank will focus on what it takes to achieve financial freedom by delving into essential principles of financial literacy, exploring topics such as budgeting, investing, and debt management. Drawing from his success with Menthum, an Egypt-based fintech venture with expertise in consumer banking and fund management verticals, Sarhank aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions. Through practical strategies, participants will gain valuable insights into securing long-term economic security and independence.

Dina Ghabbour

Investor & Host of The W Podcast

UNRAVELING THE ART OF CRAFTING COMPELLING CONTENT

Creative Stage

May 17th, 21:45 - 22:25

Speaking alongside panelists Ziad Aly, Islam Adel, and Shady Sherif, Dina Ghabbour, host of The W Podcast, will share her expertise on storytelling techniques, audio production best practices, and industry insider tips. Oriented to anyone interested in podcasting, the session equips audience members with the tools to transform a podcast into an engaging experience.

The session peels back the layers of what separates exceptional podcasts from the average. Through a combination of expert insights and actionable strategies, attendees will gain valuable knowledge on crafting content that truly captivates.

Daniel Gonzales

Animator at Pixar Animation Studios

CRAFTING CAREERS IN ANIMATION: INSIGHTS FROM AWARD-WINNING PRODUCERS AND CHARACTER ARTISTS

Speaker Circles

May 17th, 18:00 - 19:00

A veteran of 16 years with Pixar Animation Studios, Gonzales has played a key role in bringing beloved films like ‘Frozen’, ‘Zootopia’, ‘Moana’, and ‘Inside Out 2’ to life. This session marks the second time Pixar has graced the RiseUp stage, following Deanna Marsigliese's inspiring talk as Art Director in 2022. Joining Gonzales will be Jack Liang, Vice President of International Business Development. Together, they'll offer unique insights into their journeys within the world of animation.

Kristin Ellison

Manager & Learning Experience Designer at TikTok

CREATIVITY: WHAT IT IS, HOW TO HARNESS IT, AND WHY IT’LL MAKE YOU BETTER AT WORK

Creative Stage

May 18th, 19:45 - 20:05

Artist and creativity advocate Kristin Ellison brings her extensive experience to RiseUp. With a background in publishing and a passion for design, Ellison has spent over a decade developing design courses and leading teams at industry giants like lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning, and TikTok.

In her session, Ellison will explore the concept of creativity, arguing that it's not a talent for the chosen few, but a muscle that needs regular exercise to be strong and accessible. She'll delve into the nature of creativity and offer practical tactics to help anyone tap into their creative potential.

Lisha Bell

Economic Opportunity Manager at PayPal Ventures

PROMOTING INCLUSIVE INVESTMENTS: EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURS

Capital Stage

May 18th, 19:15 - 19:35

Leveraging over 20 years of experience in financial technology, Lisha Bell, who leads PayPal Ventures' Economic Opportunity Fund, will deliver a keynote address at RiseUp. Her talk focuses on fostering a more inclusive investment landscape.

She'll explore strategies for investors and businesses to empower diverse entrepreneurs, drive equitable growth, and ultimately build a more representative ecosystem within the entrepreneurial world.

Lisha's experience extends beyond PayPal Ventures. She previously led deal flow for Pipeline Angels, an angel investor group focused on women and femmes, and now chairs Black Girl Ventures, both organizations supporting underrepresented founders.

Hisham Kharma

Creative Director at KharmaWorks

VISUAL VERSES: EXPLORING ART'S UNIVERSAL DIALOGUE

Creative Stage

May 18th, 19:10 - 19:40

Creative Director Hisham Kharma joins a distinguished panel to explore the power of visual communication in ‘Visual Verses: Exploring Art's Universal Dialogue’. This session delves into the intricate tapestry of visual storytelling, examining its profound impact as a global language.

Kharma, alongside speakers Nesma El-Shazly and Shosha Kamal, will unpack how creators from diverse backgrounds utilize visual art to communicate emotions, narratives, and ideas. From the artist's brush stroke to the photographer's shutter click, the discussion explores the power of visual expression to transcend borders and connect humanity.

Panelists will share personal insights, experiences, and reflections, offering unique perspectives on the transformative potential of visual storytelling. This session is designed to ignite imaginations and deepen appreciation for art as a universal medium of human connection and understanding. It caters to art enthusiasts, aspiring artists, and anyone curious about the power of visual communication.

Sharif El-Badawi

CEO of Dubai Future District Fund

BRIDGING CONTINENTS: EGYPT'S VITAL ROLE IN CONNECTING AFRICA TO THE GCC

Capital Stage

May 17th, 17:30 - 18:10

CEO of Dubai Future District Fund Sharif El Badawi will join a panel discussion exploring Egypt's critical role as a bridge between the African continent and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Egypt's strategic location and strong infrastructure position it as a key gateway for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

A distinguished panel of experts will delve into the economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties that bind these regions. The discussion will explore the opportunities and challenges presented by this dynamic relationship, examining the potential for cross-border collaboration, innovation, and growth.

Heba & Nira Shunbo

Co-Founders of Four Fat Ladies

CRAFTING SUCCESS: EMPOWERING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE CREATIVE REALM

Creative Stage

May 17th, 17:30 - 18:00

Sisters Heba and Nira Shunbo will be taking to the stage in a session exploring the world of women entrepreneurs in creative industries like culinary arts, design, and media.

Having achieved nation-wide renown with their beloved Four Fat Ladies bakery with their sister Sherine, their panel will examine the unique challenges they face, such as forging partnerships and navigating market trends, while also highlighting the strategies they utilize to thrive in competitive landscapes.

The focus is on their triumphs and the impact they have on shaping the future of these industries. The discussion emphasizes empowerment, resilience, and the boundless potential of women in creative entrepreneurship.

Yahia Zaky

Founder and CEO of YAYA

TASTE THE TRENDS: A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN FOOD AND DRINK

Creative Stage

May 18th, 17:30 - 18:00

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Yahia Zaky embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by venturing into the realm of crafting and vending milkshakes at the tender age of 19. Riding on a wave of achievements, he eventually established his own venture, YAYA, in the Fifth Settlement, where he found further success.

At RiseUp, Zaky participates in a panel discussion delving into the evolving trajectory of contemporary culinary trends and innovations. This conversation delves into the dynamic realm of gastronomy, where innovation and originality intertwine to sculpt the forthcoming culinary landscape.

El Waili

Music Producer

El Waili, the artistic alias of Kareem Gaber, a music producer hailing from Sohag, Upper Egypt, has made waves in the music industry. Over the past year, El Waili has ventured into the realm of film and television scoring, lending his talents to projects such as the 'Safa7 El-Giza' series, the film 'El Harefa,' and most recently, the ‘La7zet Ghadan’ series for Ramadan 2024. At RiseUp, El Waili will participate in a panel discussion, offering insights into his creative philosophy and the intricate process behind his musical compositions.

Gabriela Tagliavini

Film Writer and Director/Creative Director

CINEMATIC CROSSROADS: NAVIGATING THE INTERSECTION OF CULTURE AND STORYTELLING

May 17th

Award-winning Argentinian filmmaker Gabriela Tagliavini brings her extensive experience to the stage. A director, writer, and novelist, Tagliavini has helmed nine feature films and numerous television shows.  Her impressive career includes directing for top companies like Netflix, Amazon, and HBO, and collaborating with renowned actors like Sharon Stone and Eva Longoria.  With a passion for storytelling and a proven track record of success, Tagliavini's talk will dive deep into the filmmaking industry.