Dubai, a bustling city of diverse cultures and ideas, has become a thriving hub for startups making their mark on the global stage. One such successful entrepreneur is Zohare Haider, the Co-founder and CEO of jalebi.io. Launched in September 2022 jalebi.io dedicates itself to assisting restaurants in streamlining operations and maximizing their income on every order.
When asked Where did you get the idea for your startup he replied, “Always wanted to solve for the food industry, but we arrived at our current business model through trial, and error, extensive market research, continuous customer discovery, and market validation, then investing heavily in our instincts. Through extensive questions, critical thinking and co-creation with experienced restauranteurs, we ended up building what we have.” Zohare Haider’s entrepreneurial journey is driven by a vision to revolutionize the restaurant industry through innovative operational solutions.
Fostering Growth
Before embarking on his journey with jalebi.io, Zohare founded Digital Street, an award-winning digital agency that showcased his prowess in the digital space. He also built Micro Drip, a venture-backed agtech startup, further demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to addressing pressing issues in various industries.
Zohare’s deep involvement with the regional startup ecosystem has allowed him to leverage artificial intelligence to tackle theft and waste in the food industry. Becoming the starting point of his journey to jalebi.io. He also shared insights on how startups can harness the power of AI to improve productivity and ingenuity, ultimately addressing long-standing problems in the food sector.
Throughout his journey the greatest lesson learned by Haider was to be willing to grind and not let ego take over, to be specific “If you’re not willing to do it yourself, you can’t expect anyone else to follow your lead. Plan your burn with a 15% margin of error (meaning operate with -15% of your actual cash in hand). Egos are dangerous, question your motives and trust that you didn’t get where you are by accident.”
Dubai SME’s Supportive Role: Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, has played a significant role in nurturing the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) like jalebi.io. Under the leadership of CEO Abdul Baset Al Janani, Dubai SME has facilitated access to finance, streamlined government procurement processes, and removed bureaucratic barriers, making it easier for businesses to establish themselves. The agency has also established incubators, training programs, and collaborated with educational institutions to foster an entrepreneurial culture.
The Power of Networking in Dubai
Networking has been a crucial element in Zohare Haider’s startup journey. He believes that Dubai’s ideas and networking ecosystem is experiencing explosive growth, providing abundant opportunities for startups to flourish. Dubai’s commitment to supporting startups is evident in the significant increase of incubators, from just one or two a few years ago to over 14 today. This vibrant ecosystem facilitates connections between entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, further propelling the success of startups like jalebi.io.
Adaptability and Resilience
Key Factors for Success: In an exclusive interview, Zohare Haider emphasizes the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating market volatility. SMEs, with their agility, have a distinct advantage in swiftly changing their business models and running lean operations when necessary. The ability to adapt has been a fundamental factor in the success of jalebi.io and other startups in the region, allowing them to overcome challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
Dubai’s Potential as an Entrepreneurial Leader
Dubai’s commitment to supporting startups, businesses, and SMEs positions the city as a global leader in entrepreneurship. With a supportive ecosystem and a diverse pool of talent, Dubai offers boundless opportunities for entrepreneurs like Zohare Haider to showcase their innovations and drive growth. As Dubai continues to establish itself as a thriving platform for innovation, the city is on track to become a global entrepreneurial leader.
Zohare Haider’s journey with jalebi.io exemplifies the transformative potential of startups in the restaurant industry and Dubai’s entrepreneurial landscape. With the unwavering support of Dubai SME and a thriving networking ecosystem, entrepreneurs are harnessing opportunities for growth and innovation. Dubai’s commitment to nurturing startups and SMEs sets the stage for continued success and establishes the city as a global leader in entrepreneurship.