Recent Episodes

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How can AI navigate the risks and stay ahead in real estate investments with Ranime El Skaff

Can you rely on AI to invest in real estate globally?

Joining us this week on the #couch is Ranime El Skaff, the co-founder of Prop-AI—a platform that uses AI to simplify Dubai’s real estate investments. In this episode, we uncover the evolution of PropTech in the region, real estate trends, and how her company is revolutionizing real estate investment with cutting-edge technology.

Ranime and Arjun also discover the challenges in real estate investment, Dubai and Saudi Arabian RE market dynamics, future plans for Prop-AI, and more.

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Building a career in CVC with Kushal Shah, Managing Director at e& capital 

What is the state of CVC, and why is now the inflection point for CVCs to grow in the MENA region?

Joining us on the #couch to explore these questions is Kushal Shah, Managing Director of e& capital, the CVC arm of the e& group.

In this episode, Kushal shares his expert insights on e& capital's investment areas, focus, post-investment involvement, and future plans. We delve into the growing CVC scene in the region, discussing the differences between Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) and Venture Capital (VC), e& capital's investment strategy and governance, and the challenges and recommendations for CVCs.

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EP 66: Wealth Management Gets An AI Makeover: Mehdi Fichtali of FinaMaze

In the latest episode of Couchonomics, Arjun was joined on the couch by Medhi Fichtali, Founder & CEO of FinaMaze, MENA’s first AI digital wealth manager. Founded by a highly experienced team with decades of track record in capital markets and asset management, their hybrid human/machine teams are currently managing hundreds of portfolios. We spent a fair amount of the episode breaking down AI’s role in wealth management and the need for a product like FinaMaze.

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Fintech Ana Jovicic Fintech Ana Jovicic

Mastering the Art of Ultra Platforms: A Conversation with Abdallah Abu-Sheikh

In our recent Couchonomics episode, Arjun explores the intriguing domain of Ultra Platforms and the evolving future of fintech and digital services with Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, the pioneering CEO of Botim and Founder of Astra Tech. A visionary leader, Abu-Sheikh is transforming the way we interact with technology, turning Botim into an all-in-one Ultra App that encompasses a vast range of services. He dives into the evolution of Astra Tech, discussing the concept and necessity of Ultra Platforms, characterized by extreme usage, organic adoption, multi-service functionality, and the capability to surpass targeted platforms. Tune in to gain unique insights into the future of the digital landscape, courtesy of this thought-provoking conversation with Abdallah Abu-Sheikh.

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Inclusive Future in Blockchain & Web 3.0: Insights from Amna Usman Chaudhry

In this riveting episode of Couchonomics, we dive deep into the intricate world of blockchain, metaverse, and web 3.0 with Amna Usman Chaudhry, a renowned Financial Economist & Emerging Tech Strategist. From the mechanics of blockchain and metaverse to its implications on fintech, Islamic fintech, and the efforts towards gender equality, this conversation explores the intersection of technology and societal norms.

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