Where to build your Middle East base

About this episode:

This week we’ve got something a little different for you. David Barton-Grimley recently returned from the very first Money20/20 Middle East in Saudi Arabia - and beyond enjoying endless cups of Arabic coffee (and collecting a serious stash of swag), he was genuinely inspired by the region’s buzzing startup ecosystem. The energy, innovation, and ambition across the market were impossible to miss.

This week, we’re revisiting a conversation that’s just as relevant as it was a year ago, all about what it really takes to be a startup in this region.

In this episode, host Benjamin Ensor is joined by Gaia Lamperti, Ziad Mabsout, and Remo Abbondandolo to unpack the challenges and opportunities for fintechs launching in the Middle East. From navigating regulation to tapping into fast-evolving consumer demand, they share insights that remain spot-on for anyone eyeing expansion into the region.

Whether you’re exploring new markets or just curious about the Middle East’s fintech story, this one’s packed with valuable perspectives. Enjoy the listen!

This week's guests: 

• Gaia Lamperti - Middle East Producer at Bloomberg  

• Ziad Mabsout - Co-founder and CEO of Vennre 

• Remo Abbondandolo - General Manager, VP MENA at Checkout.com

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About 11:FS

At 11:FS, we don’t just talk digital - we make it happen. We're building truly digital financial services by partnering with bold teams to take them from market insights to real-world products. Whether you're an incumbent innovating or a startup breaking new ground, we bring the strategy, research, design, and delivery to make it real. Less talk, more impact.Proud winners of the British Bank Award for Consultancy of the Year - five times and counting. 👉 Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠11fs.com/ventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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About Fintech Insider:

Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a bi-weekly podcast that covers everything from finance and banking to technology and the latest trends in financial services.

Our expert hosts, with hands-on industry experience, are joined by key decision-makers, VCs, and top reporters from across the financial landscape, including guests from companies like Stripe, Revolut, Plaid, PayPal, and Monzo. Together, they break down the biggest news and innovations shaping the space.

Our weekly news show drops every Monday, covering major stories like mergers, new product launches, regulatory shifts, and emerging tech trends. On Thursdays, our Insights show goes deeper into the hottest topics driving the future of finance, including AI in banking, decentralised finance, and the evolving landscape of embedded finance.

Whether you're already in the fintech game or just starting to explore, this is the #1 podcast for you.

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