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Careem, a super-app that has
become a symbol of mobility,
fintech, and digital culture in the
Middle East, is famous for getting
acquired by Uber for $3.1 billion
and becoming the region's first
unicorn. But underlying these
headline accomplishments are the
smaller stories of the millions of
Careem users and drivers whose
lives have been transformed
by the platform. About 2.5
million drivers, including many
women, are registered under the
Careem umbrella. In the UAE,
50% of gig workers use their
earnings to fund their children's
education. Careem's success
also ignited the Middle East's
innovation ecosystem. Former
Careem employees have gone
on to found over 80 startups.
Thanks to Careem co-founders
Mudassir Sheikha, Abdulla Elyas,
and Magnus Olsson and their
commitment to the Multiplier
Effect, MENA now has its own
homegrown version of the
PayPal Mafia.
T H E P I O N E E R S :
Careem: Mudassir Sheikha,
Abdulla Elyas, and Magnus Olsson
F R O M D I S R U P T I N G T H E C A R - R I D I N G B U S I N E S S I N T H E U A E
TO I G N I T I N G T H E N E X T S U C C E S S S TO R I E S I N T H E M I D D L E E A S T.
LE G E N D :
C O M PA N I ES
FO U N D ED
C O M PA N I ES
I N V EST ED I N
EM P LOY EE
S P I N O U T S
C O M PA N I ES
M EN TO R ED