Issue link: http://endeavor.uberflip.com/i/88132
ENDEAVOR IMPACT REPORT 2011 – 2012 500 Startups after an introduction by Endeavor. When the Arab Spring erupted in Cairo's Tahrir Square in 2011, Endeavor was already well-estab- lished in Egypt, having operated an affiliate there since 2008. For Endeavor, the revolution high- lighted the need for effective local success stories and role models. "Many protestors' number one issue was the lack of high-value jobs in their countries," Linda said. "I believe the real story of the Arab Spring will be the unleashing of even more pent-up entre- preneurial energy and talent." In Egypt, Endeavor continues to find a recur- ring theme — namely that chaos often unleashes opportunities for entrepreneurship. In the midst of the Arab Spring, Khaled Ismail, the first Endeavor Entrepreneur selected from the Middle East, sold his wireless communications company to Intel. Shortly after, he announced his intention to become Chairman of Endeavor Egypt's Board of Directors. Far from shying away from Egypt's troubles, over the past year Endeavor has doubled the number of entrepreneurs it supports in the coun- try. Recently-selected companies range from The Bakery Shop, a fast-growing café-style chain, to T.A. Telecom, a provider of demograph- ically-targeted SMS advertising. QUOTED "Abraaj Holdings is fully committed to promoting an entrepreneurial eco- system in growth markets and our partnership with Endeavor further validates our concerted efforts in developing and mentoring the next generation of business leaders." Arif Naqvi Abraaj Holdings Founder & Group CEO Endeavor Global Board Member 18 AMR SHADY (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15) offered by Endeavor, including attending the 2011 Endeavor Entrepreneur Summit, a NYC Digital Media Tour, SXSW in Austin, Texas, the Stanford Leadership Course, and Investor Network "Speed-Dating" sessions. At the 2012 Milken Institute Global Conference, Amr participated on a panel moderated by Endeavor Co-Founder & CEO Linda Rottenberg. Amr credits Endeavor with helping him to, "be aggressive and redefine success." With Endeavor's support, Amr has expanded operations and strength- ened his company's innova- tion strategy. He is leading an initiative to create "Endeavor Entrepreneur committees" that will bring entrepreneurs' voices to local Boards of Directors.