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What does it take to build billion-dollar businesses and empower the next generation of founders across MENA? In this episode, Raja Haddad sits down with Noor Sweid, VC powerhouse, author, and Shark Tank judge. Noor shares her journey from scaling IPOs to reshaping the region’s entrepreneurial future.

🔍 What to expect:

• The story behind Coming of Age, her bestselling book on MENA startups
• How Zen Yoga taught her more than a billion-dollar IPO
• Building a VC firm that backs 68+ startups across 3 continents
• The rise of the creator economy and MENA’s digital leap
• How to find your zone of genius—and why it matters
• Advice for young founders and women in venture capital

📌 Whether you're a founder, investor, or curious creator, this episode is packed with insight, clarity, and inspiration.

🎧 Now streaming on YouTube & all major podcast platforms.

Follow us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forward_moves/

X: https://x.com/forward_moovz

Lina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lina_movements/

Raja’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octoraj/

Follow Noor:

https://www.instagram.com/noor_sweid/?hl=en

chapters:

00:00 Introduction
01:12 Welcome to Forward Moves
01:41 Meet Noor Sweid: A Trailblazer in Venture Capital
04:22 Noor's Journey: From Biotech to Yoga
06:13 The Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
07:56 The Evolution of Work and Entrepreneurship
11:22 Addressing the Funding Gap in MENA
14:28 The Role of Women in Venture Capital
17:04 Introducing 'Coming of Age': Stories of MENA Founders
20:21 Embracing New Technologies
20:42 Regulation and Founders' Stories
22:56 Media Evolution and Personal Growth
26:33 The Rise of the Creative Economy
31:33 Investment Opportunities and Challenges
33:54 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
38:01 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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