How do you keep a startup alive when you're running out of cash, facing fierce competition, and questioning your business model?

On this episode of Startup Spotlights, host Erica sits down with Bassel El Koussa, co-founder and CEO of Quiqup, to unpack the highs, lows, and defining decisions behind building a logistics business that evolved from London's on-demand delivery scene into Dubai's retail and e-commerce ecosystem.

Bassel shares how he and his co-founders launched Quiqup in 2014, built an early minimum viable product, and grew monthly revenue from £10,000 to £150,000 within six months. He also reveals the intensity of early fundraising, including a competitive investment round involving Global Founders Capital and Delivery Hero.

But early growth was only the beginning.

As competition intensified in London's consumer delivery market, Quiqup faced a major strategic challenge: pivot from B2C delivery towards B2B logistics infrastructure. Bassel explains the difficult decisions involved in changing direction, closing the UK consumer operation, and rebuilding the business around opportunities in Dubai.

At one point, the company operated with just six weeks of cash runway for four consecutive years. Bassel reflects on the mental demands of that experience and what it taught him about resilience, financial sustainability, and making difficult decisions as a founder.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

• How to build and validate a startup with a minimum viable product.
• What early-stage fundraising can teach you about investors and competition.
• Why a promising business model may need to change as markets evolve.
• How to navigate the pressure of limited cash runway.
• Why investors need to understand the path to financial returns.
• How quiet, unstructured time can create space for innovation.
• Why founders can learn from missteps instead of regretting them.

Today, Quiqup operates as a technology-enabled logistics business in Dubai, supporting established retailers and independent brands.

If you're building a startup, raising capital, considering a business-model pivot, or navigating the realities of entrepreneurship, Bassel's story offers an honest look at what it takes to keep moving forward.

Bassel’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bassel-el-koussa-37576652/
Quickup Profile: https://lucidityinsights.com/startups/quiqup-4993

"Lucidity Insights: Startup Spotlights," is a newly premiered Podcast Show by LucidityInsights.com featuring CEOs and entrepreneurs from startups and tech companies all around the world. Understand how their mind works, how they turn ideas into reality, navigated startup life, and the lessons they learned. 🚀

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How is AI transforming fintech, leadership, and the future of work?

In this episode, we speak with Tarik Chebib, CEO MENA at Capital.com, about AI innovation, fintech transformation, leadership, and building businesses in a rapidly changing world.

Tarik shares his journey from overcoming career rejection to leading teams in the UAE’s fast-growing technology and financial sector. He discusses entrepreneurial leadership, personal branding, LinkedIn strategy, talent acquisition, and how companies can build a competitive advantage through people and technology.

The conversation explores AI in fintech, data-driven decision-making, automation, responsible AI adoption, the future of work, and the skills leaders and professionals need to thrive in the AI era.

We also discuss investing psychology, market cycles, and how leaders can navigate uncertainty and technological disruption.

Topics covered:
AI in fintech • Leadership • UAE business growth • Personal branding • LinkedIn • Talent acquisition • Future of work • Automation • Investing psychology

About Tarik Chebib:
Tarik Chebib is the CEO MENA at Capital.com, a global fintech company focused on technology-driven trading solutions.

Tarik’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarikchebib/
Capital.com Profile:

"Lucidity Insights: Startup Spotlights," is a newly premiered Podcast Show by LucidityInsights.com featuring CEOs and entrepreneurs from startups and tech companies all around the world. Understand how their mind works, how they turn ideas into reality, navigated startup life, and the lessons they learned. 🚀

[ Watch this episode on video ]

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How is Almosafer competing with Booking.com and Expedia in one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets?

In this episode, Muzzammil Ahussain, the CEO of Almosafer, explains how Almosafer transformed from a traditional Saudi travel agency into a leading AI-powered travel platform through hyper-localization, WhatsApp commerce, and digital transformation.

We discuss:

• Saudi Vision 2030 and the growth of tourism in Saudi Arabia
• Competing with Booking.com and Expedia through hyper-localization
• Why 50% of travel bookings in Saudi Arabia still happen offline
• The role of WhatsApp in customer acquisition and support
• AI in travel: recommendations, pricing, and operational efficiency
• Saudi consumer behavior and last-minute booking trends
• Religious tourism, domestic travel, and regional air connectivity
• Almosafer’s IPO ambitions and the future of travel tech in the Middle East
• Scaling a tech company during geopolitical uncertainty

Watch this episode on video

Muzzammil’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzzammilahussain/
Almosafer’s Linkedin: LinkedIn.com/company/almosafer
Almosafer Profile: https://lucidityinsights.com/startups/almosafer-298

"Lucidity Insights: Startup Spotlights," is a newly premiered Podcast Show by LucidityInsights.com featuring CEOs and entrepreneurs from startups and tech companies all around the world. Understand how their mind works, how they turn ideas into reality, navigated startup life, and the lessons they learned. 🚀

[ Watch this episode on video ]

Follow our Socials: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter (X)