Dounia Agharbi

Professional Background

Dounia Agharbi is an accomplished Marketing Lead with a wealth of experience in the tech industry and the blockchain ecosystem. Currently, she holds the significant position of Marketing Lead at ConsenSys, a pioneering company in blockchain technology and software solutions co-founded by Joseph Lubin, one of the original architects of Ethereum. In her role, Dounia skillfully orchestrates marketing strategies that resonate in the technologically advanced landscape of cryptocurrency and decentralized applications, bringing innovative solutions to the forefront of the industry.

Dounia's career began at IBM, where she thrived as a Marketing Manager for the Independent Software Vendor (ISV) ecosystem and the IBM Global Entrepreneur Program. This initial exposure allowed her to develop a profound understanding of the tech landscape, marketing dynamics, and customer engagement strategies. After a successful tenure at IBM, she transitioned to sales for IBM Rational, further broadening her expertise in the corporate technology environment.

Her passion for startups led her to Université Paris-Dauphine, one of France's most prestigious universities, where she played a pivotal role in launching an incubator aimed at nurturing nascent startups. This initiative provided essential support through collaborative programs that included seed funding, mentoring, training, and office space, ultimately enabling startups to thrive in competitive markets.

In 2014, Dounia co-founded cinqs, a premium chauffeured services booking platform designed to compete with giants like Uber in both the enterprise and luxury segments. As the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), she crafted and implemented comprehensive marketing strategies and managed both B2B and B2C acquisition efforts. Under her leadership, the startup gained significant traction and visibility, culminating in its acquisition by a competitor after three successful years.

Following her groundbreaking work at cinqs, Dounia joined the Galeries Lafayette Innovation & Strategic team, where she served as Head of Communication and Marketing for the Lafayette Plug and Play accelerator. In this capacity, she spearheaded efforts to drive and support open-innovation strategies alongside major stakeholders in the retail and fashion sectors throughout Europe, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in the intersection of technology, retail, and startup innovation.

Education and Achievements

Dounia Agharbi's educational background is impressive, with a Master’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from INSEEC, a renowned institution that emphasizes creativity and critical thinking in the fields of communication and media. Her foundational education was completed at Lycée Marie de Champagne, where she studied Economics in preparatory classes designed to prepare students for the grand écoles. This academic journey not only equipped her with essential skills and knowledge but also nurtured her analytical abilities and innovative mindset, which she later applied in her professional endeavors.

Throughout her career, Dounia has consistently achieved notable successes that highlight her capabilities and commitment to excellence. Her transitions through various roles underscore her adaptive nature, strategic thinking skills, and a keen understanding of market needs. From her initial role at IBM to her influential positions in the startup world and her current leadership at ConsenSys, she has continuously positioned herself at the forefront of marketing innovation.

Achievements

Dounia has made remarkable contributions in each of her professional roles. At IBM, her efforts in marketing and communication established strong partnerships within the ISV ecosystem and helped raise the visibility of the IBM Global Entrepreneur Program, thereby enhancing its offerings to startups.

As Co-Founder and CMO of cinqs, she played an instrumental role in positioning the company as a competitive player in the luxury transportation market, successfully guiding the marketing strategy that led to the startup's eventual acquisition. Her approach combined cutting-edge marketing techniques with an understanding of customer expectations, which was vital for the brand's growth and eventual success.

In her role at Lafayette Plug and Play, Dounia was crucial in defining the communication and marketing strategies that supported the accelerator’s mission to foster and grow promising retail-tech startups. She effectively communicated the value proposition of partnership opportunities within the accelerator framework, driving engagement between innovative startups and established retail brands.

Dounia Agharbi is a visionary marketer whose career illustrates a blend of deep industry experience and a profound commitment to innovation. Her journey embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship within the tech ecosystem, showcasing her unique ability to merge technology with marketing strategies that deliver results. With a proven track record and a passion for nurturing startups alongside established enterprises, Dounia continues to be a luminary in the fields of marketing and technology.