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Fouad Jeryes
Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer at Maqsam
Professional Background
Fouad Jeryes has established himself as a prominent figure in the technology and business landscape of the MENA region and beyond. As the Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at Maqsam, a leading cloud communication suite tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises, Fouad plays a critical role in facilitating communication solutions that meet the needs of various businesses. His extensive professional journey is marked by partnerships and management roles across multiple forward-thinking ventures, transitioning seamlessly between the United States and the Middle East, particularly in his home country of Jordan.
Before taking on his current responsibilities at Maqsam, Fouad contributed his expertise to a range of notable organizations, including tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo!, where he spearheaded both technical and strategic consulting initiatives. With an impressive background in technology management, he has become a trusted advisor to top-tier telecom, software, and internet companies, proving his prowess in navigating complex business challenges.
Fouad's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early in his career, as he embarked on his first formal venture during his university years. In 2009, he returned to the MENA region driven by a desire to cultivate technology-related opportunities and enrich the online consumer experience. His journey saw him taking on the role of Director of Technology and Analytics at Open-Insights, a data strategy firm headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, where he honed his skills in extracting insights from vast data sets.
In a bid to make an impactful mark in the Arab world’s digital landscape, he co-founded d1g.com, one of the region’s most dynamic content sharing platforms, as the Chief Rascal. His responsibilities in this role included overseeing business and product development initiatives across MENA until 2013, during which time he transformed innovative concepts into tangible products that resonated with users.
Fouad's contributions further extended to playing a key role in establishing Jordan’s first technology accelerator and incubation program, Oasis 500, founded under the patronage of HM King Abdullah II. As the Chief Networks Officer, he was instrumental in building a robust network of mentors and angel investors, helping to launch investments into the inaugural 50 startups in the program.
With a keen eye for emerging trends, Fouad also managed the recommendation engine and data team at BlueKangaroo, a big data firm that provided social shopping solutions aimed at enhancing consumer shopping experiences. Recognizing the evolving landscape of e-commerce, he co-founded Alpha Apps Inc. in 2015, which focuses on developing technology and infrastructure to support online trade within emerging markets. Under his leadership, Alpha Apps Inc. achieved significant milestones, including winning 1st place at Startup Istanbul in 2016 and receiving accolades from Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon.
Fouad’s career has not only been about creating ventures but also about sharing his experiences and insights. His story was highlighted in “Startup Arabia,” a book written by Amir Hegazi in 2018, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the MENA region.
Education and Achievements
Fouad Jeryes holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Technology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he pursued a dual program in Computer Science and Business Administration. This foundation provided him with the technical acumen and business insights necessary to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of technology and commerce.
Additionally, he earned his secondary education at Al-Mashrek School, studying the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). This early grounding in diverse learning settings contributed to his holistic approach to problem-solving and strategic thinking.
Fouad's academic background, combined with his vast professional experience, positions him as a thought leader in the region's technology ecosystem. His journey is characterized by a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and mentorship, inspiring countless individuals and ventures within the tech community.
Notable Achievements
Fouad Jeryes's career has been punctuated by a number of notable achievements that reflect his contributions to the technology and business sectors:
- Co-Founding Maqsam: As a pioneering cloud communication suite for SMEs in the MENA region, Maqsam embodies Fouad's vision of creating accessible communication solutions tailored to local business needs.
- Leadership at Oasis 500: As Chief Networks Officer, he helped build a thriving ecosystem that supported the initial ventures of 50 startups, nurturing innovation in the regional technology landscape.
- Recognition by Industry Leaders: His co-founding of Alpha Apps Inc. led to several accolades, including recognition from Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos, highlighting his impact on e-commerce and technology development.
- Highlight in Startup Arabia: Fouad's journey and experiences have been curated as part of “Startup Arabia,” emphasizing his role in shaping the entrepreneurial narrative in the MENA region.
- Innovative Products: His direct involvement in the development of award-winning products at Alpha Apps demonstrates his ability to translate vision into reality, making significant strides in improving technology infrastructure within emerging markets.
Fouad Jeryes's career showcases a passionate dedication to technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, making him a leading figure in the MENA region's business landscape. His ongoing efforts to empower SMEs and enhance the tech ecosystem in Jordan and its neighboring countries continue to fuel economic growth and inspire future business leaders.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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