Karim Samra

Karim Samra is an accomplished entrepreneur and founder of Changelabs, an organization focused on empowering impact-centered entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.12

Background and Early Life: Born to Egyptian parents in Cairo, Samra grew up in Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States.3 He began his professional career working for large multinational companies like General Electric and Barclays.2

Professional Journey: As the CEO and Founder of Changelabs, Samra designs and runs innovative business learning programs and events across the Middle East and Africa.1 His mission is to help entrepreneurs use business as a sustainable force for change, focusing on:

• Fixing supply chains
• Lowering environmental footprints
• Nurturing economic potential
• Improving access to financial services1

Key Achievements:

• Advisor to the Hult Prize Foundation2
• Leads Changelabs, which has:
  • Accelerated 190+ startups
  • Completed over $11.4 million in investments
  • Executed 13+ programs across Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, and Lebanon1
  • Supports startups with 49% female founders or co-founders1

Samra is particularly passionate about developing fintech solutions that improve financial inclusion, especially in digitally connected but underbanked regions like Jordan and Palestine.1