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Rahaf Al lymoni
Financial times young talent2021 / Founder FirstDate Daffee (Date seed coffee) - Syrian refugee - Female entrepreneur - Heineken award winner - Erasmus Mundus Master scholarship -
Rahaf Lymoni is a Syrian refugee turned entrepreneur based in the Netherlands. Despite facing challenges such as moving between refugee camps, she successfully defended her master's thesis. Her love story, which began online due to war and visa issues, culminated in a physical meeting at a camp's gate after three years. Even her honeymoon took place in a refugee camp. In 2020, after spending two years in camps, Rahaf embarked on launching her startup, Daffee, focusing on sustainable innovation by producing a unique beverage from date seeds. Her commitment to sustainability and creating a better future has garnered her recognition, including winning three prizes for her product, called FirstDate.
Rahaf's entrepreneurial journey has seen her secure partnerships with renowned companies like Heineken and Dla piper, as well as receiving funding from the Forwadrincubator program. Despite the hardships, including her father's passing due to COVID-19, Rahaf's resilience and determination led her to establish Daffee.nl in August 2020. Throughout her journey, she has been featured in various local and international media outlets, such as BBC, Libelle magazine, and FD Newspaper. Rahaf has also had the opportunity to collaborate with prestigious organizations like Mckinsey, Coca-Cola, and Philips, further highlighting her impact and dedication to her business.
With a solid educational background that includes a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management and a Master's degree in Economic Development and Innovation, Rahaf is well-equipped to lead her entrepreneurial ventures. Her professional experience spans across roles in organizations like Forward Incubator, Villa Beukenhof, and the Danish Refugee Council, where she showcased her skills in entrepreneurship, social work, and procurement. Previously, Rahaf has also worked in customer service at Syriatel Mobile Telecom, indicating her diverse skill set and adaptability.