Ismail CHAIB

Strategic technology executive with 17+ years of experience scaling high-growth startups and engineering organizations across EMEA, with a proven track record of leading complex tech initiatives from Seed to Series B+ and beyond. I am passionate about building and scaling high-performing tech teams, designing modular architectures, and leveraging the AI value chain, from data labeling and engineering to fine-tuning LLMs, deploying machine learning algorithms, and integrating autonomous AI agents to create transformative, real-world business value. At Yassir, Africa’s leading SuperApp with 12M+ users, I led the Product & Engineering department, growing the team from 40 to 300+ tech professionals across 30 countries in just three years. I built the company’s AI capabilities from the ground up, architecting and deploying end-to-end solutions spanning intelligent dispatching, dynamic pricing, fraud detection, route optimization, and personalized recommendations. These efforts drove exponential user growth, increased GMV and delivered a multimillion-dollar revenue uplift. As a three-time founder and seasoned operator, I have built transformative platforms in fintech, on demand services, telco, marketplaces, and, most recently, AI-native products. I've delivered digital solutions for global institutions such as HSBC, BNP Paribas, and the World Bank. I also contributed to advance data sharing regulations and frameworks in Europe (PSD2), the UK (Open Banking), Australia(CDR), and Emerging Markets(most notably in Colombia and Mexico) thus expanding financial inclusion for underserved populations. Outside of executive roles, I advise and invest in early-stage startups, write a monthly newsletter on technology and society, and remain deeply committed to social impact. I have co-founded several community initiatives and serve as an advisor to the UN Foundation’s +Socia