20VC: The $3.1BN Meeting That Led to an Uber Acquisition, The Battle With Uber; How to Outcompete When You Have 10x Less Cash & The Marketing Campaigns That Led to Pakistan MDs Fleeing and Elon Musk Fanboying with Mudassir Sheikha, CEO @ Careem
This podcast episode delves into the founding story of Careem, dissects its innovative SMS-based booking system in the early days, explores the challenges and eventual success of the company, and discusses the hurdles faced during the acquisition process with Uber. It also reflects on the journey of Careem's founders, including their struggles with fund-raising and the challenges of maintaining frugality. The episode highlights the unique purpose and culture of Careem, emphasizing its impact on the region and the opportunities and challenges faced by the Careem Mafia. Additionally, it examines the challenges of balancing work and family life for high-achieving professionals and explores the broader startup landscape in the Middle East and North Africa region.