Entrepreneur Mai El Ghandour recently pitched her venture, Beit El Saad, on the popular TV show Shark Tank Egypt, seeking a significant investment to scale her unique business. Ghandour asked the ‘Sharks’ for EGP 6 million in exchange for a 25% equity stake in her company, which specializes in handmade lighting units that celebrate Egyptian heritage.
Blending Artistry with Business
Ghandour explained that her project is dedicated to designing and manufacturing handmade lighting units that merge traditional Egyptian art and heritage, with all products made entirely by local artisans. With 25 years of experience in the hotel supply industry and a history of executing major projects for prominent hotels, Ghandour pivoted to heritage and glass lighting design. She started from the ground up, learning the intricate details of chandelier, glass, and color craftsmanship, eventually identifying a significant opportunity in the local market that led to the founding of her company.
A Mission of Empowerment
Beyond its artistic and commercial goals, Beit El Saad operates with a strong social mission. Ghandour emphasized that a core objective is to empower women by training a group to manufacture the lighting units from their homes. This model not only provides flexible employment opportunities but also helps preserve and grow the country’s craft sector by integrating more women into the workforce.
Scaling for Future Growth
The requested EGP 6 million investment is earmarked for strategic expansion. Ghandour stated that the funds would be used to add two new production lines to the business. This expansion is critical for meeting the growing demand for her authentic, Egyptian-made products and would allow the company to scale its social impact by onboarding more female artisans. The pitch was featured on the latest season of Shark Tank Egypt, which has become a leading platform for innovators, facilitating over EGP 874 million in investments for startups across its successful previous seasons.
About Beit El Saad
Beit El Saad is an Egyptian company dedicated to designing and manufacturing artisanal lighting units. The brand focuses on reviving Egyptian heritage and art through handcrafted products made entirely by local artisans, with a core social mission of empowering women through training and home-based employment.
Source: Youm7
