Mohamed Abbas, an innovation and entrepreneurship adviser, urged startup founders to launch before reaching complete readiness, arguing that initiative, continuous learning and strong professional relationships are key to building sustainable businesses.
Speaking at the Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 in Cairo, Abbas drew on more than 20 years of experience, including founding and running his own business for about six years. He began his career as a geologist in 2005 and launched his business in 2007, when Egypt’s startup support ecosystem was less developed than it is today.
Abbas said funding and resources alone do not determine a venture’s success. Founders must also manage risk, respond to challenges and earn customer trust. He recalled sending an extra piece in a materials delivery to prepare for potential technical issues, helping preserve a commercial relationship for three additional years.
He identified three priorities for founders: take practical steps instead of waiting for ideal conditions, keep developing their knowledge, and build relationships rather than navigating entrepreneurship alone. Trust, he said, can create opportunities that resources cannot secure on their own.
Abbas added that his early experience now shapes his work supporting hundreds of founders, particularly those dealing with limited experience, resources or access to customers and partners. He said stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems require not only funding and technical support, but also collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Source: Fintech Gate
