Leena Khalil is currently a Partner at Key Capital and was the co-founder of Mumzworld. In 2011, she co-founded Mumzworld.com, a leading platform dedicated to making parenting easier across the region. Following its strong growth, Mumzworld.com was fully acquired by the Saudi healthcare giant Tamer Group. Leena stepped down as CEO in 2024.

Before her role at Mumzworld, Leena worked in investment banking in London, where she successfully launched equity transactions for TMT clients across multiple geographies. She later transitioned to business process outsourcing, focusing on optimizing local government processes and customer service through the integration of technology into daily life.

Leena has been named one of the top female entrepreneurs by Forbes Middle East for four consecutive years, including the most recent Forbes 2023 list. Additionally, she was recognized as one of the most powerful retail leaders by Retail ME in 2023.

She serves on the board of APIC, a publicly listed company focused on driving investments to Palestine. Leena is also a member of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) Board of Advisors, a mentor at the Win Fellowship, and a judge supporting Eureka!, the Gulf region edition of Asia's Largest Business Model Competition.

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The Startups Arabia Podcast connects you to the most prominent founders, investors, and operators of the Arab region. You will be inspired by their success, the challenges they overcame and the opportunities they see.

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Leena’s LinkedIn account: @Leena Khalil

Key Capital’s Website: https://www.key.capital/

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SHOW NOTES:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:57 The Birth of Mumzworld

06:24 Challenges and Strategies in E-Commerce

11:33 Fundraising and Investment Insights

24:13 Acquisition by Tamer Group

32:16 Transition to Key Capital

39:45 Market Making Strategies

39:58 Challenges and Benefits of Secondaries Market

41:36 APIC: Arab Palestinian Investment Company

45:29 Benefitting Society through Business

47:27 Balancing Motherhood and Professional Life

50:24 E-commerce Trends and Investor Insights

53:55 The Importance of Co-founder Relationships

59:06 Mental Health in the Startup World

01:04:52 Reflections on Regional Ecosystem and Education

01:09:32 Quick Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts