Selina Bieber

As Egypt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to evolve, the country’s small business owners are increasingly recognizing the power of digital solutions to propel their ventures forward. According to the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, an overwhelming 96% of Egyptian small business owners said that they believe that artificial intelligence (AI) can have a positive impact on their businesses. Yet, despite this optimism, many entrepreneurs still struggle to establish a polished online presence due to a lack of technical expertise, time, or resources.

Survey Insights Reveal Key Barriers to Growth

These challenges are further underscored by additional insights from the survey, which highlight the primary barriers to business growth: difficulties in marketing online (56%), reliance on outdated traditional marketing methods (37%), and a shortage of expertise in website building or technology management (20%). While digital transformation is key to unlocking new opportunities, the path forward for many small businesses remains fraught with obstacles.

GoDaddy's Commitment to Simplifying Digital Journeys

At GoDaddy, we are committed to removing these barriers and simplifying the digital journey for entrepreneurs worldwide. Our latest innovation, GoDaddy Airo™, available in English language, is specifically designed to help small business owners build and manage their online presence with ease. This AI-powered experience provides entrepreneurs with the tools they need to both establish an online identity and to grow their business in a highly competitive digital marketplace.

Introducing GoDaddy Airo™: A Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs

GoDaddy Airo™ is not just another website builder—it’s a comprehensive AI-powered experience that streamlines the entire process of creating and enhancing a business’ online presence. Whether an entrepreneur is launching their first business or scaling an existing one, GoDaddy Airo™ offers an intuitive, user-friendly experience that enables anyone to build custom websites, design unique logos, and craft effective social media marketing strategies.

For those starting with just an idea, GoDaddy Airo™ offers seamless onboarding, suggesting domain names based on a simple description of the business from the entrepreneur. Upon choosing a domain name, it generates essential business assets, including logos and fully designed websites, complete with eye-catching visuals and engaging content tailored to attract customers. The experience also provides professional email accounts, with a paid subscription, that strengthens the credibility and prestige of the business.

As businesses grow, GoDaddy Airo™ continues to support their expansion with powerful marketing tools. It also creates comprehensive email marketing campaigns and optimizes social media calendars. 

Supporting Egypt’s SMEs with Tailored Digital Solutions

In Egypt, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in driving economic growth, providing tailored digital solutions is more important than ever. GoDaddy recognizes the unique challenges that local entrepreneurs face and is committed to empowering them with technology that simplifies digital transformation. By removing technical barriers and offering AI-powered tools that cater to their specific needs, GoDaddy Airo™ is helping Egypt’s small business owners benefit from new technologies and unlock new opportunities to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

In a landscape where an online presence is no longer optional but essential for success, GoDaddy Airo™ is revolutionizing the way Egyptian entrepreneurs engage with technology. By making AI accessible and easy to use, we’re not just offering products—we’re empowering Egypt’s entrepreneurs to realize their full potential and secure their place in the digital economy. 

Selina Bieber is the Vice President for International Markets at GoDaddy.

Capgemini unveiled today its “TechnoVision Top 5 Tech Trends to Watch in 2025”, focused on the technologies that are expected to reach an inflection point in the next year. The focus on AI and generative AI (Gen AI) is shared both by executives around the world as well as by the venture capital professionals that were interviewed in a global survey to be published at CES in January 2025. It is anticipated to also have a significant impact on other key technologies which are likely to reach a stage of maturity or breakthrough in 2025.

“Last year, Capgemini’s Top 5 Tech Trends predicted the emergence of smaller Gen AI language models and AI agents, both of which came to fruition. We also signaled the importance of Post-Quantum Cryptography, which was confirmed by the publication of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s standards last summer. And as anticipated, semiconductors have been at the center of attention in 2024 with significant evolution driven by the massive use of AI and generative AI, as well as shifts in market dynamics,” explains Pascal Brier, Chief Innovation Officer at Capgemini and Member of the Group Executive Committee. “In 2025, we see AI and Gen AI having a major impact on companies’ priorities and also on many adjacent technology domains, such as robotics, supply chains, or tomorrow’s energy mix.” 

Technologies to watch in 2025

1. Generative AI: From copilots to reasoning AI agents

Generative AI is now entering the dawn of a gentrification where AI systems are evolving from isolated tasks to specialized, interconnected agents. In fact, according to a Capgemini Research Institute survey of 1,500 top executives globally, which will be published in January 2025, 32% of them place AI agents as the top technology trend in data & AI for 2025.  Thanks to the increasing capabilities of logical reasoning in Gen AI models, these will start operating more autonomously while providing more reliable, evidence-based outputs, and will be able to manage tasks such as supply chains and predictive maintenance without constant human oversight. AI systems can handle dynamic decision-making in more sensitive environments where correctness is paramount. The next step will be the rise of a super agent, an orchestrator of multiple AI systems, optimizing their interactions. In 2025, these advancements will enable new AI ecosystems across industries, allowing new levels of efficiency and innovation.

Why it matters: With the maturation of AI models, transformer models and other Gen AI architectures have reached new levels of sophistication and accuracy, making multi-agent systems viable for real-world, complex, dynamic decision-making, even in unpredictable situations. This is set to unlock greater potential in industries that rely on quick, flexible responses to unexpected challenges, such as healthcare, law, and financial services.

1. Cybersecurity: New defenses, new threats

AI is transforming cybersecurity, enabling both more sophisticated Gen AI-enhanced cyberattacks and more advanced AI-driven defenses to the point where almost all organizations surveyed (97%) in the recently published Capgemini Research Institute’s report say they have encountered breaches or security issues related to the use of Gen AI in the past year. In recent years, with remote work, companies now face a larger attack surface and greater vulnerability to these threats. In fact, 44% of top execs in the upcoming Capgemini Research Institute report place the impacts of Gen AI in cyber as the top technology topic in cybersecurity for 2025. To mitigate these risks, there have been renewed investments and innovations in endpoint and network security, increased efforts to automate threat detection, especially using AI-driven threat intelligence, as well as an effort to prepare for the future by reinforcing encryption algorithms, in particular the growing interest into Post-Quantum Cryptography to protect against the next expected disruption: quantum-computing threats. This shift marks a broader transformation in how businesses approach security and build trust in their increasingly autonomous systems. 

Why it matters: In 2025, generative AI-powered cyberattacks will continue to be more sophisticated and widespread, increasing risks for organizations. In parallel, as AI plays a larger role in decision-making and operational control, ensuring that humans trust these systems will become crucial. But it's not just about being safe—it's about feeling safe. Cybersecurity must address both technical and psychological concerns, ensuring not only protection but confidence in the systems people rely on daily.

1. AI-driven robotics: Blurring the lines between humans and machines

Advancements in AI technology have accelerated the development of next-generation robots, building upon innovations in mechatronics and expanding beyond traditional industrial uses. While robotics used to be dominated by hard-coded, task-specific machines, the development of Gen AI is spurring the development of new products (including humanoid robots and collaborative robots - or cobots) that can adapt to diverse scenarios and learn continuously from their environment. According to the Capgemini Research Institute’s upcoming report, 24% of top executives and 43% of Venture Capitalists see AI-driven automation and robotics as one of the top 3 tech trends in data and AI in 2025. With robots becoming more autonomous and AI taking on complex decision-making roles, the future of work may see a shift in the traditional structure of authority. The rise of AI-powered machines that mimic human behaviors challenges our understanding of leadership, responsibility, and collaboration, ultimately pushing us to reconsider the role of humans.

Why it matters: As Industry 4.0 progresses, AI-powered robots will drive efficiency, flexibility, and innovation, becoming key components of intelligent, connected systems that redefine industrial processes. By 2025, advances in natural language processing and machine vision will further enhance their capabilities, allowing robots in manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture to take on more complex roles within the modern workforce.

1. Nuclear: The surge of AI driving the clean tech agenda

The energy industry is in the midst of a transformative shift, with the energy transition accelerating at an unprecedented pace. This change is fueled by mounting pressure to fight climate change and supported by rapid innovations across various sectors, from renewables and biofuels to low carbon Hydrogen and beyond. Nuclear energy stands out as a focal point for 2025: nuclear is re-emerging at the top of the business agenda, propelled by the urgent need for clean, dependable and controllable power that can support the rising energy demands of AI and other high-energy technologies. Although in September/October 2024,   very few top execs globally identified Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a top 3 Sustainability technology for 2025, SMR technology development is expected to accelerate by 2025, and other key innovation priorities include strides toward limitless, clean power with nuclear fusion, or Advanced Modular Reactors that differ from light water reactors in the use of new types of fuels and a higher temperature and for some of them the promise to reduce the production of nuclear waste. 

Why it matters: Driven by the massive energy demands of AI, major tech players are turning to nuclear energy to meet their growing computing needs. Large-scale investments are expected to further accelerate innovation in reactor technology and waste management, as the tech industry acknowledges that renewables alone cannot sustain its energy demands.

1. New generation supply chains: Agile, greener and AI-assisted 

In the last few years, businesses have had to navigate increasingly complex, unpredictable market conditions. Key technologies including AI, data, blockchain, IoT, and connectivity with Terrestrial Satellite Networks are now playing a strategic role in improving the cost efficiency, resilience, agility, circularity, and sustainability of supply chains. These technologies are allowing companies to enhance their predictive capacities and navigate an ever-changing ecosystem as they have now reached a sufficiently high level of maturity and therefore reliability. Meanwhile, progress in space techs such as low-earth orbit satellite constellations is particularly essential to increase coverage in white spots which is crucial for companies to be able to control their entire supply chains throughout the globe. In fact, according to the Capgemini Research Institute’s upcoming report, 37% of top executives see these new-generation supply chains powered by technologies as the top tech trend in industry and engineering in 2025. Additional regulatory and environmental constraints will make this shift all the more critical to ensure competitiveness, agility and resilience.

Why it matters: In 2025, global supply chains will keep facing environmental disruptions, regulatory pressures, and geopolitical tensions which will impact the flow of goods and raw materials. New regulations like the European Union’s Digital Product Passport will make it mandatory for companies to track and disclose the environmental footprint of their products, pushing them to adopt more sustainable practices. 

Beyond 2025 - technologies shaping the next 5 years:

1. Engineering biology: BioSolutions to today’s most pressing challenges

While the potential of engineering biology and its ability to transform manufacturing, develop drugs, and produce materials with novel properties has been widely discussed over the past years, this technology is yet to reach its scaling phase. According to the Capgemini Research Institute’s upcoming report, 41% of top executives believe that molecular assembly will reach maturity and become commercially viable by 2030. Meanwhile, 37% of them envision the same for Genomic Therapies. In the coming years, we can look forward to new innovations in this diverse field, such as personalized mRNA vaccines and GenAI for protein design.

1. Quantum computing: on the verge of the quantum leap

According to the upcoming Capgemini Research Institute survey, 55% of top executives and 44% of VCs expect quantum computing to be one of the top 3 technologies within the ‘Computing & Networking’ space which will create a major impact in 2025. 41% of top executives expect to be experimenting with quantum computing Proofs of Concepts with limited use cases, and 27% of the top executives surveyed expect the technology to be partially scaled in some parts of the organization in 2025. The key question is – when will the quantum leap happen, and who will master it?

1. Artificial General Intelligence: I think, therefore AI am? 

AI reasoning capabilities have made spectacular progress over the past 5 years, and some predict an era of artificial general intelligence (AGI). As such, 60% of top executives and 60% of VCs surveyed by the Capgemini Research Institute believe this technology will reach maturity and become commercially viable by 2030. Would this technology basically be able to mimic human intelligence to the point of making it irrelevant? This topic leads to exaggerated predictions, and some now question whether the intelligence potential of the technology is really unlimited.

Ghada Ismail 

Welcome back to the ‘Building Bridges: A Startup's Guide to Partnerships at Every Stage’ series. In the previous installment, we explored the foundational partnerships essential for startups in their pre-launch phase. Today, we dive into the seed stage, a pivotal moment in a startup's journey when the focus shifts to securing funding, building a market presence, and assembling a scalable team. Partnerships during this phase can either propel a startup toward its next big milestone or lead to missed opportunities.

The Seed Stage: A Crucial Growth Phase

At the seed stage, startups transition from idea validation to actual execution. This phase typically involves:

Securing initial capital.

Establishing a product-market fit.

Laying the groundwork for scalable operations.

For all these goals, partnerships play a central role. Whether through financial backing, strategic insights, or operational support, the right alliances can accelerate growth and de-risk early challenges.

Key Partnerships to Cultivate at the Seed Stage

Angel Investors

These early-stage backers bring more than just funding; they offer industry knowledge, mentorship, and valuable connections.

Why they matter: Angel investors often have vested interests in the startup’s success and can provide tailored guidance that goes beyond financial support.

Venture Capital (VC) Firms

While traditionally associated with later stages, some VCs specialize in seed funding. Partnering with such firms not only brings financial resources but also credibility.

Why they matter: Their expertise and networks open doors to new markets, advisors, and even future funding rounds.

Early Adopter Customers

Collaborating with initial users or clients who are passionate about your product can provide critical feedback and validate your market assumptions.

Why they matter: They help refine your offering, build case studies, and establish early revenue streams.

Talent Partners

Building a strong team is imperative at this stage. Recruitment agencies, universities, or even freelance platforms can be vital allies in identifying the right talent.

Why they matter: A capable team ensures smoother scaling and higher efficiency.

Service Providers

Specialized partners for marketing, product development, or legal services can help streamline operations without the need for full-time hires.

Why they matter: They provide expertise at a fraction of the cost, enabling startups to allocate resources effectively.

What to Look for in Seed-Stage Partners

Aligned Vision: Ensure your partners believe in your product and share your goals for growth.

Credibility: Reputation matters, especially when securing investors or service providers. Conduct due diligence to assess their track record.

Mutual Value: A good partnership is a two-way street. Look for collaborators who can benefit as much as you from the relationship.

Tips for Forming Effective Seed-Stage Partnerships

Leverage Networks: Use incubators, accelerators, and personal connections to identify potential partners.

Communicate Clearly: Define roles, expectations, and outcomes at the outset to avoid conflicts.

Measure Progress: Establish metrics to evaluate the success of the partnership periodically.

To wrap things up, the seed stage is where dreams begin to materialize. Strategic alliances during this phase can provide the momentum your startup needs to break into the market and scale efficiently.

In the next installment, we’ll explore partnerships critical for scaling up and managing rapid growth. Stay tuned for insights into navigating the challenges of expansion!

Kholoud Hussein 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is at the forefront of a technological revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role in transforming its financial services landscape. Guided by Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Data and AI (NSDAI), Saudi Arabia is harnessing the power of AI to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional customer experiences in the financial sector.

This blog marks the beginning of a series exploring the profound impact of AI on various dimensions of financial services in Saudi Arabia, delving into its applications, challenges, and future potential.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to AI in Finance

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has set ambitious goals to diversify its economy, reduce reliance on oil revenues, and build a thriving digital economy. Central to this transformation is the integration of AI and advanced technologies across industries, particularly in the financial sector. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) and other regulators are fostering an ecosystem where financial institutions can leverage AI to deliver smarter, faster, and more inclusive services.

The financial services industry in KSA is experiencing unprecedented growth, with AI being a key enabler in areas such as:

• Operational efficiency: Automating back-office processes to save time and costs.
• Customer personalization: Delivering tailored solutions based on predictive analytics.
• Fraud prevention: Detecting anomalies and preventing cyber threats in real-time.
• Risk management: Enhancing credit scoring, loan approvals, and portfolio management.

AI-Driven Transformation: Key Areas in Focus

1. Banking

Saudi banks are leveraging AI to reimagine customer experiences. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are now commonplace, providing 24/7 support and reducing customer service costs. Predictive analytics are also helping banks anticipate customer needs, offer personalized financial products, and improve satisfaction.

For example, some leading Saudi banks employ machine learning algorithms for dynamic risk assessments, ensuring accurate credit scoring and fraud detection, thus bolstering trust and security in digital banking.

2. Islamic Finance

Saudi Arabia, being the largest market for Islamic finance, is uniquely positioned to benefit from AI advancements while adhering to Sharia-compliant principles. AI is streamlining the creation and management of Islamic financial products, automating compliance checks, and facilitating Sukuk issuance. By combining ethical frameworks with advanced technology, AI is unlocking new opportunities in this growing sector.

3. Wealth Management

AI is democratizing wealth management in Saudi Arabia, making advisory services accessible to a broader audience. Robo-advisors are gaining traction, providing data-driven investment recommendations tailored to individual risk profiles. This is particularly beneficial for the Kingdom’s younger, tech-savvy population, which is driving demand for digital financial solutions.

The AI Advantage: Why It Matters for KSA’s Financial Sector

The adoption of AI offers several transformative benefits:

• Enhanced Efficiency: Automating routine processes frees up resources for higher-value tasks.
• Better Decision-Making: AI analyzes vast datasets to provide actionable insights, supporting more informed decisions.
• Stronger Security: Advanced AI systems detect and mitigate fraud and cybersecurity threats proactively.
• Customer-Centric Services: Personalization ensures that customers receive solutions tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the potential of AI in Saudi Arabia’s financial services is immense, the journey is not without challenges:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring AI systems align with KSA’s financial and ethical guidelines.
• Data Privacy: Protecting sensitive customer data while enabling AI-driven insights.
• Workforce Transition: Reskilling employees to work alongside AI technologies.

However, these challenges are being addressed through robust policy frameworks, investments in AI infrastructure, and collaborative efforts between public and private sectors.

A Glimpse Ahead

Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional leader in AI-driven financial innovation. As more institutions adopt AI, the financial ecosystem will continue to evolve, offering faster, more secure, and inclusive services to consumers and businesses alike.

Finally, AI is not just a technology; it is a transformative force reshaping the financial landscape of Saudi Arabia. With Vision 2030 as a guiding framework, the Kingdom is unlocking the full potential of AI to create a thriving, future-ready financial sector that serves as a model for the MENA region and beyond.

Stay tuned for the next blog in this series, where we dive deeper into AI’s role in banking innovation in Saudi Arabia.

Ghada Ismail

Starting a business is like planting a seed. The initial stages determine whether it will grow into a thriving tree or wither away. For startups, partnerships are the fertile soil that nourishes the idea, helping it germinate into something meaningful. In this series, we’ll explore how startups can make the right partnership decisions at every stage of their journey, from inception to maturity. In this first installment, let’s delve into the pre-launch phase and the strategic partnerships that can set the stage for success.

Laying the Foundation: Choosing Strategic Partners for Pre-Launch Success

Why Pre-Launch Partnerships Matter

Before a startup officially launches, it operates in a delicate stage where the focus is on refining the idea, building a prototype, and validating the concept. At this point, resources are scarce, and every decision carries significant weight. The right partnerships during this phase can provide the expertise, guidance, and resources a startup needs to move forward confidently.

Types of Strategic Partners for Pre-Launch Startups

Incubators and Accelerators

These organizations are often the first stop for pre-launch startups. Incubators provide long-term support, including workspace, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Accelerators, on the other hand, offer intensive short-term programs aimed at preparing startups for funding or market entry.

Why it matters: They connect startups with experienced mentors and potential investors while offering a structured approach to growth.

Mentors and Advisors

Individual mentors bring industry-specific expertise, a wealth of experience, and sometimes access to a wider network. Advisors often come on board with a vested interest in the startup’s success, offering insights into product development, market trends, and operational challenges.

Why it matters: They help avoid common pitfalls and guide strategic decision-making.

Co-Founders or Key Team Members

A strong founding team can be the most critical partnership of all. Whether it’s a technical co-founder, a marketing guru, or a financial strategist, finding the right person to share the startup’s vision is vital.

Why it matters: A complementary skill set within the founding team lays a solid groundwork for growth.

Early Adopters and Testers

While they may not be traditional partners, early adopters provide invaluable feedback that can shape your product before launch. Partnering with individuals or small groups willing to test your prototype ensures you’re building something the market truly needs.

Why it matters: Validates your product concept, reducing the risk of failure post-launch.

How to Choose the Right Partner

Define Your Needs: Start by identifying the gaps in your current capabilities. Do you lack technical expertise, market insights, or operational know-how?

Research Thoroughly: Evaluate potential partners’ track records, their alignment with your vision, and their ability to add tangible value.

Communicate Openly: Ensure clear communication about expectations, roles, and responsibilities from the outset.

Closing Thoughts

The pre-launch stage is all about setting the foundation for success, and partnerships play a critical role in this journey. Whether through incubators, mentors, or co-founders, the right alliances can transform your startup from a fledgling idea into a promising business.

In the next installment, we’ll explore how startups can build partnerships that fuel growth during the seed stage. Stay tuned!