Youssef Said

Let’s talk about the GOAT Youssef Said – this dude is the real deal. He’s part of the YC S22 batch, which already puts him in the big leagues, but what really sets him apart is what he’s built and why he did it.

So, Youssef is a co-founder of erad, a fintech startup that’s changing the game in the Middle East. They’re all about helping online businesses get the cash they need without giving up a piece of their soul – aka non-dilutive funding – and automating payments through payment processing. Basically, they’re making it super easy for e-commerce brands to scale without the usual bullshit of banks asking for collateral or dragging their feet. That’s a huge deal in the Middle East, where access to capital can be a nightmare.

But here’s the kicker – Youssef didn’t just jump into this from nowhere. Before erad, he and his team owned and sold an online biz, so they know what’s up on the ground. They’ve been in the trenches, dealing with the same capital problems their customers face now. Plus, they’ve got experience in banking, M&A, and building enterprise e-commerce programs across the Middle East. They’re not just tech guys – they understand the system inside out.

Youssef’s process shows he’s driven by real problems and a desire to fix them, not just chase fame or quick cash. He’s been through the grind, sold a business, and then jumped into the startup world to build solutions that actually matter. He’s the kind of founder who sees a problem and says, “No cap, I gotta fix this,” then goes all in.

His story is about hustle, deep understanding of local markets, and a no-nonsense approach to making finance better for online businesses. Being part of YC isn’t just a badge – it’s a nod that he’s got what it takes to scale something that’s actually useful. Youssef is the kind of guy who’s not afraid to jump into the deep end, understand the real problems, and build shit that changes the game.

In short, Youssef Said is a tech entrepreneur who’s crushing it because he’s been there, done that, and now he’s building the future of fintech in the Middle East. He’s not just talking – he’s making shit happen.