Smashi Business Show Live with Foodics Founder Ahmad AlZaini from STEP Dubai 2026

·29 min·2 clips

Foodics founder Ahmad AlZaini reveals how Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 transformed his startup's journey from local to global.

The episode opens with hosts Abdulmajid Awan and Ahmed welcoming Ahmad AlZaini, CEO and co-founder of Foodics, at the STEP Dubai 2026 conference. AlZaini begins by contrasting entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia before and after Vision 2030, noting improved infrastructure and investor confidence. He states Foodics has raised $198 million, including from Sequoia India and PIF, reflecting the region's growing venture capital scene. AlZaini argues SaaS companies must integrate fintech or AI to survive, citing this as essential for Foodics' expansion. He reveals Foodics now generates over 40% of revenue internationally, with double-digit market share in surrounding countries like Egypt and Kuwait, achieved by replicating their Saudi playbook. When asked about talent, AlZaini says the challenge has shifted from finding skilled hires to locating employees adaptable to AI tools. He emphasizes internal AI agents for decision-making and product development as key priorities. The hosts inquire about Saudi Arabia's market opening to foreign investors and potential IPOs; AlZaini notes public markets could fuel growth and liquidity, with non-Saudis now able to invest freely. He advises against over-reliance on Western consultancies, suggesting entrepreneurs seek advice from local operators. For pitching, AlZaini recommends targeting large markets and copying existing solutions rather than innovating, using color changes as an example. He concludes by sharing his mission to make SMEs more sustainable and entrepreneurship more accessible in the F&B industry, expressing excitement for the region's future over the next decade.

As heard by us

A live Gulf startup discussion on AI agents, R&D, and the practical work of making entrepreneurship easier.

Foodix co-founder and CEO Ahmed Al-Zaini brings the Smashy Business Show at STEP Dubai 2026 into the operating reality behind Saudi Arabia's homegrown business momentum.

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You get a live founder's view of AI as a board-level operating decision, not just another headline in the feed.

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