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Ansh Kadam
Founder & CEO at Bui... • 5m
From hosting workshops in art galleries in Beirut to building one of the biggest tech conferences in the Middle East. Ray Dargham’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and vision. Growing up in a small village in Lebanon, Ray moved to Beirut with his family and pursued an economics degree at the American University of Beirut. But he wasn’t just focused on academics, he used a small investment from his brother to launch a series of workshops designed to inspire young people to reach their full potential. Then in 2011, just five days after graduating, he made a bold move, relocating to Dubai with no safety net, and for a year, going all in on his vision with not so good living situation. That vision became Step, a media and events company focused on technology and entrepreneurship. He also launched Spiderfrog, a modern tech firm helping brands integrate new technology into their businesses. A year later, Step hosted its first-ever conference—with just 100 attendees. Fast forward to today: Step Conference is one of the biggest tech festivals in the Middle East, featuring 1,000+ startups, 30,000+ visitors, and hundreds of global investors. But Ray didn’t stop there. In 2015, he expanded into media, launching Yallafeed, which was acquired just four years later, and Stepfeed, a leading weekly newsletter. He also started Mate Conversations, a podcast featuring top startup founders. His impact didn’t go unnoticed. By 2018, Ray was named in Forbes 30 under 30, solidifying his place as a tech leader in the region. His story is a reminder that whether you’re building a startup or shaping an industry, bold moves and relentless execution make all the difference. For more insights on startups, business, and growth, subscribe to my newsletter, the link is in the comments.
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