Wasta is a tech startup that uses Artificial intelligence (AI) to curate a one-on-one introduction between founders, investors, and entrepreneurs that share the same goals, interests, and objectives.
Communication stats for 2021 show that 63% of people anticipate that they will rely on online communication networks more. Nearly 75% feel that it has helped them create meaningful connections. 40% of people say they network more online than in person. On average a business owner must hand out as many as 2000 business cards before they can see sales increase of 2.5%. Moreover, networking alone is responsible for filling as many as 85% of all jobs. 75% find solutions such as LinkedIn ‘impersonal’. A further 80% of professionals believe that they can elevate their career success through professional networking.
Wasta is a ‘super connector’ that helps share and explore mutual social and professional interests, whether it’s helping find a co-founder, fundraising, accessing resources, or finding talent. Wasta is truly building a network designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of what people need to move forward in their entrepreneurial journey.
Wasta helps founders, entrepreneurs and investors in the region build stronger connections through AI
CEO Shyam Visavadia explains: “In 2019, network events were cancelled, most businesses were adopting remote working and meetings became virtual. I was stuck indoors but yearned to continue growing my professional network. I often relied on platforms such as Clubhouse, LinkedIn, and Lunchclub to connect to others but found little relevance and lack of personalisation. This was where the Wasta story originated. We all must adapt to the Covid centric world we live in and continue engaging in new ways that transcend geographical borders”.
Wasta uses data powered by AI to create a meaningful match. Once a connection is accepted, the platform seamlessly facilitates a meeting by scheduling a time and sending an introductory email with a calendar invite. After the meeting, user feedback is generated through a survey to track user satisfaction and to facilitate the machine learning model.
40% of people say they network more online than in person
Wasta is a smarter, more dynamic alternative to in-person networking. It represents the future of how people will make new connections as well as nurture existing relationships within their network.
“We’re building a network that supports underserved communities such women entrepreneurs, solo founders and those polarised from major cities. Our matching algorithm is unique which gives way to our network moat, differentiation in terms of network curation, and consequently the impact on the quality of the community. Serendipity plays a part in matching, and this is what our users love, “ says CTO Lalita Chopra.
Salman Attieh, entrepreneur and investor commented: “The matches made on Wasta have been relevant and resulted in interesting conversation” while Humaira Khan, founder at Walzay said: “Wasta brings a curated network of professionals straight to my fingertips.”
Wasta uses data powered through AI to create a meaningful match
Ahmed Kamal, Tech Lead, AI platform at Careem notes: “Wasta is a brilliant way to connect to an amazing pool of like-minded people in our new remote-friendly world.”
The community is rapidly expanding with over five hundred verified members in just three months and hundreds of prospects on the waitlist.
Wasta currently operates across United Arab Emirates, Kingdom Saudi Arabia, and Egypt but has plans to expand across GCC, India, and Africa. Wasta will also look at launching a mobile app, onboard key hires, strengthening their corporate partnerships and commencing fundraising.