Bassel Deraz Email & Phone Number

- Leading the StartMashreq program, the largest entrepreneurship initiative in the Levant, focusing on Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq, overseeing a six-figure budget and supporting around 250 startups through tailored acceleration initiatives.- Facilitated strategic partnerships with esteemed institutions such as IFC, Organon, and GIZ to secure funding opportunities and mentorship for startups, delivering 10 impactful accelerator and incubator programs.- Spearheaded the first FemTech-focused accelerator in the Middle East in partnership with Organon and currently leading its second iteration, expanding the focus to 8 countries in the MENAT region.

- Developed tailored support programs, spearheaded scouting, and selected top-tier trainers for six accelerator programs, including ESLSCA, StartEgypt, and Themar.- Orchestrated six impactful accelerator and incubator programs, evaluated over 300 startups, and ensured compliance with partner agreements.- Organized six successful demo days, and delivered keynotes, including a high-profile presentation at StartEgypt's Forum attended by King Charles III.

Washington Dc-Baltimore Area

- Participated in a 6-week Professional Fellows Program (PFP) funded by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., gaining hands-on experience and enhancing leadership and professional skills while building a broad network with U.S. counterparts and fellows from Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Morocco.- Engaged in a three-day Professional Fellows Congress in Washington, D.C., focusing on promoting mutual understanding and sustainable partnerships through collaborative projects and professional development, followed by in-country follow-on projects and alumni engagement opportunities, contributing to economic empowerment and opportunities for women, youth, minorities, and marginalized populations.

Washington Dc-Baltimore Area

- Gained hands-on experience and professional development through my fellowship placement at SHRM Labs by enhancing initiatives like The WorkplaceTech Accelerator and developing a risk analysis framework for post-investment startups, leveraging cross-cultural insights to support the Better Workplaces Challenge Cup and expanding SHRM Labs' MENA exposure.

Egypt

- Spearheaded the transition to a Marketplace model by onboarding and collaborating with over 50 small and medium brands, boosting product variety and sales channels.- Cultivated strong investor relationships, leading to the successful completion of a pre-series A investment round, supporting Opio’s financial growth trajectory.- Negotiated and closed outsourcing deals with multiple manufacturers, significantly enhancing Opio’s manufacturing efficiency and capabilities.

- Implemented a robust warehouse management system, optimizing inventory control and operational workflows.- Established two strategically positioned warehouses, supporting Opio's expansion and ensuring efficient storage and distribution.- Streamlined the order preparation and fulfillment process, enhancing accuracy and speed, leading to improved customer satisfaction.

- Managed relationships with logistical partners, ensuring seamless and efficient delivery operations.- Reviewed and analyzed daily and monthly sales reports, providing insights to drive performanceimprovements.- Implemented inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels and reduce operational costs.

Cairo Governorate, Egypt

- Designed and managed events and content for the 13th and 14th cycles of the Cairo Seed Program,coordinating training sessions and workshops, and expanding the mentorship network.- Scouted and selected new startups, recorded their progress, and provided business planning guidance, enhancing the accelerator program’s impact.- Maintained relationships with strategic partners and offered feedback on pitch decks and scripts, ensuring startups were well-prepared for investor presentations.