Built by a team of entrepreneurs, strategists and doers
Melissa Saoudy
Founder & Managing Director at
The Why
A founder and ecosystem architect helping governments, philanthropies, and mission-driven organizations build what comes next. She has established and managed start-up and social enterprise accelerators across MENA and Africa. She previously served as a Senior Manager at EY and holds a Master’s degree in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge.
Lameen Abdul-Malik
Senior Adviser to CEOs & Governments and a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
A Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and senior adviser with over two decades of experience across the UK Government, the United Nations, and the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute. His portfolio spans international development, public policy, and large-scale program management. He is the founder of 100 Ideas Cafe and CEO of Honest Management.
Sean Brooks
Founder & Managing Director at Tethered Up
A venture builder and innovation strategist with more than 10 years of experience supporting growth-stage ventures, research-driven technologies, and mission-driven organizations in Africa. He has helped over 20 ventures secure $24M+ and guided major humanitarian and development platforms. He previously served in senior roles with USAID and the U.S. Department of State in Somalia and Sudan.