Coming of Age

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Coming of Age : How Technology and Entrepreneurship Are Changing the Face of MENA

The coming-of-age stories of emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems outside of the US and Europe, like China, India and Brazil, are well documented. However, whilst having the largest young digital population on the planet, the rise of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has taken place largely unnoticed.

With a Foreword by Reid Hoffman, Coming of Age is the story of the region’s entrepreneurial growth in the last 25 years that spans industries as diverse as fintech, healthtech and agritech all of which have emerged out of the desert since the new millennium to produce global-leading transformative ventures, and leapfrogging technologies.

Featuring interviews with 35 founders from the region, Coming of Age charts the MENA region’s remarkable entrepreneurial journey to the point where it is set to challenge the global order and fully realize its potential to provide for the youngest population in the world.

"A masterful exploration of resilience, innovation, and transformation within the MENA region." – Deepak Chopra, NY Times Bestselling Author, TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People

"Highlights MENA’s entrepreneurial surge, revealing key investment opportunities in the region’s high-growth markets and transformative economic landscape." – Bill Ford, Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic

"A captivating journey through the entrepreneurial landscape of MENA, showcasing the region’s economic progress and potential as a hub of innovation and growth." – Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder of LinkedIn and Inflection AI, General Partner at Greylock, Author of Blitzscaling, The Startup of You, and Masters of Scale

"A must-read for anyone wanting a concise, definitive guide to MENA’s digital entrepreneurial ecosystem and its opportunities." – Tony Fadell, iPod Inventor, Nest Founder, and Principal at Build Collective

"An essential exploration of how MENA’s cultural identity and entrepreneurial ambition create a transformative narrative. Throughout, Noor captures moments of resilience and brilliance. Inspiring." – Hala Gorani, Award-Winning International Journalist, Anchor at CNN’s Inside the Middle East, Author of But You Don’t Look Arab

"Noor Sweid encapsulates the history, challenges and future of innovation in the MENA region in this one important read. Coming of Age chronicles the powerful diversity of the region that has given rise to a new set of tech-forward entrepreneurs and their multi-billion-dollar ideas” – Maha Ibrahim, General Partner at Canaan

"Well below the traditional headlines, there has been an unleashing of technological innovation and successful startups building a new Middle East. Few have been more dedicated and courageous on the journey - having lived it all and helped build it. Noor’s book is a mind blow at each page, and a play book for anyone interested in opportunity" – Christopher M. Schroeder, Author of the best-selling Startup Rising: The Entrepreneurial Revolution Remaking the Middle East

"Coming of Age captures the transformative impact of MENA's entrepreneurial rise on the region's economic landscape—an essential read for understanding high-growth emerging markets" - Anne Glover, CEO and Co-Founder of Amadeus Capital Partners

"An incredible revelation of how MENA’s pioneering founders transformed infrastructural challenges into a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, overcoming barriers with ingenuity and resilience" – Brent Hoberman, Chairman and Co-Founder, Founders Forum Group, Founders Factory, firstminute capital

"A compelling narrative that showcases MENA’s entrepreneurial spirit and dynamic investment landscape, highlighting its emergence as a resilient and innovative economic powerhouse" – Hermann Hauser, Co-Founder and Venture Partner at Amadeus Capital Partners

"Noor Sweid provides a powerful testament to daring entrepreneurs who saw opportunities where others saw barriers—demonstrating the power of vision and relentless pursuit" – Randy Komisar, Bestselling Author and General Partner at Kleiner Perkins

"A powerful reflection of MENA’s entrepreneurs turning cultural heritage into global brands—navigating challenges with vision and transforming ambition into successful ventures" – Mona Kattan, Founder & CEO of Kayali, Co-Founder of Huda Beauty & HB Investments

"Coming of Age provides a fresh look at MENA's rise on the global stage, highlighting the resilience, creativity, and forward-thinking of a new generation of founders" – Steve Drobny, Founder and CEO of ClocktowerGroup

"Revealing how MENA's innovators disrupt and redefine traditional sectors, this book captures a powerful wave of transformation shaping global markets” – Tim Draper, Founder, Draper Associates

"This book is more than a chronicle of MENA’s entrepreneurial journey; it’s a testament to the determination, ingenuity, and transformative potential of a region rapidly on the rise” – Steve Ciesinski, Faculty Lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business

“Noor has been a critical player in the development of the entrepreneurial and venture ecosystem in the MENA region since its very early beginnings. This book gives you a deep understanding of one of the world’s most active and exciting tech ecosystems. If you want to be part of this revolution and feel the energy of the region, this book is a must-read” – Luisa Alemany, Faculty and Academic Director, Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital, London Business School

"Coming of Age brilliantly captures how innovation in MENA is reshaping traditional industries. It’s a testament to the region’s ability to adapt, innovate, and lead on a global scale" – Henadi Al Saleh, Chairperson of Agility

"A start-up tale like no other. Sweid’s compelling chronicle of ambition, perseverance and transformation does justice to MENA’s incredible rise” – Sophie Schmidt, Founder & Publisher of Rest of World

"Capturing MENA’s entrepreneurial surge, this book demonstrates how the region's bold vision and innovative spirit are driving global economic influence" – David Fialkow, Co-Founder and Managing Director of General Catalyst

"A vivid portrayal of MENA's evolving innovation ecosystem propelled forward by the 'Rising Falcons', illustrating how visionary and strategic leadership, regional peace and prosperity, and courageous and ambitious entrepreneurs are fostering technological creativity, innovation, and progress for the betterment of society at large, while accommodating its history, culture, and language" – Dr. Samer Haj-Yehia, Former Executive Chairman of Bank Leumi

"This book is the LonelyPlanet guide to the MENA economy and the remarkable opportunities in the region, offering a fresh perspective on how MENA's innovators are driving economic growth and addressing critical needs in the region" – GV Ravishankar, Managing Director of Peak XV

“Noor Sweid is telling a unique story about the Arab world, one that you will rarely find in other sources. A story of entrepreneurs, builders, and change makers, a must read” – Fadi Ghandour, Executive Chairman of Wamda Group and Founder of Aramex

“We are living in a time where the MENA tech scene is intriguingly on the rise with an abundance of opportunities yet to be unlocked whether you are a founder of an investor or an ecosystem builder you should read this book to learn more. As the landscape emerges, the winners will be among the ones that dare to come early and be part of the scene. Nour has been one of the early advocates in this region for technology and investment and she is a perfect fit to narrate the journey of the MENA region with both her global and regional experience. This book really brings it all to you" – Amal Dokhan, Managing Partner at 500 Global

“Captures the essence of what makes the MENA region unique – its resilience, creativity and ambition. It’s an inspiring account of how local founders are leapfrogging traditional barriers to create solutions with global impact.” - Abdallah Yafi, Founding Partner at BY Venture Partners

“This book articulates what many of us already believe – that MENA is at the forefront of a global shift in entrepreneurship and technology.” - Ghaith Yafi, Founding Partner at BY Venture Partners

“This book will rewire your assumptions about the entrepreneurial attractiveness of MENA and inspire the next generation.” - Mamoon Hamid, Venture Capitalist and Partner at Kleiner Perkins