‘If you don’t integrate AI, you’re out’: Shark Tank contestant talks future of startups
Dr Abdullah Al Shimmari, an entrepreneur and participant in TV shows like Bebaan and Shark Tank, shares insights into securing funding and the future of AI in business
12 March, 2024
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“If you don’t know AI, you are going to fail,” that’s the prediction made by serial entrepreneur and billionaire businessman Mark Cuban during a television interview recently. Cuban is also famous as the one of the judges on Shark Tank, the business reality television show in the US.
The trend espoused by the American businessman was on display in the UAE when the television show’s UAE franchisee featured and awarded funding to Emirati entrepreneur Dr Abdulla Al Shimmari, Senior director – Core42, co-founder, RestHero.io and founder and CEO, HCMS.ai.
Dr Shimmari, has appeared on not one but two TV shows, and successfully raised funds from ‘sharks’. He was awarded Dhs1.5m on Shark Tank UAE. Gulf Business caught up with him to know about his ventures, his experience pitching on TV, as well as technology trends that could shape the industry.
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Listen to the conversation on our podcast channel – Gulf Business on Spotify.
Excerpts:
Q. Dr. Abdullah, we’ve heard about your appearances on TV shows for startups. Could you share more about yourself and your ventures?
Absolutely. I’m the co-founder of REST Hero and a proud member of the National Expert Program. At REST Hero, we’re revolutionising commerce by enabling social media selling directly on platforms. We recognised the rising trend of social commerce and pivoted our focus to become a leading social media commerce enabler.
Q: How long has your venture been active, and what about its user base?
We’ve been active for about a year and a half, with over 150 merchants in the UAE. We plan to expand across the GCC soon.
Q: You’ve secured funding from TV shows like Bebaan and Shark Tank. How much funding have you received?
We secured Dhs750,000 from Bebaan in 2022 and Dhs1.5m from Shark Tank Dubai in December 2023.
Q: What prompted you to pitch your product on TV shows?
While I didn’t initially plan for it, the opportunity arose, providing valuable publicity for our venture.
Q: Any tips for entrepreneurs pitching on TV shows?
Always stay prepared for the unexpected, understand your market thoroughly, and exude confidence during negotiations.
Q: Were there specific judges you aimed to impress?
Yes, we strategically targeted judges aligned with our goals, based on their commitment to our growth plans.
Q: Do you have plans for deploying the funds you’ve secured?
We aim to enhance our AI-powered offerings, expand to new cities, and invest in strategic social media marketing.
Q: Between REST Hero and HCMS, do you have a favorite project?
Both are dear to my heart, and credit goes to the dedicated teams behind their success.
Q: What’s your prediction for AI’s role in businesses in 2024 and 2025?
Businesses without AI strategies will be left behind. AI is crucial for adapting to changing markets and driving growth.
You can also listen to this conversation by clicking on the link below:
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