Tarek Seif El Nasr, head of venture growth at Falak Startups: Each week, My Morning Routine looks at how a successful member of the community starts their day — and then throws in a couple of random business questions just for fun. Speaking to us this week is Tarek Seif El Nasr (LinkedIn). Edited excerpts from our conversation:

My name is Tarek Seif El Nasr. I’m the head of venture growth at Falak Startups, where we focus on identifying promising early-stage startups, investing in them, and providing the support to help them scale and prosper. In my role, I act as an ambassador for our early-stage startups, striving to uncover the right partnerships and synergies that will foster their growth and progress. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being able to support entrepreneurs and see these brilliant ideas turn into thriving businesses.

My upbringing was unique. As a diplomat’s son, I was privileged to be exposed to a wide array of cultures. This fostered a mindset of diversity and inclusivity in me, making connecting with people one of my biggest passions.

Falak started from a genuine desire to make a difference in the startup ecosystem. Our mission at Falak began as part of a government initiative. Our journey started with an Egypt-wide bus tour to connect with entrepreneurs. This evolved into several rounds of investments and support programs, culminating in a vast portfolio of innovative solutions that enable access to essential services like finance, healthcare, and education.

Falak is striving to solve a critical issue many entrepreneurs and startups face: securing the right resources to thrive. This includes not only identifying the appropriate talent to drive innovation but also establishing efficient distribution channels for market penetration. We recognize that access to capital is often a bottleneck for many promising startups. Our solutions help startups and entrepreneurs focus on what they do best — creating value and disrupting markets.

We’re keen on partnerships with others who share our vision to provide resources and financial support for startups. One such example is our capacity-building program for VC investors in partnership with Strategy Tools and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. We’re planning more initiatives to guide investors in this emerging field.

I try to stay focused by working with entrepreneurs who truly inspire me. Their passion, resilience, and innovative thinking motivate me to stay engaged and committed to our shared goals. Seeing their dedication to turning ideas into successful businesses helps me maintain my focus even when challenges arise. It’s a constant reminder of why I do what I do.

The most exciting trend in our industry right now is the proliferation of AI. AI is no longer just a buzzword — it’s becoming a crucial part of how companies operate and grow, and it’s driving operational efficiency like never before. It’s also helping businesses to predict customer behavior, personalize experiences, and make more informed strategic decisions. We’re only just scratching the surface with AI.

I love getting an early start in the morning with a bit of physical activity. Nothing wakes me up quite like a good run and a bit of a workout. I play tennis in the morning whenever I can. I also love word games like crosswords and Wordle — they’re a fun challenge that gets me thinking and helps sharpen my focus. I also read Enterprise, which is my go-to source for keeping up-to-date on industry happenings.

There is no normal work day in the startup world. The best part about working in this environment is that every day is different. We’re meeting with and supporting startups, understanding their specific challenges, finding ways to assist them, and connecting them with potential investors.

At the end of each day, I make it a habit to unwind. I immerse myself in a new TV series, reading, or playing card games with friends. Time management plays a crucial role in achieving this balance — I list my priorities and try to avoid procrastination.

My favorite TV series is Succession, which I just finished. It’s quite the masterpiece in terms of storyline and character development, and it gives a fascinating look into the dynamics within a powerful, family-run corporation. I also enjoyed the movie Air, a gripping account of Nike’s journey to signing Michael Jordan and the creation of the now iconic Air Jordan brand. As someone whose favorite book is Shoe Dog — a memoir by Nike’s founder Phil Knight — Air was a thrilling visual complement that offered a behind-the-scenes look into the world of sports marketing and brand building.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received came from my father, a true embodiment of hard work. He told me not to leave anything to chance. These words deeply resonated with me, encouraging me to harness the power of preparation and proactive effort. Having this mindset truly sets you up for success.

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