OUR FOUNDER OF THE WEEK- Every Tuesday, Founder of the Week looks at how a successful member of Egypt’s startup community got their big break, asks about their experiences running a business, and gets their advice for budding entrepreneurs. Speaking to us this week is Mohamed El Zanaty (LinkedIn), co-founder and CEO of ZanatyFarm.

My name is Mohamed El Zanaty, and I’m the CEO of Zanaty Farm, which farms premium quality organic eggs and aspires to be one of the country’s top producers of eggs.I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering from AUC and have amassed over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas sector. I reached a juncture where I turned to my family and collectively agreed to embark on a new venture: The establishment of an egg farm. Leveraging my father’s existing involvement in providing engineering solutions for the poultry sector, we agreed to initiate our own agricultural enterprise.

We decided we want to be on the production side rather than pursuing sales or trading. Specifically focusing on egg production, we came to our decision with a thorough market analysis revealing a gap in the quality of egg farming. We then focused on the quality of eggs available to consumers, emphasizing factors such as the health and well-being of our hens. A key determinant of egg quality lies in the conditions under which they are produced — optimal environmental factors including lighting, temperature, and humidity, coupled with a nutritious diet free from illnesses or diseases.

Initially, my family was concerned about me taking this decision at this stage of my life.However, as the business flourished it became increasingly clear to everyone that this is the way forward. Our business is constantly evolving and expanding — we continually work on being resilient by prioritizing optimization and exploring diverse financing to navigate any hurdles coming our way.

As a startup founder I don’t feel lonely. My family — especially my sister, who’s also my partner — has been a constant source of support. She’s not just there for moral support; her knack for thinking outside the box and finding solutions to technical challenges has been incredibly helpful. And when I start to feel overwhelmed, she’s always there to help me regain focus. And then there’s the memory of my late father, whose words of encouragement and “we can do it” attitude that still inspires me every day.

The most gratifying aspect of my role is witnessing the positive feedback on the quality of our product. Our decision to establish our business in Beni Suef — the ancestral homeland of my family — was driven by our dream to demonstrate that world-class products can cater to even the most marginalized markets within Egypt, as well as nationwide. On the other hand, the most challenging aspect is when external factors that are beyond our control fall into our laps, such as inflation, that significantly impacts our operational costs.

It’s important to formulate a comprehensive long-term plan and vision for your business — one that sets you apart from competitors. At Zanaty Farm, we always emphasize on delivering sustainable quality. What is also equally crucial is consistently working on your network within the industry, particularly with individuals who have achieved success. The willingness of experts to help is remarkable, and the wealth of knowledge, shared experiences, and insights they offer can make a huge difference and help save you time, effort, and resources.

One startup that has continuously made significant strides in the market is Breadfast.They were the first app that addressed the need for convenient online grocery shopping, providing customers with the option to have groceries delivered to their doorstep within 20-30 minutes and eliminating the need to visit supermarkets. Having collaborated with Breadfast since 2019, I’ve witnessed their impressive growth over the past five years.

If I weren’t so busy with my business, I’d likely be diving into the manufacturing sector, particularly in sheet metal forming. It’s a perfect match for my background, since I specialized in materials and design. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of Egyptian products making a mark on the global stage.

My two cents on the startup scene: There are pros and cons —the biggest strength for startups in Egypt is that entrepreneurs start their businesses by using a “problem-solving” mindset — meaning trying to identify what is missing in the market or what needs to be improved or solved — which makes adapting to changes and issues inevitably faster. The biggest challenge is the competitive economic landscape, where prioritizing short-term financial stability becomes essential. This emphasis on immediate financing may (inadvertently) postpone the research and development within the startup ecosystem.

On a lighter note, I really value my downtime. I’m an avid football fan, with a penchant for analyzing Premier League coaches’ strategies. Observing how they mold and refine their teams throughout the season and adjusting tactics on the fly is truly inspiring. Outside of football, my wife and I love escaping to the beach whenever we can. Egypt’s abundance of beach spots means we’re spoiled for choice year-round. It's our go-to stress reliever and a fantastic way for me to recharge my batteries.

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