Interview: Founder Magazine x Thamir Benelbar
Q1. Thamir, can you tell us about your journey into the startup ecosystem and what inspired you to become a founder?
A: My entrepreneurial journey started with a desire to create opportunities for Algerian youth in tech. I realized there was a huge gap in digital skills and access to innovation platforms, so I wanted to bridge that gap through education and startups that empower the next generation.
A: We focus on providing digital learning, mentorship, and platforms that allow young people to launch their ideas into real businesses. Unlike traditional models, we combine training with incubation and exposure to international networks.
Q3. What challenges have you faced building a startup in Algeria, and how did you overcome them?
A: Access to funding and the complexity of regulations are two big challenges. We’ve worked around them by building strong community support, collaborating with government-backed initiatives, and showing clear impact metrics that attract partners.
Q4. How do you see the Algerian startup ecosystem evolving over the next five years?
A: I believe Algeria is at the tipping point. We’re seeing more young people wanting to create, not just consume technology. In the next five years, I expect a surge in EdTech, FinTech, and GreenTech startups solving local problems with global scalability.
A: We’ve trained thousands of young people, helped many launch their startups, and built bridges with investors and accelerators across Africa and the Middle East. It’s rewarding to see real businesses and jobs emerge from our programs.
Q6. What advice would you give to aspiring founders in Algeria and across Africa?
A: Start with a problem you deeply care about, surround yourself with people smarter than you, and don’t be afraid of failure. In ecosystems like ours, persistence is the real superpower.