
Akeed Azmi
Co-Founder of Cercli (YC S23), ex-Careem & Kitopi leader
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Summary
Akeed Azmi is an experienced co-founder and leader in the MENA tech startup scene, currently at the helm of Cercli (YC S23), an AI-powered HR platform. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by his ability to identify critical business problems, evidenced by his prior experiences at Careem and Kitopi where he recognized the need for streamlined payroll and workforce management solutions. ycombinator+4
With a strong background in operations and growth, Akeed has held senior roles at prominent MENA tech unicorns. His tenure at Careem included leading operations and managing delivery and corporate programs, while at Kitopi he was instrumental in global growth and strategic operations. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of scaling businesses in the region and the operational challenges they face. youtube+1
Akeed is skilled in building strong relationships and leveraging networks, which has been crucial in securing funding and early customers for Cercli. His customer-first mindset and focus on solving real-world pain points, particularly in payroll and HR compliance, are central to Cercli's product development and rapid growth in the MENA region. youtube+2
His academic foundation includes a BEng and MSc in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the University of Nottingham, complemented by a Credential of Readiness from Harvard Business School Online and a CFA Level 2 pass. This diverse educational background, spanning engineering, business, and finance, underpins his strategic approach to technology and entrepreneurship. zoominfo