Youssef Said (Erad): 10 Key Things You Must Know
Overview
Youssef Said is a prominent figure in the world of fintech, known as the co-founder and Chief Technology and Product Officer of Erad, a Saudi Arabia-based online fund management platform. Founded in 2022, Erad has rapidly become a significant player in offering non-dilutive funding solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the Middle East. The platform's innovative approach to fund management and financing makes Youssef Said an influential figure in the financial tech industry. Below, we outline ten key aspects of his career and contributions to the field.
1. Co-founder of Erad
- Youssef Said co-founded Erad alongside Faris Yaghmour and Salem Abu Hammour in 2022. Erad provides a unique solution for businesses seeking funding without the need to give up equity, offering flexible repayments tailored to each business' revenue flow.
2. Role in Erad's Tech Innovation
- As the Chief Technology and Product Officer, Youssef Said is responsible for overseeing the technological backbone of Erad. He ensures the platform’s seamless integration with various business tools like Shopify and Quickbooks, making fund management simpler and more efficient for clients.
3. Erad's Funding Milestones
- Under Said’s leadership, Erad has raised substantial funding, including a $16M seed round in April 2025, backed by prominent investors like Y Combinator, highlighting Youssef's credibility and vision in scaling the business.
4. Educational Background and Expertise
- Youssef has a strong technical background with over 15 years of experience in tech leadership. His expertise in developing scalable tech solutions has been pivotal in the operational success of Erad.
5. Target Market and Impact
- Erad targets SMEs in the Middle East, offering an alternative to traditional bank loans and equity investments. Youssef's work has significantly impacted the growth potential for these businesses by providing quicker, flexible funding options.
6. Promotion of Shariah-Compliant Funding
- A notable achievement under Youssef’s leadership is ensuring that all of Erad's financial products are Shariah-compliant, adhering to the principles of Tawaruq, thus expanding their market reach in Islamic finance.
7. Expansion Plans for Erad
- Youssef has been instrumental in planning Erad’s expansion beyond Saudi Arabia, particularly into other GCC countries. This expansion is part of broader efforts to support the digital and economic growth of the region’s SMB sector.
8. Competitor Analysis
- As a strategic thinker, Youssef keeps a close eye on Erad’s 180 competitors, aiming to stay ahead in innovation and customer service. Erad is currently ranked fourth among its competitors, highlighting the effectiveness of Youssef’s competitive strategies.
9. Early Career and Influences
- Youssef started his career focusing on tech development and product management, gaining experience that would later inform his approach to building and scaling Erad. His earlier work laid the groundwork for Erad’s customer-centric tech solutions.
10. Future Prospects and Vision
- Looking ahead, Youssef aims to further enhance Erad’s product offerings by incorporating advanced data models and AI-driven insights, reflecting his vision for integrating cutting-edge technology with financial services to drive SMB growth.
Conclusion
Youssef Said’s contributions to the fintech landscape via Erad have demonstrated his commitment to leveraging technology for economic development. His efforts have not only provided much-needed funding solutions for SMEs but have also fostered financial ingenuity in the Middle East. As Erad continues to grow and evolve, Youssef’s innovative vision and strategic leadership are expected to play a vital role in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead in the fintech sector.