The Rise of StarzPlay | How Maaz Sheikh Built MENA’s Streaming Giant | Startup Spotlights

In this episode of the Startup Spotlights Podcast Series by Lucidity Insights, we sit down with Maaz Sheikh, Co-Founder and CEO of StarzPlay, to discuss the rise of one of MENA’s leading streaming platforms. Often called the "Netflix of the region," StarzPlay has grown into a dominant video-on-demand service across the Middle East and Africa.

Maaz shares his journey from startup ideation to raising millions in funding, the importance of localization, and how StarzPlay has navigated the highly competitive streaming industry. Learn about their strategic partnerships with mobile operators, their focus on Turkish and Arabic content, and the key decisions that set them apart: https://lucidityinsights.com/startups...

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Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:32 - StarzPlay: Netflix of the Region?
00:01:53 - Importance of localization in content and payment
00:13:48 - StarzPlay Initial funding and business model
00:22:46 - Advice for early-stage Founders looking to pitch their Startups
00:28:35 - Raising 40 millions before launch without VC
00:33:00 - Adding Lionsgate to the cap table as shareholder
00:39:29 - Investment from GE Pension Fund
00:47:09 - Challenges in meeting the early stage targets
00:50:46 - Hacks learned from StarzPlay’s experience to drive subscribers
00:51:48 - Partnering with mobile operators for game-changing payments
00:55:40 - Securing $420 million exit from Etisalat (e&)
00:59:38 - What Maaz learned on leadership and personal growth