Talabat CEO: "This Is One of the Fastest IPOs in History" | Tomaso Rodriguez

Talabat CEO Tomaso Rodriguez discusses his journey, the company’s rapid IPO success and the future of food delivery in the Middle East with Dania Alshowaikh. Discover the strategies and lessons behind building one of the region’s tech giants.
00:00 Introduction
01:05 Why did Tomaso choose the Middle East after Europe & Asia?
03:07 Was Tomaso scared of venturing into the Middle East market?
04:30 What were Tomaso’s big, early calls at Talabat?
06:34 Tomaso explains the run-up to Talabat’s mega IPO in 2024
08:59 How did Tomaso & his team make the Talabat IPO happen?
10:42 One thing that Tomaso & the Talabat team did right for the IPO
12:03 Is going public a feasible option for all companies?
13:11 What does untapped growth look like for Talabat?
15:51 Were groceries always the next thing on Talabat’s product map?
17:41 What does Tomaso feel about competition?
19:38 Do global players entering the market worry Talabat?
20:48 Tomaso explains Talabat’s approach to profitability
22:23 What should businesses dependent on advertising do in the first phase?
23:53 Tomaso explains Talabat’s 5-day work from office strategy
27:52 What are the challenges Tomaso expects for the next phase?
29:19 User cases of AI in Talabat’s operations
31:32 Tomaso on the future of deliveries
33:23 Tomaso recalls a moment of failure
35:53 Rapid Fire
36:39 What is next for Tomaso Rodriguez?
37:40 Is your brand becoming a part of your identity dangerous?

Dania Alshowaikh sits down with Tomaso Rodriguez, the CEO of Talabat, where he shares insights from his global experience with Uber and GrabFood, revealing why he chose the Middle East, how Talabat scaled amidst fierce competition, and the story behind their record-breaking IPO in 2024. From overcoming industry challenges to pioneering innovations in food and grocery delivery, Tomaso discusses leadership, customer obsession, and navigating rapid growth in dynamic markets.


Get an inside look at Talabat’s evolution—from a regional player to a tech powerhouse—balancing profitability, expansion into new verticals, and the critical role of office culture and AI. Hear candid reflections on failures, the realities of market disruption, and practical advice for founders about IPOs, competition, and building resilient teams. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or curious about tech in the Middle East, this episode offers much-needed inspiration and real-world lessons.

---

#moneymoves is a deep dive into the minds of the most successful and influential entrepreneurs in frontier markets, shaping the conversation around money and innovation.

Each week we bring you exclusive insights from the sharpest minds in business, tech and investing in high-potential markets. From crypto and AI to startups and global giants, Dania and her guests deliver the ideas and tools you need to seize opportunities and grow your wealth.

Subscribe to join the conversation that is shaping the future of emerging markets 👉    / @moniifybusiness  

---

Welcome to MONIIFY: the media brand for the next generation of ambitious dreamers, fearless thinkers, and unstoppable changemakers. Our purpose is simple: empowering you to gain knowledge, build wealth and achieve financial freedom on your terms.

We’re not just about reporting the news. We’re about helping you make the most of new opportunities, to navigate markets, to build businesses and make smart career choices. We will help you take control of your financial future – no matter where you are.

Join us for expert interviews, quick explainers, and masterclasses on the topics shaping the future of money and markets.

Subscribe to start building the life you want! 👉   / @moniifybusiness  

What is MONIIFY?

Your go-to space for business, tech, and finance updates in emerging markets. Stories, insights and everything you need to know about crypto, AI, DeFi, and more, delivered right to where you're already scrolling.

https://moniify.com

---

Discover More From MONIIFY

Dive Deep With Money Moves Interviews 👉    • Dive Deep With Money Moves Interviews  

Money Moves Season 1 👉    • Money Moves Season 1  

Money Moves Season 2 👉   • Money Moves Season 2  
---
Follow us on other social platforms:

Linkedin:   / moniify  

Instagram:   / moniify  

TikTok:   / moniify  

X: https://www.x.com/MoniifyBusiness

Facebook:   / moniify  

Moniify Website: https://www.moniify.com