We recently had the privilege of interviewing Hatim AL Abri and Almuhannad Albalushi, Co-Founders of ZabonEx, a data-driven machine learning platform for F&B goods to predict product distribution at the customer level.
Hatim AL Abri and Almuhannad Albalushi were motivated to create the startup company by their shared experiences in R&D, ICT, and telecommunications, particularly in the UAE and GCC region, and a mission to reduce food waste and improve distribution efficiency in the F&B sector. In this insightful interview, both the founders shared their interest in starting the company, and its challenges, and busted some common industry myths while sharing crucial tips for beginners in this field.
Interest and Company Founding
We started the interview by asking, “Could both of you share what sparked your interest in this field and led to the founding of your company? How do your backgrounds contribute to the vision of your business?”
They shared, “The interest in the field likely stemmed from our backgrounds in R&D, ICT, and telecommunications, particularly in the UAE. Our experiences in these sectors, dealing with innovative technologies and digital transformation, played a crucial role in shaping the vision for ZabonEx. We found the startup company to address food waste and inefficiencies in product distribution in the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry.”
Advent Of ZabonEx
We were curious to learn more about the advent of ZabonEx. So, we asked, “Tell us the story behind the inception of your company. What unique aspects of your business set it apart in the market, especially in terms of community impact?”
Hatim and Almuhannad replied, “ZabonEx was born out of the need to reduce food waste and improve distribution efficiency in the F&B sector. The unique aspect of ZabonEx lies in its use of a machine learning-powered prediction engine to optimize product distribution based on customer habits, contributing to sustainable practices in the industry.”
Clarifying Common Myths
Every industry has some common misconceptions that need to be addressed by a professional. So, we asked Hatim AL Abri and Almuhannad Albalushi, “What are some common misconceptions about your industry or your specific business solution? How do you address these and clarify the real value you bring to the community?”
They responded, “A possible misconception could be underestimating the impact of Machine Learning (ML) in the F&B sector. We address this by demonstrating how our machine learning platform can significantly reduce waste and enhance distribution efficiency, bringing tangible value to the community and industry.”
Adaptability Amidst Adversities
Reflect on the significant challenges you’ve faced in building your business. How did you overcome these obstacles, and what lessons have you learned that could benefit others in the industry?
Hatim and Almuhannad shared, “Integrating advanced technologies into our business model was a significant challenge. Overcoming these obstacles involved continuous learning, adaptation, and leveraging our background in telecommunications and ICT. Lessons learned include the importance of innovation, agility, and staying informed about emerging trends.”
Plans We Asked Hatim and ALmuhannad
To learn more about the professional goals of Hatim AL Abri and Almuhannad Albalushi we asked, “What are your professional aspirations and goals for the startup company? Discuss the strategic initiatives you’re implementing to achieve these objectives and enhance community value.”
“We aim to make ZabonEx a leader in eco-friendly sustainable practices in the F&B industry. Our strategic initiatives include continuous innovation in their ML platform, collaboration within the tech ecosystem, and a customer-centric approach to meet evolving market needs.” They replied.
Promoting Teamwork Culture
We further asked, “Collaboration is key to success. Can you elaborate on how you promote a culture of teamwork within your organization, and how this enhances the solutions you provide to the community?”
Hatim and Almuhannad responded, “Promoting a culture of teamwork at ZabonEx likely involves encouraging continuous learning, adaptation, and collaboration. This culture enhances the solutions provided by enabling diverse perspectives and skills to come together in pursuit of the startup’s goals.”
Envisioning The Future
We were intrigued to learn more about the perspective of Hatim AL Abri and Almuhannad Albalushi on the future of their respective field. So, we asked, “How do you envision the evolution of your industry or field over the next 5-10 years, particularly in terms of community impact? Are there any emerging trends or innovations you’re excited about?”
Hatim and Almuhannad shared, “Over the next 5-10 years, the industry is expected to increasingly integrate generative AI and blockchain technologies. We are quite excited about these trends, seeing them as opportunities to further enhance our platform and contribute to the community.”
Standout Offerings
We further asked, “Introduce the standout services or products your company offers. What unique value do they bring to the market and how do they benefit the community?”
They continued, “ZabonEx offers an ML-powered prediction engine for the F&B sector, unique in its ability to reduce waste and optimize products distribution. This service brings value to the market by enhancing efficiency and contributing to sustainability.”
Advice for Industry Newcomers
We concluded the interview by asking Hatim AL Abri and Almuhannad Albalushi, “For individuals starting in this industry, what advice would you offer based on your experience? What key lessons have shaped your approach to creating business solutions with community benefits?”
They replied, “Based on our experience, we would likely advise newcomers to focus on continuous learning, embrace innovation, and understand the impact of emerging technologies. Emphasize the importance of adapting to market changes and maintaining a customer-centric approach.”
“In conclusion, it is with great pride and honor that we announce ZabonEx’s recent accolade – being awarded the Middle East Startup Awards for the “Best Newcomer 2023” category. This prestigious recognition took place at the American University of Ras AL Khaimah, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and jury of this event for considering us for this esteemed award.”
Our journey to this point of excellence has been significantly shaped and supported by the intensive accelerator program at Omantel Innovation Labs. Their unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in our growth and success. We appreciate all the efforts and resources they have provided, which have been crucial in helping us reach this level of achievement.
This award is not just a testament to our hard work and dedication but also a reflection of the impact our solutions have in the Food and Beverage industry, particularly in terms of sustainability and efficiency. We remain committed to our mission of reducing food
waste and optimizing distribution with the power of machine learning, and we look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and excellence.” They concluded.
Follow Hatim AL Abri and Almuhannad Albalushi on LinkedIn.
Follow ZabonEx on LinkedIn and visit their website https://zabonex.com/
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