Introducing a dynamic leader Idriss Al Rifai , who has transitioned from the basketball courts of Paris and the battlefields of the French Special Forces to the boardrooms of global finance. With a career marked by strategic thinking, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, our interviewee’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning. From advising the French Minister of Defense to earning an MBA from the University of Chicago—Booth, and now leading Flow48 as CEO, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, shaping the future of alternative financing for SMEs in emerging markets. Let’s dive into the story behind this extraordinary career and the vision driving his success.
1- Idriss Al Rifai , Can you share the story of how you started your professional career, including any significant influences or turning points?
I began my career as a professional basketball player in Paris, which taught me the importance of teamwork and discipline. Following that, I served in the French Special Forces on the personal advisory team to the French Minister of Defense, assisting in conflict resolution and strategic operations around the world. This experience sharpened my way of thinking and ability to perform under pressure. The decision to pursue an MBA at the University of Chicago
—Booth— was another significant turning point, providing me with the business acumen and network to then venture into entrepreneurship.
2- What are the most important duties you perform in your current job, and how do they contribute to your overall goals?
As the CEO of Flow48 I spend my time setting the strategic direction of the company, fostering relationships with key partners (B2B2B), and ensuring the alignment of our team with our mission. These involve ensuring that our technology and financial solutions meet the evolving needs of SMEs, and by focusing on each one of them, we aim to fill the capital availability gap for SMEs in emerging markets.
Fundamentally speaking, these pillars are the most important as they directly contribute to our goal of becoming the primary alternative financing partner for SMEs.
3- What future developments or innovations are you looking forward to in your industry, and how do you plan to leverage them?
We are looking to expand our product offerings, with a keen focus on the intersection of decentralized finance (DeFi) and real-time data analytics. The ability to analyze and act upon data instantly can revolutionize the current way this market operates, providing broader access to finance and enhancing the decision-making processes.
We at Flow48, are planning to leverage these technologies to offer more efficient financing products at a lower cost, thereby supporting the growth of SMEs and creating more tailored solutions to many of these companies.
4- How do you tackle difficult challenges in your career, and what keeps you motivated during tough times?
Challenges are an inevitable part of life and play an important role in building character. I approach difficulties with resilience and a mindset of continuous learning. Every challenge is an opportunity to refine our strategies and improve. What keeps me motivated is the significant impact we can have on SMEs in achieving their goals. Seeing these businesses thrive and knowing that our support plays a role in their success is incredibly rewarding and fuels my drive to overcome obstacles and push forward.
5- What is the most memorable achievement in your career so far, and what did it teach you?
Probably the thing I am the most proud of is to have been able to grow fetchr from a powerpoint idea to a 5,000 people strong organization, across 6 countries and becoming industry leader in a field that needed some innovation. The journey was a tough one but looking back at it, the opportunity to actually disrupt a market, was a very exciting one.
The experience also underscored the importance of having a cohesive and motivated team, capable of navigating rapid growth and market fluctuations. It reinforced my belief that adaptability is pivotal in driving a company towards significant milestones.
6- Idriss Al Rifai, what advice would you offer to newcomers in your industry, particularly those who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
Same as ever: embrace the journey of entrepreneurship with a balance of risk-taking and disciplined execution. Focus on building a strong team and stay committed to your core values. Continuous learning and adaptability are also key, as the business landscape is always changing. But most importantly, remain passionate about your mission and be prepared to navigate through challenges with determination. One of the things that I have also learned is really having teh ability to enjoy the journey rather than the end point: I was always focused on the end point and missed some opportunities to celebrate, enjoy, being proud of what is being achieved: it should never be the case.
7- How do you see AI and new technologies influencing the future of your field, and what role will they play in your organization’s strategy?
AI and new technologies are set to revolutionize not only fintech, but any other industry there is. At Flow48, we are harnessing AI to enhance our underwriting processes, improve risk assessment, and offer personalized financial solutions to our clients. Being able to integrate advanced analytics and machine learning will enable us to provide more accurate and timely financing, and ultimately, make us more agile to scale our operations.
8- What are your aspirations for the future in both your career and your business, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Looking ahead, I aspire to establish Flow48 as the leading alternative financing partner for SMEs in emerging markets. Personally, I aim to continue supporting the growth of the fintech ecosystem by bringing more financial inclusion with the help of technology. We plan to achieve these by expanding our market presence, continuously improving our product offerings, and maintaining a customer-centric approach that addresses the unique needs of SMEs.
This journey is about creating lasting value and making a meaningful impact on the financial landscape of the regions we serve.
As we conclude this insightful conversation, it’s clear that the journey of our interviewee is defined by a relentless pursuit of growth, innovation, and impact. From the courts to the boardroom, his experiences have shaped a leader who not only drives change but also inspires it in others. As he continues to expand the reach of Flow48 and support the growth of SMEs, his vision for the future remains focused on making a meaningful difference. The combination of strategic foresight, a passion for technology, and a deep commitment to financial inclusion sets the stage for what promises to be a remarkable chapter in the world of alternative financing.
