In this dynamic conversation about niche and super apps, moderated by Lamis Abualkheir, two distinct teams emerge. The Super Apps team, represented by Amr Mostafa and Madiha Sattar, explores the potential of broadening their service platforms, while the Niche Apps team, Mamoun Hmedan, Hamad AlTamimi, and Vilhelm Hedberg, emphasizes the value of specialization and the focus on solving specific problems within their respective domains.

Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/

Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily roundup of the top tech & business news https://subscribe.stepfeed.com/

_____________________

HIGHLIGHTS

(0:20) Exploring Niche vs. Super apps in the Middle East

(6:08) The journey from niche marketplaces to Super apps

(12:15) Integrating car-sharing into a Super app

(17:59) Super Apps in the Middle East landscape

(23:08) Crafting loyalty programs for travel meta search

(27:30) Super apps, user expectations, and competition

(31:55) Super App's objectives, economics, and engagement

(36:10) Generative AI's impact on industries and businesses

(41:09) Blueprint for a successful Super app with quality focus

_____________________

QUOTES

"The idea is that it reduces your customer acquisition cost. Rather than launching multiple apps for multiple services, you're bringing that same user and cross selling multiple other services."

"If you're out there, and you're building a company, be sure that you'll be able to motivate yourself, and you'll be able to have enough resilience that whatever happens in the market."

"If you're looking into becoming an entrepreneur, just constantly surround yourself with smart people."

"Building niche marketplaces and transforming into super apps is a significant trend in the Middle East."

"I think the challenge would be if we become beholden to a Super App, as though we lose our own identity within it. And I think that would be one of the concerns."

"So when times are rough, you can actually go to work every day and keep going and think of new solutions. Those are my two cents."

"I think the key tip, usually for any, anybody who thinks of a startup is basically think of the problem that you want to solve. Think of the consumer first, leave the money on the side, money will come."

"Integrating car-sharing service into a super app is a strategic move."

"Super apps, user expectations, and market competition are driving innovation."

"Super apps' objectives, economics, and engagement strategies are crucial for success."

"The Middle East is witnessing the rise of super apps and their impact on various industries."

"But always listening to the customer will help you grow. And we've seen it in many, many products."

_____________________

If you’re enjoying this podcast, please subscribe to Step Podcast and leave us a review!

Spotify → https://spoti.fi/3LIG8wj

Apple Podcasts → https://apple.co/3PxIXU5

Anghami → https://bit.ly/3lDKxG4