Karim Dakki
Co-Founder and CEO @ KLAIM.ai (Techstars)
United Arab Emirates
Professional Overview
Karim Dakki is an experienced entrepreneur, finance professional, and startup advisor with a strong track record of driving growth and innovation in the technology sector. As the Co-Founder and CEO of KLAIM.ai, a Techstars-backed startup, he leverages his expertise in finance, operations, and startup management to build transformative solutions for the regional market.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Co-Founder and CEO of KLAIM.ai, Karim is responsible for leading the strategic vision, operational execution, and overall growth of the technology startup. Under his leadership, KLAIM.ai has secured funding from prestigious accelerator programs like Techstars and has gained traction in the United Arab Emirates market. Karim's deep understanding of the regional startup ecosystem and his ability to navigate complex business challenges have been instrumental in positioning KLAIM.ai as a leading player in its industry.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Karim held several leadership positions in the startup and finance sectors. He served as the Chief Finance and Operating Officer at ProTenders and HAYVN Global, where he was responsible for driving financial strategy, operational efficiency, and business growth. Karim also gained valuable experience as a Startup Mentor at Sheraa - Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center, where he provided strategic guidance and mentorship to early-stage entrepreneurs.
Earlier in his career, Karim held roles at Alcazar Capital, a private equity firm, where he rose through the ranks from Associate to Vice President and Principal, overseeing finance and investment strategies for the firm and its portfolio companies. He also co-founded Bluewave Broadband, a telecommunications startup, and Irrawaddy Green Towers, a renewable energy venture.
Academic Background
Karim holds an MBA in General Management and Finance from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, as well as an additional MBA in Finance, M&A, and Strategy Entrepreneurship from the London Business School. He also has a Master's degree in Computer Science from Isep - École d'ingénieurs du numérique and a Preparatory School diploma in Physics from Janson de Sailly (Paris, France).
Areas of Expertise
- Startup management and growth strategy
- Financial planning, analysis, and capital raising
- Operational excellence and business optimization
- Mentorship and advisory services for early-stage ventures
- Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships
- Leveraging technology to drive business transformation
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Karim has demonstrated a strong ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities, build high-performing teams, and drive sustainable growth for both startups and established organizations. His leadership, financial acumen, and entrepreneurial mindset have been instrumental in the success of the ventures he has been involved with, including KLAIM.ai, ProTenders, and Bluewave Broadband.
Conclusion
Karim Dakki is a versatile and accomplished professional who has made significant contributions to the technology and startup ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates and beyond. As the Co-Founder and CEO of KLAIM.ai, he is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and creating value for his customers, investors, and the broader industry.
