Zineb Layachi

Innovative Founder Driving Growth in the Startup Ecosystem

Professional Overview
Zineb Layachi is an experienced entrepreneur, marketer, and startup advisor with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. As the Founder of RAISE THE RUNWAY and Co-Founder of PitchSLAP, she leverages her deep expertise in startup marketing, product development, and go-to-market strategy to help early-stage companies achieve sustainable success.

Experience Summary

Current Roles
Founder, RAISE THE RUNWAY (2018 - Present)

• Oversees the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of this prominent startup accelerator program

• Curates an extensive network of founders, investors, and industry experts to provide comprehensive support to portfolio companies

• Spearheads innovative initiatives to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs and foster a more inclusive startup ecosystem

Co-Founder, PitchSLAP (2020 - Present)

• Collaborates with co-founder to build this groundbreaking pitch coaching platform for early-stage startups

• Develops and implements effective marketing strategies to drive user acquisition and engagement

• Provides hands-on mentorship to founders on crafting compelling investor pitches and effective fundraising tactics

Career Progression
Prior to her entrepreneurial ventures, Zineb held various marketing and product management roles at successful startups and multinational corporations. She served as the Co-founder and Maven at Mavens of Merch, Mentor at FemGems Club, Startup Marketing Mentor at Demium, and CMO in Residence at Adinton Technologies and Demium. Her earlier experience includes roles at Fotawa, emotionsAR, Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV, and other organizations, where she demonstrated her ability to drive growth, lead cross-functional teams, and navigate complex business challenges.

Academic Background
Zineb holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Business Administration from Franklin & Marshall College, where she also gained experience as an IT Consultant and Sales Representative.

Areas of Expertise

• Startup marketing and growth strategy

• Product development and go-to-market planning

• Fundraising and investor relations

• Ecosystem building and community engagement

• Mentoring and coaching early-stage founders

Professional Impact

• Spearheaded the successful launch and scaling of RAISE THE RUNWAY, a highly respected startup accelerator program

• Co-founded PitchSLAP, a pioneering pitch coaching platform that has empowered hundreds of startups to refine their investor pitches

• Served as a trusted mentor and advisor to numerous early-stage founders, helping them navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses

• Actively contributed to the growth and development of the startup ecosystem through her involvement with organizations like RevGenius, FemGems Club, and Demium

Conclusion
Zineb Layachi is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned startup ecosystem leader who is dedicated to empowering the next generation of founders. With her strategic acumen, marketing expertise, and unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship, she continues to make a significant impact on the startup landscape.