Ahmad AlZaini: Transforming Restaurant Tech in MENA

In the fast-paced world of restaurant technology, one name has become synonymous with transformation across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: Ahmad AlZaini, the co-founder and CEO of Foodics. Ahmad’s journey is a masterclass in recognizing opportunity, relentless innovation, and building a sustainable brand to reshape an industry. His path—from an electrical engineering background to leading one of the fastest-growing restaurant-tech startups in the Middle East—is a tale that both inspires and instructs.

Visionary Beginnings: From Engineer to Entrepreneur

Ahmad’s journey started with his technical expertise as an electrical engineer. Graduating from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), he could have followed a traditional career path in engineering. However, the spark of entrepreneurship quickly redirected his course. Ahmad saw a massive gap in how technology could be harnessed to support the restaurant industry, a sector booming in the MENA region.

This early observation led him to co-found Foodics in 2014, with the vision of empowering restaurants to thrive by improving sales and operations with tailored tech solutions. Recognizing a niche that merged technology with food service, Ahmad and his team at Foodics sought to create an ecosystem where restaurants could grow with agility and insight.

Scaling Through Resilience and Innovation

Under Ahmad’s leadership, Foodics evolved from a startup to a robust platform that delivers critical services to restaurant businesses across the region. Foodics isn’t just about software; it’s a complete, integrated solution that drives sustainable growth. Ahmad's understanding of sustainable business, honed by executive leadership programs at institutions like Harvard Business School, MIT, and Stanford, has been a cornerstone of Foodics’ continued success.

His commitment to innovation, even amid challenges, sets him apart. In an industry marked by rapid change, Ahmad has kept Foodics at the forefront by listening closely to customers, adapting technology to their needs, and expanding services to include payment solutions that streamline operations for thousands of restaurants.

A High-Impact Entrepreneur with Regional Influence

Ahmad’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. He’s recognized as a high-impact entrepreneur shaping Saudi Arabia’s future, a leading force for innovation, and one of the top 50 influential business leaders in the MENA region. His role on the Delivery Applications Committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and his involvement with the global network of High Impact Entrepreneurs at Endeavor underscore his dedication to improving not just his business but the broader ecosystem of tech and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Lessons for Aspiring Founders

1. Find Your Niche and Commit: Ahmad identified a specific industry in need of transformation and committed to becoming the best at addressing its challenges.
2. Invest in Continuous Learning: By enrolling in executive programs, he expanded his perspective, ensuring his knowledge stayed relevant in a dynamic industry.
3. Be Resilient and Adaptable: Building a startup in a competitive space demands both resilience and adaptability—qualities Ahmad demonstrates through Foodics' evolution.
4. Impact Goes Beyond Profit: Ahmad’s journey illustrates how success in business can and should contribute to societal progress, shaping industries and empowering communities.

For founders aiming to leave a legacy, Ahmad AlZaini’s story is a testament to the power of vision, discipline, and an unyielding commitment to innovation. By following his example, founders in any field can strive not only to build successful ventures but to become leaders and changemakers in their industries.