Building Labayh and Beyond: Basim Albeladi’s Journey in Founding Startups and Nurturing Wellbeing

From project manager at Siemens to a serial entrepreneur, Basim Albeladi’s career embodies a journey of continuous growth, innovative thinking, and a commitment to community impact. Known for his dedication to startups and well-being initiatives, Basim has shaped his path through learning, leadership, and strategic risk-taking. His experience offers invaluable insights for founders on nurturing businesses and making a meaningful difference.

The Early Steps: Engineering Foundations and the Birth of @Medinaapp
After earning his Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Taibah University, Basim’s journey began with a pivotal role at Siemens. There, he honed skills in project management and stakeholder coordination—essentials that would later anchor his entrepreneurial endeavors. But his vision went beyond engineering projects. Driven by a passion to serve his hometown, Basim founded @Medinaapp in 2012. Designed as a digital directory for Medina’s visitors, this mobile app served as the city’s first comprehensive guide, available in six languages. The app’s success, with over 130,000 downloads, highlighted a key lesson: building solutions that truly address community needs creates a foundation for long-lasting value.

Bridging Cultures and Growing Knowledge
In 2015, Basim took his learning international by studying leadership, management, and entrepreneurship courses in the United States. His time in Dallas expanded his perspective, not only in business strategies but also in cultural diversity. As he further developed @Medinaapp, he continued exploring new skills, balancing product updates with roles as a promoter for language schools, illustrating a key takeaway for founders: flexibility and a willingness to diversify roles can enrich one's approach to leadership.

The Founding of Labayh: Promoting Wellbeing
In 2017, Basim launched Labayh, a platform dedicated to mental well-being. Inspired by the rising need for mental health resources in the Middle East, Labayh was more than a business; it was a mission. The platform has since flourished, demonstrating that a business with a clear purpose and social impact resonates deeply with users and stakeholders alike. This venture reflects an essential lesson: understanding the community’s needs and prioritizing user well-being can set a business apart in meaningful ways.

Building Business Hub: A Space for Innovation in Medina
While nurturing Labayh, Basim took on another role as CEO of Business Hub in Medina—the city’s first co-working space. Launched in late 2017, Business Hub was crafted to be a nurturing ground for new startups, fostering a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs. Basim’s dual role emphasized an important lesson for founders: creating supportive ecosystems can fuel innovation, allowing businesses and communities to grow in tandem.

Educational Pursuits and Ongoing Learning
Basim’s drive for learning has been unrelenting. After completing his MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship from Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College and taking part in Babson College's executive program, Basim’s investment in education reflects his belief in the power of knowledge. For other founders, his journey serves as a reminder: formal education, combined with hands-on experience, provides a foundation that strengthens decision-making and visionary thinking.

Conclusion: Lessons for the Next Generation of Founders
Basim Albeladi’s journey from an engineer to a prominent founder is rich with lessons in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, the value of continuous learning, and the importance of community impact. His ventures—@Medinaapp, Labayh, and Business Hub—offer a blueprint for founders: solve real problems, remain flexible, and prioritize the community’s needs. As Basim’s story illustrates, the path to creating lasting impact lies in the blend of purpose, resilience, and commitment to bettering the world around us.